Lemon Squad - Nationwide Mobile Pre-Purchase Used Car Inspections

Report #420455

Click to View Large Gallery
Download Full-size Pictures (zip)

This 1952 Chevrolet 3100 is in fair running and driving condition with flaws to note. This vehicle has been previously restored and repainted.

Exterior

The repaint is good quality and shows professional workmanship throughout. The passenger door shows paint blistering from rust. The underside shows areas of minor surface rust. See pictures. The turn signals are not operable. The driver side headlight is also not operable. The passenger door mirror is loosely mounted. I checked the vehicle with a magnet and found it to stick all around but was weaker in the lower panels. Not excessive. All four tires are severely dry rotted and will need to be replaced. The wheels are in good condition with no curb rash or corrosion notable.

Interior

The horn does not work. The seat shows very light wear. The radio is missing. The inner door panels show light wear. All of the other interior functions, controls, and accessories are working properly as designated. Overall, the interior is very clean and in good condition with just a few flaws to note.

Mechanical/Test Drive

There appears to be rust in the engine coolant. This required further diagnosis to determine the cause. The transmission is seeping fluid from the pan area and should be cleaned off and recheck to find the source of seepage. Both of the front brake hoses are dry rotted and need to be replaced. There was some play felt in the steering wheel due to worn steering components. More diagnosis necessary. The fuel pump is leaking externally. The steering box is leaking. There is no spare tire equipped with this vehicle. The base of the carburetor gasket is leaking.

This facility does not permit road tests due to the pandemic. Due to this, I spent more time going over the vehicle. I found the engine to start and run well. The transmission engaged in both forward and reverse with no issues. The brakes were firm, and held the vehicle properly. See photos and below for more information.

Vehicle Info

Year 1952
Make CHEVY
Model 3100
Mileage 42443
Transmission Manual
VIN Number 3JPG25317
Stock Number 868-PHY
Interior Other
Interior Color Grey
Body Color Grey
Engine 6 Cylinder
Drive Type Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Type Gas

Exterior

Wiper Blades
Body Alignment
Scratches
Dings
Dents
Paint Condition
The repaint is good quality and shows professional workmanship throughout.
Rust
The passenger door shows paint blistering from rust.The underside shows areas of minor surface rust. See pictures.
Exterior Lights
The turn signals are not operable. The driver side headlight is also not operable.
Door Mirrors
The passenger door mirror is loosely mounted.
Bumpers
Side Moldings
Frame Damage
Glass
Body Seals
Body Filler?
I checked the vehicle with a magnet and found it to stick all around but was weaker in the lower panels. Not excessive.
Hood
Doors
Floors
Rockers
Quarter Panels
Chrome

Interior

Steering Wheel
Horn The horn does not work.
Seat Condition The seat shows very light wear.
Seat Belts
Radio/Navigation The radio is missing.
Inner Door Panels
The inner door panels show light wear.
Window Function
Center Console
Dash
Sun Visors
Dash Lights
Dash Gauges
Heater
Rear Defroster
Cigarette Use
Unusual Odors
Blower Motor
Interior Trim

Mechanical

Air Filter
Battery Condition
Charging System
Cooling Fan Condition
Radiator Cap Sealing Properly
Hoses
Radiator
Engine Coolant
There appears to be rust in the engine coolant. This required further diagnosis to determine the cause.
Coolant Leaks
Belts
Engine Oil
Engine Fluid Leaks
Transmission Leaks
The transmission is seeping fluid from the pan area and should be cleaned off and recheck to find the source of seepage.
Brake System
Both of the front brake hoses are dry rotted and need to be replaced.
Brake Fluid Leaks
Differential leaks
Muffler System
CV Joints and Axles
Shocks and bushings
Ball Joints and Tie Rods
There was some play felt in the steering wheel due to worn steering components. More diagnosis necessary.
Modifications

Road Test

Road Test
This facility does not permit road tests due to the pandemic.
Engine Performance
Engine Starting

Manufacturer

Driver FrontDaytonDaytonPassenger Front
Driver RearDaytonDaytonPassenger Rear

Size

Driver Front235/75/15235/75/15Passenger Front
Driver Rear235/75/15235/75/15Passenger Rear

Axle Count

Tire Condition

Driver FrontDry RotDry RotPassenger Front
Driver RearDry RotDry RotPassenger Rear

Wheel Condition

Driver FrontNo IssuesNo IssuesPassenger Front
Driver RearNo IssuesNo IssuesPassenger Rear

Tire Tread

Driver Front8/328/32Passenger Front
Driver Rear8/328/32Passenger Rear
Spare Tire
Spare tireNo

Tire Tread Explanation

10/32 or more

Tires have plenty of tread!

(standard)

8/32 or more

Tires have plenty of tread!

(low profile)

5/32 to 7/32

Tires will need replacement soon!

4/32 or less

Tires need replacement!

Tire buyer logo
The best way to buy tires

Say hello to discounts and enjoy the best rates on your new tires.