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1936 Chevrolet 1/2-Ton Low Cab

Owned by

 

Horace Hudson
"Hudson"
Bolter # 16930
Colbert, Georgia

"Wynoma"

18 February 2008
# 2231

From Horace :

"Wynoma"’ -- Another 1936 Chevy 1/2-ton Truck Rescued

          I have recently joined “Stovebolters” and thought I would share the story of my 1936 Chevy 1/2-ton truck. After purchasing the old truck, I began searching the web and found Stovebolt.com. I am most impressed with the Stovebolter’s web site.

          I am not new to old vehicles.  In 1961 I purchased a 1937 Ford Coupe as my first car while in high school. Later while in college, I had to sell it to help with tuition. Ten years later, I bought it back. I tore it apart and, needless to say, it sat for years. But I am now well in to restoring - mostly original, except hydraulic brakes and a nice 283 Chevy small block.

          Although my first car was a Ford, my second was a 1954 2 door Chevrolet. Dad let me use his 1957 Chevy for dating. When I entered service, I bought a new 1966 Impala convertible (327).  So Chevys have been a mainstay for me.  My first truck was a 1965 F-100 (which I still have), but I am new to Chevy trucks.

                  I spend time each year in Wyoming and had been thinking for several years that I needed a project. I also wanted an “ole” truck. After looking and talking for several years, and some help from a friend named “Shaky,” I found my project the summer of 2007. Fortunately, I did not need the wife’s approval. Guess I am lucky because she was excited for me. Guess she figures I am better off in my shop than down at the pool hall with the guys!!

          You might say this truck was not exactly a "barn find" but a "ranch find" -- see the picture of when we found her. I was cautioned not to go "digging" around too much because the areas is know to have lots of rattle snakes. After looking inside, there was sure evidence of pack rat activity [ picture ].  From my first observations, the old truck didn’t look too good, but I could see lots of potential. The old truck had been sitting in that place for over 20 years but the Western climate had sure been a salvation.

            My junkyard friend (who is also a ‘hot rodder”) loaned me four tires and rims. When we got the truck on the trailer, I’ll have to admit, I became very excited [ picture ].  I transported it to my place in the mountains and began my inventory. The more I looked, the better my deal became [ picture ].  Most of the parts were there:  cowl, doors, bed, windshield frame, dash (minus the glove compartment door), engine, radiator, transmission, and two of the original artillery wheels [ picture ].

          My two rear fenders had been cut off.  Upon further observation, sometime in year’s past, the ole girl got a new rear-end. Probably to save time and use the same drive shaft, they extended the rear frame about six inches and welded a new spring shackle. Then they cut the fenders off and kept on trucking. At least that’s my thought and the cut-off fenders sure add character.

          After a day with a shop vac and air hose, I cleaned her up and the appearance picked-up. The weather had been kind to the ole girl and I discovered mostly surface rust inside and out. With the help of a couple of friends, we wire brushed the inside and let some rust-o-le-um start my preservation [ picture ].

          After a day and a half of searching at the junk yard, my friend sold me the back seat (complete with seat belts) from a Dodge Caravan for $20 [ picture ]. Then I repainted the dash and the ole girl began looking like a “driver” [ picture ].

           I plan to use the truck and drive it so it will be a ratrod.  But I do not plan to make alternations so severe that my descendents couldn’t totally restore her if they have the desire.

          I have already researched the Stovebolt forum and have gotten lots of great ideas and plan to ask a few questions of some experienced 1936 Stovebolters. I want this truck to be driveable in the mountains on dirt and gravel roads. A 4 x 4 chassis is desirable. I visited an owner who had a 1936 truck on a Chevy S-10 frame and I am well on my way with my plans to try the same. There are also several references to the S10 frame in the forum. The S10 frame does require some cutting, welding, shortening, and moving the engine mounts back a few inches. The wheel width appears ideal.

          I have purchased a 1989 S-10 4 X 4. The S10 has a 4.3 V6 with a 700 r4 transmission. I do have a nice 327 Chevy small block and may use this engine. I’ll just set the cab off its original frame and try my luck. If the S10 4 x 4 doesn’t work, I’ll still have the original frame, motor and transmission plus the S10 rear-end.

          I would greatly appreciate any comments or suggestions from all of the great Stovebolters. I realize I need lots of help and advice from the many pros associated with Stovebolters. I look forward to learning more about Chevy trucks through the Stovebolt network and hope to make future contributions from my experience.

          My wife and I can’t wait when we can drive Wynoma in to town and pick up a few bags of horse feed and a bag or two of groceries – just like the ole 36 was accustomed to in the days when she was young [ picture ].

          Thanks for allowing me to share.

Horace Hudson

 

          What a great story. What a great find. Love the seats! Looks like you are off to a great story. And welcome to the wonderful world of old Chevy trucks! ~~ Editor

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