1951 Chevy pickup has a killer patina

Posted September 14, 2015 1:00 am

Matt Avery

1951 Chevy 3100 pickup truck Photos Courtesy of Matt Avery Media

After making it through paramedic school, Mike Saenz rewarded himself by purchasing his first classic vehicle.

Right after graduation, he found the perfect rolling prize: a 1951 Chevy pickup truck.

"I had my career set, a new marriage and a great truck," Saenz said, recalling his early years after school.

The long-term plan was to keep the vintage hauler. But that changed with news his first child was on the way. A For Sale sign went up on the truck's dash and soon down the road it went.

Fast-forward to 2013 and Saenz was truck-hunting again.

"Family life had settled down a bit," he said. "I was ready for a new project."

Saenz purchased his second 1951 Chevy pickup from a seller in Missouri. This truck body was in all-original condition, including its well-worn green paint.

The Chevy certainly looked classic from the outside, but underneath there was a big change. A late-model Chevy S-10 pickup chassis had been slid underneath to update things quite a bit. Saenz drove it back home but, despite its movability, it was in dire need of resuscitation.

"Many things should have gone wrong but didn't," the Lake in the Hills resident said. "As soon as I was home I started working on it."

Saenz didn't want to take away from the originality of the sheet metal and its curvaceous looks. Underhood, he swapped out a "tired Chevy motor" for a souped-up V-8. He also "cleaned up the firewall," filling some unsightly holes and hiding most of the engine wiring.

Improving upon the S-10's chassis and brakes, Saenz added hub assemblies from a late-model Chevy Blazer, making for better braking and a smoother ride. He also installed classy whitewall tires.

The windshield visor and many other period-correct accessories were acquired through "tons of hours wandering swap meets and junk yards." Inside the cabin, the original steering wheel was retained but adapted to a tilt column. A new bench seat was also installed.

Bed storage is complemented by an early U.S. military footlocker Saenz scored at an area resale shop.

Saenz drives the truck often but every excursion causes his mind to wander. He has been unable to find out much about the Chevy's previous owners or its journey.

"I can't help but think what exactly (has been) the truck's history," Saenz said. "I like to imagine who else has looked out through over the steering wheel other than me."

Mike Saenz of Lake in the Hills traveled down to Missouri in 2013 to drive back with his find.

An old U.S. Army footlocker Saenz found at a thrift shop provides extra storage in the bed.

The timeworn patina of his 1951 Chevy truck appeals to Saenz.

Saenz didn't touch much on the outside of the truck, but did a lot of work on the interior and under hood.

The 1951 Chevy pickup now rumbles down the road powered by a throaty V-8.

Saenz fixed up a more-powerful V-8 to replace the tired engine that had been in the pickup. Courtesy of Mike Saenz

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