ONE-OF-A-KIND RATROD 3100, STRONG 383 STROKER, LIFT-CAM, AUTO, DUALS, FRNT DISCS

Description

With "rat rods" being all the rage today, taking something that looks old and filling it with fresh mechanicals is an awesome way to have your cake and eat it, too. The bodywork on this 1951 GMC pickup looks like it was built decades ago, but the 383 cubic inch V8 and comfortable interior all suggest that looks can be deceiving.The bodywork is definitely old school, which is to say, it hasn't been treated to a shiny coat of modern paint. The combination of the flat black paint, vintage flames, and a chopped top gives it a look that wouldn't be out of place in "American Graffiti." Looking closely, you'll see that the flat black paint hides nothing, but the panel gaps are quite good, meaning someone spent some time intentionally making it look this way, and for the most part, it keeps all its original trim, including the big GMC grille up front and emblems on the sides of the hood. Instead of shiny perfection, you get a look that will draw a crowd better than any restoration and a no worries attitude that means this truck can go anywhere, any time without a second thought. In true rat rod fashion, they just painted over most of the trim, including the bumpers, but that's part of the dal and when it's intentional, it looks sharp. There's also a real pickup bed out back with a cool checkerboard floor that really gives it a unique look that we like a lot. They definitely nailed the period personality.The tidy green interior is nicely done. No fake patina here, just a combination of original components and a dash of style to make driving this GMC a pleasure, not a chore. A bench seat wears fresh green vinyl upholstery, with a pair of matching green door panels to soften the passenger compartment a bit. Factory instruments are in place and in good condition, and they're joined by a set of aftermarket dials hanging under the dash. The original 3-speed manual shifter was repurposed to manage the TH400 3-speed automatic that now lives behind the engine, and the fat three-spoke steering wheel has a proper GMC logo horn button so it looks just right. More checkerboard vinyl on the floor ties it all together rather neatly, making this a truck with a theme that really works.The small block Chevy V8 was punched out to 383 cubic inches and makes this pickup more than just interesting to look at. Fitted with an Edelbrock carb and Weiand intake, HEI ignition, and a few dress-up parts, it looks right under the hood; not too flashy, but just enough to let you know someone was paying attention while they were putting it together. A big radiator keeps it cool and they kept it simple with no add-ons, so you don't have to worry about stuff breaking. Ram's horn exhaust manifolds feed a dual exhaust system with cherry-bomb mufflers for a traditional sound. The suspension is stock, front and rear, with disc brakes added up front and lowering blocks used all around to get that custom stance. Factory S10 wheels look surpassingly right on the vintage GMC and they carry staggered 205/65/15 front and 235/70/15 rear blackwall radials.A cool illusion or just a cool truck? How about both? If you want to attract attention, forget bright red paint and loud mufflers, this patina-covered rat rod is the hot ticket. Call today!