1954 Chevrolet 1300 5-Window 3-Speed Manual Pick Up, Restored

Here is a 1954 Chevrolet 1300 5-Window Pick Up 3-Speed Manual that has been mechanically restored under current ownership. It was refinished in orange with black trim under previous ownership, presented over black vinyl upholstery. Under the hood is its original 235 cubic-inch straight six cylinder engine mated to a 3-speed manual transmission shifted from the column. There is also a generator found under hood, connected to the six-volt battery in its original home below the floor in the passenger’s side. Other features include 16-inch wheels matching the black trim, oak bed rails, bed floor in refinished pine and a pine storage box inside the bed. Important to mention to a Canadian following is the 1300 in the model name. South of the border, these trucks were knows as 3100 – those built in Oshawa for the Canadian market sport the 1300 name, this is set out in one of the manuals photographed. The truck comes with extensive records from the restoration, organized neatly in a three-ring binder – with tab dividers! – coloured in (what else?) orange as well as manuals for operation and servicing.

Equipment includes vinyl-covered running boards, painted bumpers, side mirrors as well as a stepside bed with a refinished pine floor housing a bolted-in pine storage box. Another functional accent is the exterior visor above the windshield, plus the tubular steel “bush bar” protecting the grille area. On the step to the driver’s seat is found a metal Chevrolet logo, another uninstalled such plaque is included should the new owner like one on the passenger’s side.

Secondary body-coloured 16” steel wheels wear original style Chevrolet logo’d half-moon chrome covers and are skinned in 16 x 6.5” bias ply light truck tires made in the USA by Highliner. There is a spare tire mounted below the rear of the bed.

In the cabin there is a bench seat upholstered in black vinyl which can accommodate three passengers. While the truck was originally built without seat belts, two lap belts have been installed. Another safety improvement is the addition of indicator lights – see the chrome stalk on the steering column. The dash has been painted in orange for a colour scheme inside consistent with the exterior; there are openings for the ashtray and the glove box. Overhead, there is a sun visor added for the driver. Black carpet covers the floor, with vinyl protecting the area of the driver’s feet. Parking brake and starter are on either side of the pedals. The owner had been considering the installation of new treatments for the door insides and is including the vinyl and arm rests he had already procured, as well as the stencils for cutting the vinyl.

The speedometer cable is disconnected and included with the sale. In addition to the 90 MPH speedometer, there is a combo gauge beyond the three-spoke Chevrolet-branded steering wheel for amperage, oil pressure, fuel level and coolant temperature. There is a compass mounted mid-dash and the passenger’s vent window shows a crack of less than one inch wide. The odometer shows under 43,000 miles; however, true mileage is unknown.

The 235 cubic-inch inline six is said to be original to the truck. Engine compartment is quite presentable and has been painted to match the body. Familiar names like AC, FRAM and Delco are found under hood, though logos of yesteryear are on display. The six-volt battery under the passenger’s side floor is by NAPA and the truck runs a generator. The seller has installed a homemade overflow tank for the radiator, it is another familiar American brand name, though not one known for automotive. Extensive records were kept during the restoration process in 2018/2019 (about 200 miles since), please refer to the photos of these in the gallery. For Ontario buyers – Owner expects it to pass safety as it sits currently.

The power produced by the 235 is sent to the rear wheels by a manual transmission in “three-on-the-tree” layout. It can be seen shifting easily and surely in our driving videos. Please see the gallery for underside photos. Many miscellaneous parts, rubbers and two curved corner windows will accompany the truck to its new owner – “3100” badges as well though, again, this is a Canadian-built 1300 – see photographs.

This Restored 1954 Chevrolet 1300 5-Window 3-Speed Manual Pick Up is available with owner’s manual, service manuals, service records from the restoration and photographed spare parts from its owner in Mississauga, On.

More videos and Photo Gallery appear below. 

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