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

1949 Chevy 3600 3/4-Ton

19 December 2007
# 2156

From Jeremy :

           While visiting some friends in Oklahoma this summer, I noticed an old 1949 Chevy 3600 along the highway. My friend and I stopped briefly to check it out.

           Being from Wisconsin (the land of salted snowy roads), we noticed that the truck was very solid and only seemed to suffer from some surface rust. It was a little rough around the edges and the dash had been stripped clean.

           I owned a 1949 1/2-ton when I graduated from high school and always regretted selling it while attending college. Here's a great sepia picture of her! {snif, snif} I'm a big fan of the Advance Design truck series and thought it would be fun to have another one someday.

           Well, someday came sooner than expected.

           After returning home to Wisconsin, my wife said we should call to inquire about the truck. She said that we should bring it home if the owner was asking $1000 or less. We placed a call and learned that the original 216 was in running condition and the owner hoped to get $1000. Sold!

           My wife and her Dad took an overnight road trip in July to pick it up. Their trailer blew a tire in Kansas City. So, they were a little delayed in their arrival but the rest of the trip went well.

           We found a local parts truck for $125 and now have a pretty complete dash assembly and a pile of spare parts on the workbench. Our two daughters think that Mater (their favorite character from the Pixar movie, "Cars") lives in our garage now.

           It has been fun to drive around town in the old Chevy. Every time I take it out I seem to get some comments, waves, or smiles. It has been fun.

           It idles beautifully, but doesn't like to run at higher RPMs until the engine warms up. It runs pretty well after a few minutes but overheats if it runs for more than 30 minutes. It definitely has a sweet spot. I plan to give it some overdue mechanical attention and minor body work this Spring.

           We'll enjoy driving it around town and on short trips until we can afford a full restoration. For now, the truck will have a restful winter under a tarp in the garage. The car I drive every day has been demoted to outdoor parking. Oh well. Priorities...

           Wow, Jeremy, I'm glad you were able to hunt up the "first '49 love" ... that is truly a great shot!! ~~ Editor

           I like your choice in trucks! Like you say, "There's nothing like an old A.D. design Chevrolet." I've gotta mention that's an impressive trailer your Father-in-law has. You could haul anything and everything with that one! Great truck. Love that paint job by Mother Nature. it takes years to get patina like that. Glad to hear that your wife's on board with the truck as well as your daughters. Enjoy! ~~ Mike "Burgandybolt" Allen, Stovebolt Welcome (Panel) Wagon

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