1942 GMC 3/4-Ton Stakebed

Owned by Mike McDaniel' "mmcdaniel69" Bolter # 12504 Carlsbad, New Mexico

From Mike :

           Here are some pictures of my 1942 GMC 3/4-ton stakebed. I purchased this Art Deco truck a few months ago for $800.

           It was purchased new, by a rancher who used it to haul cattle from Carlsbad to Roswell. He drove the truck until he was unable to drive anymore, sometime in the early ‘80s. From what I understand, his family kept the truck. It was used for a few years around the ranch and then parked after the water pump failed.

           The family then sold the truck to the guy I bought it from. He planned to restore the truck, but unfortunately he had some health problems and couldn’t work on it any more. It was “hidden” at his house for about nine years until I came out to repair his telephone service.

           I’ve wanted an old truck since high school when my friend ‘rodded a ’46. I had been seriously looking for a ’46 for about a year when I found this truck. I figured, with a grille, I could have the truck I’ve wanted for years.

           The wheels, of course, are not original. They are A/R solids. I got a great deal on them. I had to change the stock lug studs to make them work. I really would rather have some smoothies, painted with baby moons. Here is a veiw from the back.

           My vision for the truck is something old school -- flat black, professional pin striping, tuck and roll interior and the right stance.

           It still has the original running gear which will be replaced with my 350 4-bolt main and 350TH automatic. I’m going to install some rebuilt 202 heads and change the Carter AFB for a Holley 600, Vacuum secondary carb. The transmission has a shift kit and is fairly fresh. Here is a shot of the vacuum horn.

           I’ll have to wait to make the swap, probably next spring, because the donor truck is my daily driver. I’ll buy a small motorcycle to get back and forth to work then start the swap.

Thank you,

Mike

           Mike just recently added a 1966 Chevrolet 3/4-ton Fleetside that belonged to his Dad, who had recently passed (July 2008). So sorry for your loss, Mike. We know his memory will live on in a special way through that '66. ~ Editor

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