1946(!) Chevy Truck Need Purchase Advice

[Dan in Pasadena]

I know a '46 is not for this website, but I have been lurking here awhile and was searching for a '55-'57 or a '67-'68. I came across the truck in the pictures below.

First and amazingly, I can find virtually NO rust. I have gone over it with a fine tooth comb and it is solid. ONLY rust I can find is very mild surface rust on the inside cab roof.

Second, though entirely stock appearing it has a 350/350 and a (get this) Jag independent rear end. It appears to have been profesionally done along with the gas tank having been relocated behind it between the frame rails. (God forbit it was under the seat as they once were - EEK!)

The truck is ALMOST straight enough to go to the paint shop as is. Bed must be near new, straight, flat and not a mark on it. Needs bed chains, new electric harness (it does run but someone did a MickeyMouse wiring job. Dangerous). It needs an electric fan and the guage assembly is shot (those are pricey, I know)

Can someone tell me if their is a website for the pre-post war era trucks? This is obviously an unfinished "rodstoration" and i would keep it that way, but finish it. I found Chevs of the 40's for parts, but it doesn't appear to have a forum/web board. All advice appreciated. If I'm buying this, I've got to jump on it quickly. Thanks in advance, Dan

[mylow53]

dan this is an awsome truck what do they want for it and do you mind if i out bid you?!
GT

[Dan in Pasadena]

Yes, I mind!

Ordinarily I would tell you, but until I decide (in minutes, going to see owner in a couple hours) I'll say that I think the price is almost too low. I'll leave it at that until I buy it or it is sold.

Don't get me wrong, I see why this era has a bit of an ugly duckling rap. The toothly look reminds me of Eleanor Roosevelt's smile! Guess I'll call her that name if I buy her!

But the old timey look and vibe it gives off is VERY cool. I think I'd stay with the rodstoration look. I couldn't stand to put billet 20's on a truck this original. Just my $.02, but it would not be for me on this truck. I am thinking of colors in the area of the factory originals but something with a bit more pop. Maybe a Porsche Leaf Green from the 60's or ...? I don't know what. NOT a two tone and not wide whites - too grandpa. (I'm already one!) Just something classic but a bit hot roddy, if you get my idea?

I have a huge ass '08 crew dually 3500 4x4, so I guess I can manage iwth a "little" truck. Other opinions?

[OrrieG]

stovebolt.com is where you need to go

[pgf545]

We'll Adapt you in here....anything that cool need to be here!!!!

Bernie

[OrrieG]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

I am thinking of colors in the area of the factory originals but something with a bit more pop. NOT a two tone and not wide whites - too grandpa. (I'm already one!)

41-46 they all civilian models came two tone with black fenders. Govt where OD green. True 41 and 46 models had chrome grilles and trim, 42-45 it was just painted because of the war. Check the inside cowl and where the front fenders meet the cab, the vent leaks like crazy and they rust pretty bad there.

Looks good, I have always liked those years too.

[dennis57]

Wow! That looks like a great find. You should hang on to that.

[hotrodrookie]

So did you buy it?

[mylow53]

please let us know if you haven't bought it my birthday is soon and this would make a great gift!!!
GT

[nickp51chevy]

If you do get it I don't see why you couldn't still be a part of the forum. This is a Chevy truck forum after all.

[Atomsplitter]

All that and 4 wheel disc brakes for $8500 or best offer.

I'd offer him $7500 and tell him you'll pick it up tomorrow. If it's as nice up close you can't lose.

Just a little tip I've learned dealing in cars on classifieds, bring a sold sign with you to place in the vehicle. The owner might laugh but many people will see it and keep driving past. It also gives the owner the firm idea in his head that it IS REALLY SOLD. I've had deals made and some guy comes along and offers $50 more and the owner takes it, your out in the cold.

Good Luck.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by nickp51chevy

If you do get it I don't see why you couldn't still be a part of the forum. This is a Chevy truck forum after all.

I hope you're right but the moderators may feel differently since this IS "...The Online Resource for 1947-Current Chevy and GMC Trucks". But I feel sorta comfortable with you guys since I have been lurking awhile and watching other guy's projects.

Purchase Status - I've struck a deal with the guy and will get the truck tonight. I have arranged to have the truck inspected by a shop I trust that is really into streetrods - which I guess a '46 qualifies for.

Immediate Issues - The steering column is original but I am told in '46 the column & steering box were one piece(?!), so someone cut it to put the universal type knuckles to adapt it to modern rack and pinion. When turned, the knuckle just SLIGHTLY comes into contact with the driver's side exhaust manifold - no good.

I will get that addressed immediately and then I am having it professionally re-wired with full fuse panel, relays, etc. Both will be costly but if the steering goes, well, so do I! If the wiring goes, the whole truck goes...and maybe me too. After that, I probably will have to buy a modern thick aluminum radiator. There was a thread about good sources on here, but i can't find it now. I remember it said Be Cool were excellent, but way pricey. Can I get a referral for excellent and only SOMEWHAT pricey?!

