1941 Chevy Master 3/4-Ton

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Kip Bonds "Kip's41" Bolter # 9129 Livonia, Michigan

From Kip:

           I was thinking that it is about time to update my Gallery entry.

           I’ve had my 1941 Chevy 3/4-ton truck now for two and a half years. I have 1142 hours into it! I have done all of the work myself except some major body work on the rear fenders. As I do not have a parts truck, I have accumulated parts from Bolters in 14 states and two countries -- all found through the the Stovebolt site. If it wasn’t for this great site, I’m sure I’d have given up long ago. [ Rear view ]

           About the only things on the truck that have not been apart are the engine block and head. The engine runs fine so, considering my budget restraints, I see no reason to tear it down. [ Engine view, passenger side ]

           At different times over the past two-plus years, I have driven the truck around the block for a total of 17 miles.

           Some of the major items completed so far are:

• Everything new in the breaking system except the shoes
• All of the wiring replaced and the starter and generator rebuilt.
• All four shocks springs and shackles rebuilt
• New radiator and hoses
• Completely rebuilt transmission
• Completely rebuilt steering gear and all end joints
• New white oak bed and all new bed supports [ pix ]
• Stake pockets and rear crossmember replaced or rebuilt
• Bed sides and tail gate straightened, welded and primed
• Two new door skins and all internals rebuilt
• Dash removed and rebuilt
• All glass replaced and the crank-out windshield rebuilt
• Cab interior cleaned up and painted
• Turn signals and heater added [ pix ]
• Six (6) mouse nests removed
• Differential changed from the original 4.56 to a later 3.90
• One front fender completed (the other in progress)
• And I have figured out how the horn works

Kip

           Those are might kind words there Kip! But YOU are also one of the ones who make this a great place. AAMOF, Kip has one heck of a good Tech Tip on Spotting Art Deco trucks. We keep adding to it, as Kip sends us more information and pictures. But already, it's a tool box of helpful info. Big Mahalo to you! ~ Editor

21 December 2005
# 1332

From Kip:

           I have been a manufacturing engineer at F*** for 35 years, but decided on a Stovebolt because it’s what my Dad taught me basic mechanics on. I learned fractions at four years old from the wrenches I would get for Dad. Now I'm using many inherited tools to rebuild this 1941 3/4-ton Chevy [ pix ] .

           I found it on eBay. It was up near Duluth and it essentially came right out of the barn. I think maybe it was used as a small fire truck. It has 7800GVW stenciled on the other side and rear springs to support those numbers.

           Plans are for a mostly stock "driver." I'm enjoying working on it a piece at a time -- cleaning and rebuilding as I go. The brakes are done and the 216 will be next. With any luck the body work will get farmed out over this winter. Maybe I'll take it all back apart and do a frame up later on. For now I'm just enjoying the tinkering.

           I was reading too many techno-thrillers anyway. I’m keeping the usual log -- $, hours, stuff completed and a list of parts needed and where maybe to get them. Recently found artillery wheels and a steering wheel on this site. Maybe someday I'll figure out how the horn button and wiring are assembled.

Thanks,

Kip Bonds

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