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

1951 Chevy 1-Ton Panel

03 March 2008
# 2257

From Ned :

           So this can be novel length? (Oh yea, you betcha -- especially if you wanna make me a happy Editor! ~~ Editor)

           Well, where do I start? I suppose it all started with my first interest in old trucks and other machinery. I've always hoped to some day be the proud owner of a early 1950's Chevy truck. As I've heard others question the source of their insanity, for me it's a no brainer. I had rebuilt my first flathead at the age of 15. I became a Certified Master Mechanic by my early 20's. During that time, I did both duty at the local Chevy dealer as a truck mechanic and also as a frame specialist.

           So, I have had some in depth relationships with of some old Chevy trucks. On top of that, in the late 70's, I switched careers and entered the defense industry. There I served my time as a machinist / fabricator / model maker before moving into engineering. During that time, I acquired many tools of the trade and (with certain limitation) have the ability to fabricate complex machined parts from billet.

           Finally, (odd how things come in threes) I've been actively involved in stock car racing for most of my life. I have access to a shop that is capable of building a dirt super late model from the ground up.

           Panel trucks were sort of the ultimate goal, but I had also long ago came to the conclusion that I probably would not find a panel. But what do you know! While visiting a friend, I inquired about his much loved (though neglected) "Golden Phantom." Over the nearly 30 years that I've known Charlie, I've asked many times about this truck and the answer was, "Still waiting for the restoration to begin." This time the answer was that he decided to put 'er up for sale.

           So I almost immediately became the proud owner of the Golden Phantom, a 1951 Chevy 3800 Panel Delivery. Overall, it's not too bad judging from some of the saga's I've read about here. IWRWIPI true .... but ... after spending the last 25 years in the barn, you could never tell. Check the interior.

           Hoses and such are gone, of course. The rust isn't the worse I've seen, but will still suck up a few days / weeks / months before it's all over, to be sure. Mechanically it's all there and the motor can be turned by hand. It is possible life still exists, but may take some coaxing and tlc before it is road worthy.

           This truck started life as delivery truck for the Silvertop Beverage Co. of Hanover, Pennsylvania. The signage is still there, [ here's a larger image of the one above so you can see the door lettering ] though faded and weather worn. Silvertop went out of business in the 60's, but the owner retained the truck and used it like most of us would.

           My friend Charlie, who lives in that area, purchased the truck in about 1970 and used it for his farm and personal use for several years before parking it in his barn. At the same time, Charlie while at the local pub one day, was tapped on the shoulder by a stranger. It turned out that this stranger was none other than driver of the truck when it worked for Silvertop.

           I've since made contact with the former driver. It turns out he was not only the driver, but was the brother of the owner. I've spoke with him and he has volunteered to to help me collect memorabilia featuring the old truck in the service of Silvertop. This is going to be cool, especially if there are good pics of the signage for detail and color. I don't want to jinx myself, but I can imagine all sorts of memorabilia in the families' basements.

           I also learned that in the truck's work life, it was named "Lovie" as Lovie was the flagship beverage for Silvertop and the logo "Drink Lovie" can still be made out. I don't know if I'll re-name the truck, as the "Golden Phantom" seems a nobel name for such a work worn old truck.

           I think I'm fairly well equipped and definitely long overdue for such a project, with some exceptions. The one area that I've learned is not my strong suit is the artistic talent required in doing quality body work. So I've been beating the local bushes for that talent. So if anyone knows of such a place in Maryland, I'd be happy to hear from you.

           Any tips or suggestions you might want to make would be welcomed as would encouragement.

Thanks,

The Ned

           Ned, one of our Stovebolters is collecting "Vintage Door Art" ... you might want to fire off a good shot of your door to him. I know he'd appreciate it. Cool Panel. Hope you get to come to the Homecoming at HQ. You won't win a prize for the "farthest traveled" but I bet you'll have fun. No truck required ... just a big smile and extra Stovebolt photos! ~~ Editor

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