A 'virtual garage' of antique Chevy & GMC trucks from around the World

1951 1.5-Ton Chevy Flatbed

Owned byy Marvin Windows and Doors Warroad, Minnesota

12 November 2007 Update
# 1160

From Gerald:

          I promised these pictures a while back but somehow just didn’t get to sending them. Some are from the 4th of July parade in Warroad. You will see we got third place in the Marvin Windows and Doors part of the parade. Marvin Windows and Doors President Susan Marvin holds the prize ribbon! My wife was riding with me. However, most of the time I have one of the 27 grandchildren looking to go with me!

          Here is another set of pictures from the county fair parade in Roseau which is 21 miles west of where the truck is parked. This year, while in Roseau, the battery cable came loose. I had no tools with me, so I limped home at about 20 mile per hour. I will not take it on the road again with out at least enough tools to get to where the battery is!

Gerald Krahn

          Shazzam! Congratulations on the third place award. And that's a LOT of grandchildren (congrats on that, too!) ~~ Editor

11 January 2006 Update
# 1160

From Gerald:

          The wind is blowing and the snow is falling but one 1951 1.5-ton Chevy truck is inside a climate controlled building enjoying the warmth as well as the attention of visitors. A few weeks ago it was 100 5th graders and several teachers. About half of the group took the time to sit in the seat and take a try at the steering wheel. When large groups come to the Visitor Center, I slip out of my office and become a tour guide. For company, the truck is parked within sight of a 1955 Chevy wagon.

Gerald Krahn
Special Projects Manager
Marvin Windows & Doors

          Gerald sent us an updated photo for this Gallery page and also submitted his 1971 T-60 Chevy Hay Hauler. And some really great news: "Things got a little exciting at work as we had the biggest profit sharing ever. Over $50 million was split between somewhere over 3,500 employees." What a truck. What a job! What a company! Looks like some more Bolt $$ for Gerald! ~~ Editor

20 July 2005
# 1160

From Gerald: 

       In 2003 I found your site while searching for a 1951 1.5-ton Chevy Truck. Marvin Windows and Doors was celebrating the 100th anniversary of the arrival of founder George Griffin Marvin to Warroad, Minnesota. When the company first started making windows, a 1951 Chevy was used to make deliveries -- mostly in northern MN and ND. They did go as far as PA to haul one load of glass.

       My job was to find a truck and have it restored. The truck I found (with 68,000 miles) was standing in a barn about 60 miles away!

       After a pull start, I drove it home. No exciting stories of break downs on the way. The company truck garage did the mechanical work and a local body shop did the paint. The sides of the box are still original.

       As part of the anniversary celebration, we had a transportation showcase displaying the first truck along side some of the current rigs. Free buffalo burgers and a drawing for 100 free airplane rides brought out over 1000 people. After a couple of parades, the old Chevy will soon be housed in its permanent home -- The William S. Marvin Training and Visitor Center -- which is having a grand opening on September 17, 2005.

       Thank you for a great web site.

Sincerely,

Gerald Krahn
Special Projects Manager
Marvin Windows & Doors

PS -- Imagine a job were where I get paid to look for and over see the restoration of an old Stovebolt.

       I think most of our Bolters would LOVE to have your job, Gerald. Make sure you post your retirement in the Swap Meet !! ~~ Editor

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