Classic Recollections: 1947 Chevrolet 3100 & 2003 Chevrolet SSR, Cliff Steif, Kildeer
Production of factory hot rods are usually few and far between because it can be a challenge for automakers to build a four-wheeled winner enthusiasts embrace straight off the dealership floor.
In 2003, General Motors ventured into these choppy waters by releasing a muscled-up pickup called the SSR. Short for Super Sport Roadster, this truck was intended as a turnkey custom, requiring new owners to hop in and hit the streets.
The SSR was only available for three years and featured unique retro styling, a Corvette-sourced powerplant and a super-slick retractable metal hardtop. The inspiration was the 1947-'54 Chevy pickup. One area fan who fell in love with both generations is Cliff Steif.
The Kildeer resident and Palatine body shop owner started off with the modern rendition, ordering the 13th 2003 SSR produced. “I liked the idea of a custom convertible truck and knew I had to have one.”
In true hot-rodding fashion, he opted to further modify his ride by bolting on a supercharger to the 5.3-liter V-8, adding a performance shift kit and spraying on silver paint for a two-tone finish. An earthshaking rumble is a necessity for true street cred, so Steif opted to lose the factory single exhaust for a dual setup, complete with Flowmaster mufflers.
Before long the modern interpretation had him yearning for the original. He finally gave in and found a 1947 3100 in desperate need of a restoration up in nearby Michigan.
“From day one I set out to see how close I could get the two trucks to look similar,” he said.
A two-year build commenced with the entire truck getting dismantled to its bare frame. The worn-out 350 V-8 was left on the garage floor in favor of a race-tuned 516-cubic-inch engine, armed with a 671 blower. To handle the boost in output, the R400 transmission was strengthened and a beefed-up Ford 9-inch rear differential was slid in. Grip is provided by road-hugging 20-inch Mickey Thompson tires in the rear, 16-inchers up front, wrapped around Boyd Coddinton wheels.
The slipstream body was shaved of door handles, badging, wipers and vent panels for that ultrasmooth look. A candy coating was applied, followed by five layers of clear coat for that ultimate mirror-like finish.
The wood bed also received special treatment by way of lumber from Germany being laid in, separated by chrome strips.
“It's a much deeper red than any of the wood I could find stateside,” Steif says.
To modernize the cabin, power windows and locks were installed along with a unique sliding-glass rear window. Aftermarket electric bucket seats were bolted in along with custom floor carpeting, door panels and headliner, finished in ultra suede and leather.
Steif reports that between the two, the SSR has the comfort factor on the highway but the '47 is a bit more fun behind the wheel.
“The 3100 is more of an eye-catcher and makes more noise going down the road,” he says.
So how do spectators react when seeing both of Steif's custom machines parked side by side?
“At first glance, they're always confused when they see both and hunt to find the differences between them.”