A 'virtual garage' of antique Chevy & GMC trucks from around the World

1954 Chevy 3100 5-Window

Owned by

Jeff and Darla Schmalzried
Dighton, Kansas

01 March 2008
# 2253

From Jeff :

           I purchased my 1954 Chevy 3100, 5-window for $40. I was 13 years old and I am still not sure how I ever talked my Dad into that one.

           I dove into my pickup not knowing what I was getting into. Over the next 1-2 years, I had it completely disassembled and sanded. It then sat in my Dad’s shop -- the frame and cab on one side and a pile of fenders, the hood and bed parts on the other -- for nearly 20 years.

           After college and getting married, my wife and a good friend of mine helped me blow the dust off my ’54 and start over on the restoration. We put in countless hours, and over the next five months, had it nearly complete. I do not think it will ever be completely finished, as there is always “something” extra to do. 

           It is a lot of fun to drive. It purrs like a kitten and cruises down the highway at 65 mph. I have a year specific 235 cubic inch engine [ pix ] , and 3-speed transmission. I made the boards for the bed in my high school wood shop class, and rebuilt the engine in auto mechanics. [ Interior pix ] [ Side view ] [ Rear view ]  

           My ’54 is truly a lifelong and ground up restoration. I hope that my children [ pix ] can appreciate and respect it as much as my wife and I do.     

Jeff and Darla Schmalzried

           Great truck! Great story -- definitely life-long. Cute kids. Sure do hope they continue this wonderful heritage piece! ~~ Editor

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