Meet ‘Maggie’: Sean Tehan’s Beloved 1956 Chevy 3100 Transformation

Sean Tehan’s 1956 Chevy 3100

By trade, Sean Tehan is a skilled welder fabricator in Edgewater, Florida, with a passion for custom trucks. Sean works at Boston Whaler Boats by day and spends his free time wrenching on his 1956 Chevy 3100. As a proud member of LowBros and East Coast Cruisers car and truck club, Sean built this truck to cruise, show off, and enjoy. 

“It’s just what I like to do and enjoy working on,” he says.

Sean’s love affair with his ’56 Chevy, named “Maggie,” started when he was just 16. A true Georgia barn find, Maggie came to Sean through a family friend who helped rescue her from an outbuilding. The truck was running but had no brakes or radiator. Over the years, Sean has transformed Maggie through many phases, finally arriving at the showstopper stage she is at today.

The exterior of Maggie stays true to her roots with the original paint, now beautifully weathered with patina thanks to Mother Nature. Sean added a custom sun visor and unique lights to give her a touch of his personal style.

The exterior of Maggie stays true to her roots with the original paint, now beautifully weathered with patina thanks to Mother Nature.

Under the hood, Maggie boasts a 383 stroker V-8 engine from a 1977 Chevrolet, expertly installed using a custom front engine cradle. The engine, modified by Tony King in Edgewater, features a Comp Cams camshaft with a .460 lift and a duration of 250, upgraded heads from World Performance, and an Edelbrock Air Gap intake manifold. Fueling the beast is a 600 CFM Edelbrock carburetor, while Block Hugger Shorty headers and a 2.75-inch exhaust system with Race Open Chamber mufflers handle the exhaust. An MSD electronic ignition ensures reliable starts and smooth performance.

Power flows through a 700R4 transmission from a 1990 Chevy that features a 3000 stall speed torque converter and a custom Lokar shifter. Phil Weipert from New Smyrna Beach, Florida, handled all the transmission work, including the installation of a 14-ounce JGG transmission cooler. A custom driveshaft sends power to the rear axle from a 1967 Chevy Camaro, equipped with a 3:73 gear ratio and Posi differential.

Stopping power is upgraded with a master cylinder from a Chevy Corvette and a brake booster. The truck sports disc brakes up front and retains the original drum brakes in the rear. The chassis underwent significant modifications, including a rear big step notch and a custom 4-link suspension with a Watt’s link setup. Front and rear airbags and Belltech shocks give Maggie the perfect stance and ride comfort. Up front, a Mustang II crossmember and new tubular upper and lower control arms were dialed in just right by Lucky Tramp Customs and Jimmy’s Rod and Custom. Maggie rolls on 15-inch Chevrolet rally wheels wrapped in 205-75-15 Diamondback tires.

Inside, Maggie’s factory bench seat is reupholstered in tan and brown vinyl with diamond-stitched gator skin by Shark Bite Interiors from Daytona, Florida. The cabin also features an Auto Meter instrument panel and a unique beer tap.

Maggie is no stranger to events, having graced the Turkey Rod Run in Daytona, Slamfest, and local cruise nights. When asked if there’s anything he’d change, Sean said he’s content with how she stands now. The build process, especially the motor and transmission installation, holds fond memories for him, as it was a father-son project with his dad.

The most unique feature of Maggie is her original patina fade, which always garners attention. Sean sums it up best.

“She’s a part of the family and my No. 1 girl,” he says.

With her storied past and ongoing presence in the car scene, Maggie is more than just a truck; she’s a testament to Sean’s dedication and passion.

From her humble beginnings as a barn find to her current status as a showpiece, Maggie is a true reflection of Sean Tehan’s skills and love for truck building. This 1956 Chevy 3100 is a prime example of what dedication, hard work, and a little bit of creativity can achieve. If you see Maggie cruising the streets of Florida, you’ll know she’s more than just a truck—she’s a labor of love and a member of the family.

Photo Credit: MACH1MEDIA