Classic Chevrolet 3100 Paint Colors & Factory Codes (1947–1959)
Every original factory paint color offered on the classic Chevrolet 3100 (1947–1959), with official manufacturer paint codes, hex approximations, and rarity notes. Use the paint code to order a color-matched sample from a restoration supplier.
The Chevrolet 3100 half-ton spans two landmark generations of GM light-duty pickups. The Advance Design era (1947–1955) introduced a rounded, modern cab and a palette built for hard work: single, solid colors like Forester Green, Omaha Orange, Mariner Blue and Cape Maroon dominated, with Jet Black and Cream Medium rounding out the early lists. These were utilitarian finishes — one color over the whole truck, chosen as much for fleet visibility as for style, which is why high-contrast Omaha Orange and deep work greens are so closely associated with the period.
The Task Force generation (1955–1959) modernized both the styling and the color catalog. Solid work-truck hues such as Forest Green, Cardinal Red, Yukon Yellow and Pure White carried documented factory codes (for example 723, 725, 731 and 732 in 1956), while genuine two-tone combinations arrived in this era — popularized by the Cameo Carrier and then offered more widely — typically pairing a body color with a contrasting Bombay Ivory or Pure White roof and upper. The result was a pickup that could still be ordered as a plain single-color workhorse or dressed up in a far more car-like finish.
Sources:
paintref.com (GM / Chevy Truck paint cross-reference, color names and codes by year)
en.wikipedia.org (Chevrolet Task Force generation and two-tone history)
★ Rare / Desirable Colors
Standard Colors
🔧 Restoration Tips: Finding & Matching Your Original Color
- • Decode the year first. Advance Design (1947–1955) and Task Force (1955–1959) share the 3100 name but use different color palettes and code systems, so confirm the model year before ordering paint.
- • Cross-reference the code, not just the name. Early Chevrolet truck color names map to several PPG (Ditzler) and DuPont codes; match against a factory chip chart rather than trusting a modern color name alone.
- • Single-color is correct for most work trucks. If you want a period-accurate Advance Design restoration, a solid color over the whole body (no two-tone) is the authentic choice; reserve two-tone for the Task Force years.
- • Treat the hex values here as approximate. The codes and names are sourced, but on-screen hex is a guide only — always verify against a physical paint chip before spraying.