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Jim May's

1937 Chevy 1/2-ton


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24 August 04

From Jim:

     Find attached a few updated pictures of my 1937 Chevy 1/2-ton.

     Since submitting my original story to the Stovebolt forum several years ago, I have continued to make small additions and improvements to the truck. I've added fog lights (which actually function as turn signals), the lower chin piece under the grille (which was almost impossible to find!), and the Denman wide whitewalls (I actually worked at the Denman factory when I was a college student).

     A few years ago I acquired a largely original 1940 1/2-ton; I'll send photos the next time I have the digital camera ready.

     Many thanks again to The Stovebolt Page, in particular the Forum Pages, where I've learned tons of things about these old trucks.

     Sincerely yours,

     Jim May

     Well, Jim, it certainly is good to hear from you after all these years. Not only to see an update for the '37 but also to hear you've got another Stovebolt! Ye ha! We'll be waiting for those pictures! ~~ Editor


16 October 00

From Jim May:

     I've just completed my restoration of my 1937 Chevy 1/2-ton. I have attached a few pictures which I hope you find suitable for the Gallery of the Stovebolt site.

     I started the project a little over 2 years ago. I found the truck about 30 miles north of Minneapolis. It had apparently come from Arizona. Much of the body work had been done or at least started. The engine ran, but the old 216 certainly had a bad babbit or two. I decided not to do a frame-up restoration. My goal was to keep it stock and get it back to a respectable condition. There are dings all over, especially in the box area--but what the heck, it's a truck! I've done virtually all of the work on the truck myself. Sometimes I had to do a job 2 or three times to get it right. In my eagerness to get it running I put a 235 in that I got from a boneyard--took the owner's word that it ran well. Well, it did run well, but smoked like crazy. I tore that one out and put in another that I rebuilt (should have done that the first time!!!). Same thing with the old 4-speed transmission. At any rate, most everything is pretty much original/stock on the truck except the 235.

     The Stovebolt Page has been invaluable. I would like to thank you publicly for all of the help it has given me. Also special thanks to many of the Stovebolters out there, in particular to Alvin Parris, Barry Weeks, Mike Rand, Randy Rundle, Jim Carter, and Chevs of the '40s. I couldn't have done it without them and the rest of this community.

     I've taken the '37 out for several drives. After solving problems with the carb flooding and the radiator overheating, I think I've gotten it road-worthy -- just in time to store for the Minnesota winter. But there will be many good seasons of cruising ahead. Thanks again.

 
Yours,
Jim May
Northfield, MN

 


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