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Bob Chappell's1941 Chevrolet 3/4-Ton Street Cruiser |
01 February 2007
# 1798
From Bob :
This is my 1941 Chevrolet 3/4-ton Street Cruiser.
About 12 years ago, this was my friend's vehicle and he just had it in his yard. He was planning on restoring it, but decided to get rid of it instead. While visiting one day, he mentioned it to me. I asked if he was interested in making a deal for it. After a few minutes, we agreed. Since the vehicle was not licensed nor in running condition, I headed home to get my tow dolly before he changed his mind. 
The truck had 43,180 miles on the odometer. After researching the VIN number, I discovered it had been built in Oakland, California in December 1940. Since the production year started in September, that made it a 1941 model.
The truck apparently had been used as a farm truck because it was a flat bed. There were also switches on the dash for some sort of a hoist. Apparently, they were used to hoist bales of hay because the undercarriage was packed with mud and hay straw.
Over a period of four years, dismantling and several useless attempts to find replacement parts, I decided to convert it to a Street Cruiser.
The truck now has a Chevrolet crate 350 cubic inch engine, 9" Ford rear axle, Mustang II rack and pinion front axle, and a Phoenix 700R4 transmission. This is a great improvement over the 235 cubic inch, 4:55 rear axle and 3-speed granny gearbox. The bed has been re-done.
The only remaining work is the interior walls, ceiling and door panels. I have more information on my 1941 Chevrolet Garage web site. Please feel free to check it out.
I really think you have a great web site and enjoy it very much. It is a wealth of information. Keep up the great work.
Bob Chappell
"Indigo Blue"
Bolter # 7920
Lancaster, California