[Kabwe]

Man I don't care whats wrong with it that thing would be at my house right now. I would tear it down anyway and rod the hell out of it. That is a heck of a find right there. The sheetmetal looks to be all there and in great shape thats all I would care about. What a find. I learned a long time ago dealing with this hobby that you can't save money.lol So I stop counting it.

[robin58]

Congrats on buying it. The steering is most likely an easy fix as is the wiring. Unless there's tons of bondo and rust hidden you've got yourself an excellent buy. That model has always been one of my favorites. There just seems to be a really small supply of them.

Would love to see some pics of the Jag IRS. BTW what if anything has been done to the front suspension?

[bensimmons_05]

congrats on the buy... I want you to stay on this site because I would like to see more of that beautiful TRUCK. ... If you do decide to leave us you at least need to part with a link to your build, whatever site it is on.

[1956cameo]

Please stay on this board!! I too am a huge fan of the art deco styled 41-46 chevy trucks. The 37-40 chevy trucks are also very cool. If the moderators want to give trouble about the truck bieng too old we will make a fuss and tell the moderators to add a 37-46 chevy truck section.

[dwcsr]

You don't have a 46.
You have a 47 1st just like the picture below. It was the last year for Art Deco design. That way you can still post here.

[nickp51chevy]

Originally Posted by 1956cameo

Please stay on this board!! I too am a huge fan of the art deco styled 41-46 chevy trucks. The 37-40 chevy trucks are also very cool. If the moderators want to give trouble about the truck bieng too old we will make a fuss and tell the moderators to add a 37-46 chevy truck section.

YA!

[Dan in Pasadena]

Well Gentlemen,
I DID buy it. It is in my driveway as I type this. I paid $8,000 for it. Doesnt seem too bad to me for 350, automatic, Jag rearend, fully independent suspension all around, power rack and pinion and brakes plus no real rust that I've foun so far.

I'll stay on the board as long as the moderators let me.

Tomorrow I'll post pictures of the truck - the good, the bad AND the ugly!

Today I made a minor adjustment to one of the intermediate universal joint mounts that gave me about an eighth inch clearence between it and the steering shaft. I'd like more but at least this way there is no direct heat transfer to those tiny needle bearing in the universal joints. But I haven't test driven it yet to see if it entirely fixed the problem.

As for the wiring, I am biting the bullet and having it professionally re-wired with a Ron Francis kit this week. Its gonna be costly, but it will be safe and reliable and I wont have to worry about it. Anyone have first hand experience installing a Francis kit? I'd love to hear your opinions.

The truck had the original seat back and bottoms in it but not the sheet metal base that covered the under seat gas tank(OMG!) so sitting in it was a true mess. I need to find that base. In the meantime, I put an aluminum folding chair in there! ha ha. I would prefer to use the original seat in it since I have it, but will have to consider a small bench out of a more modern truck. Maybe something from an S10 or something?

I power washed the bed area and engine today. Someone spent a lot of time and money on this truck. They put billet Edelbrock tall valve covers (roller rockers in there?), billet pullies, and spark plug wire guides, chrome alternator, fuel pump and air cleaner.

[blackdiesel]

Dad put a ron francis in grandpas 57 belair. It's ok but very pricey. We have wired several sense then and used cheaper harnesses with just as good results. you asked.

[Kabwe]

I have a Ron Francis in my 55 210 and I like it but there a cheaper options. I agree with the above statement they are costly.

[Dan in Pasadena]

I hear you on the cost. I'm hearing the Painless hanress called the "PITA harness". Supposedly with the Francis harness it comes already terminated at each run with the appropriate connections you order instead of having to make all the terminations yourself. My understanding is that's why it is more pricey. Then I guess you run the wires back to the fuse box and plug in.

I had debated doing it myself but then I wondered if I'd get half way in the middle of it and regret having started. I am reasonably DIY and I am anal as hell about being neat...which SEEMS like it would be a good thing as regards wiring, but...

[robin58]

Ron Francis harnesses are great. They're just expensive and usually by the time people get to that point they've depleted most of their original budget which means they go looking for cheaper alternatives. There is extra work involved in other harnesses, not hard but time consuming nevertheless. But seeing as you're paying someone to do the job, I don't think it's a bad choice. Plus the added benefit will be the telephone support they provide after the fact. Should your rewirer ever go out of business, you won't be left in the lurch trying to figure out what went where and why.

[blackdiesel]

Wiring is one thing that I for sure want to do myself, because when your out and have trouble then you know how it was done in the first place, so you know where to find your problem at.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by blackdiesel

Wiring is one thing that I for sure want to do myself, because when your out and have trouble then you know how it was done in the first place, so you know where to find your problem at.

Well, if I did it myself I WOULD have trouble when I'm out. With it done professionally (excellent reputation shop) I will NOT have trouble - at least with the electrical that is.