TAKING IT TO DMAX

When Anthony Carcelli first laid eyes on his 1957 Chevrolet 3100, it was meant to be a slow, methodical project—one to be built up over time. The truck already had some curb appeal; it started right up, idled smoothly, and was equipped with air ride. But there was a catch: the truck was housed in a warehouse full of other vehicles, meaning Anthony couldn’t take it for a test drive. So, with cautious optimism, he bought it and set about envisioning the future.

That future, however, came into sharp focus on his first real test drive. Out on the freeway, the truck had a “death wobble” so violent that he genuinely thought he wasn’t going to make it home. When he finally got the truck back to his shop and began inspecting it, the list of problems was longer than he expected: leaking oil and coolant, a worn-out camshaft in the 283 engine, and a Camaro front clip with terrible geometry that made driving the truck a dangerous affair. Suddenly, what was meant to be a simple project to tweak and improve had turned into a full-on rebuild—one that would take Anthony in a new direction entirely.

As he considered his options, suggestions came flying in from all sides—350s, LS engines, and more—but it was Adam, a friend and fellow gearhead, who threw out an unexpected idea. Adam and Anthony had just launched Dmax Swap, a company that provides standalone solutions for Duramax engines, and he was eager to tackle a big project. What if they swapped in a Duramax diesel? Not only would it solve the performance and reliability issues, but it could also serve as a marketing tool for the new business. The idea was too good to pass up, and with Adam stepping up to help fill in the gaps of Anthony’s know-how, the build began in earnest.

Fast forward to September 2024, and that “slow build” Anthony had envisioned had turned into a fully realized road warrior. After months of meticulous work, the 1957 3100 had become a powerhouse with a 6.6L Duramax engine mated to an Allison transmission, ready to take on a road trip like no other. Anthony set out on a 6,400-mile journey that took him from Florida to Montreal, across to Niagara Falls, down to Austin, Texas, and back to Las Vegas. Along the way, the truck performed flawlessly, with no failures or mechanical issues. The trip was not just about the journey—it was an experience full of unexpected photo shoots, encounters with fellow car lovers, and the satisfaction of seeing the culmination of his hard work on the open road.

The build itself was a remarkable blend of custom work and thoughtful design, with every detail serving both form and function. The cab, for example, was chopped 2 inches, and the square upper corners of the doors were cut off and welded to the cab to round out the lines and match the truck’s sleek new profile. This work was done by the talented team at Yaril’s Customs, who helped Anthony create a smooth, modern look while keeping the vintage charm intact.

Under the hood, the firewall was moved back 2 inches overall, and 5.5 inches total in the center, to make room for the Duramax. A custom tunnel was fabricated to accommodate the beefy Allison transmission, ensuring everything fit perfectly without sacrificing performance. But the engineering didn’t stop there. For a truck built with long road trips in mind, Anthony knew that practicality was key. The bed sides were made removable, providing easy access to the tires in case of flats while on the road. This clever solution was designed by Anthony’s team and implemented with precision.

Storage was another consideration. With plenty of long-distance travel in mind, Anthony wanted the truck to offer more than just great performance—it needed to be practical, too. To that end, he designed custom compartments in the voids of the raised bed floor, offering additional storage space. There are two top-loading compartments in the front and two rear-loading compartments in the back, providing extra room for gear, tools, and anything else a road trip might demand. The compartments were expertly built by Hutch’s Welding, adding both security and utility to the truck’s design.

The result is a truck that’s not only beautiful and powerful but also incredibly functional—a true road warrior that blends modern performance with vintage style. Anthony’s 1957 3100 isn’t just a project; it’s a statement. The Duramax engine swap brought a level of reliability and performance that Anthony had never dreamed of when he first purchased the truck. But more than that, the build is a testament to what can happen when passion, skill, and a bit of creative thinking come together.

With a successful cross-country road trip under his belt and a truck that handles like a dream, Anthony Carcelli’s 1957 3100 is proof that even the most unexpected builds can turn out to be something special. What started as a project to slowly improve an old truck became a rolling masterpiece that blends custom design, cutting-edge technology, and the kind of craftsmanship that makes this hobby so rewarding. The road ahead is now full of possibilities for Anthony—and his truck.