SUMMARY
Winner of multiple national awardsDuring the dark days of '70s emissions systems, there was stalwart gearheads. During the disarray of the '80s malaise scene, there was hardcore gearheads. And even now, with increasing cost of ownership becoming the norm, there are still diehard gearheads. No matter where the future leads, there will ALWAYS be lifestyle enthusiasts who build a culture around the rush of turning transportation into art. And, unless you're one of us, it's something you'll never understand. So, what happens when a machinist turned hot rodder executes a sick-figure build with virtually no limits? You get a razor-sharp head turner like this magazine-featured Chevrolet 3100! The product of an uncompromising vision and many talented builders, this stunning Chevy wraps a tuned LS3 small block and stalwart 4L60E transmission in a custom suspension and classic aesthetics. And, if you're a fellow enthusiast who's looking to satisfy an unrelenting need to headline shows and make a big statement, it's the award-winning pickup of your dreams!
BODYWORK/TRIM
Professionally restored by Legens Hot Rod Shop of Martin, Tennessee, this 3100 spent most of its life as a solid Arizona worker. In what amounted to a systematic, no-expense-spared rebuild, the truck's rust-free body was completely stripped, thoroughly massaged and layered in a liquid-smooth coat of Jet Black 2-stage. Traditional touches, like shaved fenders and a nosed hood, were complemented with shaved wipers, a smoothed cowl, shaved mirrors and polished LED taillights. A gorgeous burled wood bed was affixed using highly polished stainless hardware. And, for good measure, Legens even smoothed the truck's mirrored bumpers. Today, this incredible half-ton is a unique combination of time, talent and exceptional attention to detail. And with its killer paint, hot small block and stylish interior, it's the kind of top-notch street rod that's guaranteed to make you weak in the knees!
ENGINE
Toss the truck's domed hood and you'll find a hot LS3 crate engine that, thanks to the skilled techs at Street & Performance, makes a solid 480 horsepower! GM Powertrain invested a great deal of time and research into getting the most out of its Gen IV small block, and it definitely shows. Changes started with a 20% stronger casting, featuring an increased bore of 103.25mm. Focus was then shifted to flow efficiency, resulting in the use of rectangle-port heads and an all-new intake manifold. Factor in a new piston design, and injectors borrowed from the brutal LS7, and you get a very potent track weapon that happily doubles as an everyday commuter. At the top of the block, a black, chrome-trimmed air cleaner funnels wind in to a factory throttle body, which is bolted to a standard composite intake. At the sides of that intake, ceramic-coated headers hover under high quality Taylor plug wires. In front of those headers, a Billet Specialties Tru Trac system spins a plethora of Jet Black ancillaries. In front of that system, a body-matched radiator swirls coolant around a big electric puller fan. An American Autowire wiring harness ensures everything communicates well. And details, like braided fluid lines, Chevrolet-branded fuel rail covers, billet hood supports and a body-matched power steering reservoir, ensure the engine looks every bit as good as it runs.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Shimmy under this Chevy and you'll find a super clean undercarriage that's been prepped, primped and polished to match the truck's slick engine bay and stunning exterior. The subdued LS3 twists a Street & Performance 4L60E 4-speed, which is hooked to a painted Ford 9-inch that's fitted with 31-spline axles and big, 4.11 gears. That proven pumpkin pushes a C-notched parallel 4-link, which features high quality QA1 coil-over-shocks. Tracking is provided by a Mustang II front clip, which is complete with drop spindles, two more quality QA1 coil-overs and power rack-and-pinion steering. And that chassis hangs from a fully boxed Street Rod Garage frame. Quick stops are a cinch thanks to 4 and 6-piston Wilwood calipers, which utilize an 8-inch booster to squeeze 13-inch drilled and slotted rotors. At the center of the floor, a custom, 3-inch exhaust system routes spent gases through an X-shaped crossover. At the corners of the floor, stylish Billet Specialties Stilettos throw torque through 235/40ZR18 and 275/40ZR20 Toyo Proxes4s. And everything, from the truck's braided fluid lines to its painted stainless fuel tank, is well planned, exceptionally executed and ready to reflect!
INTERIOR
But the show doesn't stop there. Not by a long shot! When you pop this pickup's doors, you'll find a detail-oriented cockpit with charmingly retro surfaces that were installed by Paul Atkins Interiors of Hanceville, Alabama. Top dead center, a matte dash hangs clean Classic Instruments gauges above hidden controls for modern air conditioning. In front of that dash, an angled seat, which straddles chrome power window switches, aligns perfectly with custom-sculpted door skins. Speaking of those skins, they found traditional handles over custom, AC-piped kick panels. Beneath those panels, fresh carpet highlights billet foot pedals. Opposite that carpet, a custom headliner rides between a classy rearview mirror, a functional dome lamp and custom cab skins. And in front of the driver, a tilting Flaming River steering column spins a shrunken wheel around an elegant shifter.
AWARDS/FEATURES
During its relatively short show career, this Chevy has received many accolades. Here's a chronological list of the truck's major accomplishments:
Top 25 at the 2013 Shades of the Past Rod Run in Pigeon Forge, TennesseeOUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION
Over 1,000 build photosPerpetually cool and visually stunning, this awesome Chevy is a near perfect example of the omnipresent creativity that defines our hobby. With its top-notch craftsmanship and incredible mechanical prowess, it presents the rare opportunity to land a national award-winning showstopper without the fuss of coordinating a stressful, multi-year restoration. Don't miss your chance to own this killer custom!