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

1947 Chevy Thriftmaster 1/2-Ton

28 December 2007
# 2161

From Richard :

           My all original truck is Serial # 3EPK8028 which makes it a November 1947 vehicle assembled in St Louis. That means it is about seven months younger than its owner.

           The truck's original owner was a hog farmer in rural Missouri. He had welded an angle iron bracing system to the rear fenders and the tailgate to stabilize the vehicle to haul his pigs (I assume). Whatever his reason, this bracing preserved the rear end and I had little difficulty getting everything straight. The tailgate especially looks as new.

           I bought the truck in 1981 here in Memphis, Tennessee. The owner before me acquired it at the estate auction after the original owner died. This guy had done nothing to the truck.

           I had it painted and did the rest of the restoration myself. It has been garaged for several years since I got interested in two Jeep restorations plus I had to raise two sons over the last 25 years.

           Both jeeps ('47 CJ2A and '48 CJ3A) are done now and I am back attending to this old truck with two grown men for sons.

           I am presently re-wiring it in cloth wire from Rhode Island Wiring and have put new gaskets on the transmission and differential housings to stop a couple of small leaks.

           Other than that, the 216 it is mechanically sound as you can find. The '47 Thriftmaster was the last year for the 3 speed in the floor and a hand operated emergency brake. It's a deluxe cab as you can see and came equipped as it is today.

           Included in the truck is the two speed Chevy heater, a double trumpet style horn, the hood ornament, chromed grille and the five window cab.

           I made the bed rails from some wood out of a red oak tree from the mountains of eastern Tennessee where I grew up. I re-floored the bed in the same oak.

           I think my brain was programmed to own one of these by the time I was six years old. My Grandpa had a truck just like this one. He peddled his vegetables that he raised on his farm to the local rural grocery stores out of the bed of that truck. He did that for years when I was a child. I am now enjoying two Grandchildren in my semi-retirement. I have a new Grandson who is only 18 months now but will be 18 years old before I know it -- Lord willing that is. I hope I am still around to hand this wonderful old Stovebolt over to him around that time.

           I appreciate all the help from you owners on Stovebolt who know way more about this piece of Americana than I ever will. You can check out my jeeps at this link if your have an interest. They also played a big role in establishing the freedoms we all enjoy in this great country as well.

           What a fantastic truck! Your eye for detail astounds me with not only the Chevy but with your Jeeps. You've done a beautiful job with the Chevy and I'm sure you're very proud of it. I know Gramps would be proud of you, too. It'll be great to pass it on one day and to keep it in the family. We've got to do what we can to preserve these pieces of history. Thanks for sharing with all of us here on he 'Bolt. ~~ Mike "Burgandybolt" Allen, Stovebolt Welcome (Panel) Wagon

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