From Barn Find to Truck of the Year Finalist – Dorsett Speed Shop Builds a Stellar ’57 Chevy 3100
Barn-find stories frequently involve dragging relics from their long-time resting places, pushing them onto a trailer for the trip home, and a lengthy restoration before turning the key. Jay Greenwell’s ’57 Chevy 3100 began its journey a little differently.
Years ago, Jay’s job as a commercial house painter took a fateful turn when he found a one-owner, low-mileage Chevy 3100 pickup in a customer’s barn. After negotiating a price, the rust-free truck fired right up after a bit a fresh gas and a new battery. Jay drove the truck for several years in original form. More recently, he turned to Dorsett Speed Shop in Santa Rosa, California, to begin the process of converting the decades-old barn find into an eye-catching custom.
The first step in the transformation of the ol’ 3100 was getting it set up on a Roadster Shop chassis, complete with four-wheel Wilwood disc brakes and Schott 20-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli tires. Updated power came in the form of a GM LS3 V8 producing 435 horsepower. A Holley Sniper EFI unit feeds the fuel, while Hooker headers and a Borla polished stainless steel system funnel the exhaust gases.
The engine is backed by a GM 4L65E automatic transmission to direct power to a 9-inch Positraction rearend. A Ron Davis radiator was added to keep the engine cool while a Billet Specialties serpentine belt system spins the water pump, alternator, air conditioning compressor, and power steering pump.
While the old Chevy 3100 body retains its classic look, there are many subtle metal mods that clean things up. One of the most significant is mostly hidden – a custom under-hood skin that finishes things off nicely when Jay shows off the engine. A custom firewall and inner fenders further enhance the engine bay. Moving rearward, you’ll find one-piece door glass, custom inner wheel wells to accommodate larger rear tires, smooth bed rails, extended stake pockets, and custom taillights. The custom wood bed floor now has a fuel filler for the frame-mounted tank. Joe Borges gets credit for the bodywork and custom-mixed paint dubbed Jay Mocha.
The custom upholstery was handled by Francis Minagalia at Minaglia’s Auto Upholstery in Healdsburg. The Wise Guys heated seats are covered in brown leather, while a custom center console houses the Alpine stereo system, backup camera, power window controls, Vintage Air outlets, and cup holders. Dakota Digital gauges are housed in the stock instrument pod and an American Retro steering wheel, painted to match the truck, rests on an Ididit tilt column.
With more power, improved style, and a contemporary chassis, this classic Chevy is more enjoyable than ever to drive and it earned Jay a Finalist position for the Scott’ Hotrods ‘N Customs Truck of the Year Early spot during the Goodguys Autumn Get-Together. Don’t expect to find it sitting neglected in a barn again anytime soon.
Photos by Damon Lee
