Travis Sanchez’s stunning 1955 Chevrolet 3100 pickup, affectionately named “Blue Betty,” represents a remarkable fusion of classic design and contemporary engineering. This custom build stands out in the world of restomods by uniquely combining a vintage Chevrolet pickup body with the modern underpinnings of a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado. While aftermarket chassis have become a common choice for such projects, Sanchez opted for a more integrated approach, utilizing the complete frame, front suspension, drive components, engine, and transmission from the Silverado. This strategic choice not only maintains a “fairly traditional” Chevrolet lineage but also ensures a level of functionality and modern performance that aligns perfectly with Sanchez’s vision for a drivable show truck. The meticulous frame-off restoration, completed by Sanchez’s Arizona Custom Car Design, has transformed “Blue Betty” into an award-winning vehicle that truly embodies what Chevrolet might have built if today’s technology existed in 1955.
The Vision and Construction
The project began approximately four and a half years ago, with the initial concept laid out by Sanchez’s former business partner. When the partner relocated to Singapore, Sanchez inherited the partially completed build, which sought to seamlessly blend old and new Chevrolet elements. The foundation of “Blue Betty” is a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado, chosen for its single-cab, rear-wheel-drive configuration. The entire front suspension, driveline, 5.3 LS engine, and 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission were retained from the Silverado chassis. The iconic 1955 Chevrolet 3100 small-window body was then expertly adapted and mounted onto this modern frame. Sanchez and his wife, Dominique, made a conscious decision against using an aftermarket chassis, believing the integrated Silverado platform better suited their goals for the truck’s intended use and drivability, making it a “truck that Chevy would’ve built with this body style in this era.”
Exterior Transformation and Custom Touches
The exterior of “Blue Betty” has undergone a dramatic transformation from its original black color to a custom PPG metallic blue, inspired by GM’s classic Glacier Blue, complete with a Jack Frost Pearl White roof from the PPG Vibrance Refinish Collection. This two-tone paint scheme provides a fresh yet period-appropriate aesthetic. Enhancements to the exterior include a big-window conversion in the rear, replacing the original small window for improved visibility and a more modern look, along with a custom front visor that adds a distinctive touch. The truck also features a custom hardwood bed, offering both beauty and functionality. The vehicle rides on striking two-piece wheels manufactured by MTW, measuring 22 x 12 inches in the rear and 22 x 9.5 inches up front. These wheels were specifically built to fit within the truck’s tubs, ensuring the bed’s functionality is maintained without compromising the aggressive stance.
Braking, Suspension, and Modern Drivability
While the core braking components are sourced from the original 2002 Silverado, the system has been significantly upgraded for enhanced performance and safety. It now features a CPP booster and master cylinder, which improve pedal feel and stopping power, along with slotted and drilled performance rotors designed for better heat dissipation and consistent braking. A standout modern performance upgrade is the inclusion of 2600-pound airbags on all four corners. This sophisticated air suspension system is managed by an Accuair e-Level+ control unit, utilizing a three-gallon Endo VT Accuair tank with ⅜-inch lines, with all components sourced directly from Accuair. This setup allows for adjustable ride height, offering both a slammed show stance and a comfortable cruising height, significantly improving ride quality and handling dynamics compared to the original leaf spring setup. The rear suspension was further updated with a four-link triangulated system, enhancing stability and control.
Powertrain and Performance Details
Powering “Blue Betty” is the robust 5.3-liter LS engine, which was originally part of the 2002 Silverado donor vehicle. This modern V8 engine provides ample horsepower and torque, ensuring reliable and spirited performance for contemporary driving. Travis Sanchez and his team took great care to “dress up” the engine, making it visually fit the mid-1950s aesthetic, even going so far as to color-match the engine block and valve covers to the truck’s custom PPG blue paint, subtly resembling GM’s original Glacier Blue. Beyond the aesthetic touches, significant performance upgrades have been incorporated. These include a larger 92mm throttle body for increased airflow, a sheet-metal intake manifold for improved induction, and a custom stainless steel Borla exhaust system for a more aggressive sound and optimized flow. A Stage 2 camshaft from COMP Cams further enhances the engine’s power band and overall performance. The engine remains mated to the Silverado’s stock 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission, a reliable and efficient gearbox that capably handles the upgraded engine’s power output.
Interior Design and Retro-Inspired Comforts
The interior of “Blue Betty” is a masterclass in custom design, meticulously crafted to evoke a distinctly mid-1950s vibe while offering modern comforts. Sanchez specifically avoided contemporary gray interiors, opting instead for a two-tone custom scheme that “feel[s] traditional to the period.” The custom touches are numerous and thoughtful, including unique Winchester 45 buttons for various controls, adding a whimsical yet fitting detail. A mirror mounted on the ceiling inside the cab offers a subtle nod to classic custom trends. For audio entertainment, a high-quality JL audio system has been seamlessly integrated without disrupting the classic aesthetic. Crucially, the dash was left uncut, preserving its original lines, and the upholstery is designed in a retro GM style, further enhancing the vintage feel. This attention to detail creates an interior that is both nostalgic and fully equipped for modern enjoyment.
The Builder’s Background and Philosophy
Travis Sanchez, the driving force behind “Blue Betty” and the owner of Arizona Custom Car Design, brings a lifetime of automotive experience to his craft. Growing up in a family that owned a body shop, he has been immersed in the automotive industry from a young age. His wife, Dominique, also comes from a family of automotive enthusiasts, making them a perfect match for pursuing their shared passion. This deep-rooted connection to cars is evident in Sanchez’s building philosophy: to create restomods that maintain a traditional feel while embracing modern technology. The goal for “Blue Betty” was to go “restomod without going so resto,” focusing on functionality and a design that feels like “what it would’ve been built like with this technology in ’55.” This approach recently earned “Blue Betty” the prestigious Chevy Truck Pick award at last fall’s Goodguys Speedway Motors Southwest Nationals in Scottsdale, Arizona, a testament to the success of their vision.
Summary:
- 1955 Chevrolet 3100 pickup, named “Blue Betty,” custom-built on a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado chassis.
- Powered by a 5.3-liter LS V8 engine with performance upgrades (92mm throttle body, sheet-metal intake, Borla exhaust, COMP Cams Stage 2 camshaft).
- Engine dressed to resemble mid-1950s style with color-matched block and valve covers.
- Mated to a stock 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission.
- Refinished in custom PPG metallic blue (Glacier Blue-inspired) with a Jack Frost Pearl White roof.
- Features 22-inch MTW two-piece wheels (22×12 rear, 22×9.5 front).
- Equipped with 2600-pound airbags on all four corners, operated by Accuair e-Level+ system.
- Upgraded braking with CPP booster/master cylinder and slotted/drilled rotors from the Silverado.
- Custom hardwood bed.
- Big-window rear conversion and custom front visor.
- Two-tone custom interior with mid-1950s vibe, Winchester 45 buttons, mirror on ceiling.
- JL audio system, dash uncut, retro GM style upholstery.
- Frame-off restoration by Arizona Custom Car Design, including updated rear four-link triangulated suspension.
- Won Chevy Truck Pick at Goodguys Speedway Motors Southwest Nationals.
Disclaimer: Information provided is based on the details of a custom vehicle build. Specific performance figures may vary based on individual vehicle tuning and conditions. Verification is recommended.
Source: Chevrolet
AI Assistance: Chatgpt
