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

1936 Chevy 1/2-Ton

28 December 2007
# 2163

From Dave :

           Hi. Here are some photos of my 1936 Chevy 1/2-ton that I recently purchased. I have owned a few 1935 and 1936's -- the last of which was an old time rod with a 392 hemi and fluid drive trans.

           Before meeting and marrying my beautiful Giuli, I had a complete restoration shop at my home in New Jersey. Giuliana was working for the United States Embassy in Peru for 15 years and she did not want to live in the States as she had family there ... believe me I tried.

           At my shop, I restored, rodded and rebuilt cars and trucks of the years 1932 to 1936. When I retired, I decided to sell the ranch and scale down a bit as the hobby started to become more of a job instead of enjoyment. So, I sold a complete turn key restoration shop with four antique / street rod cars. It broke my heart a bit as I had to sell a 1932 Chrysler I had since I was 19 years old. And I moved to South America.

         I thought at the time I had enough of the hobby so I really didn't care that much. After a few years and seeing a antique cars here in Peru, the fever over took me once again. Giuliana shares the loves of antiques cars, furniture and anything else old. I use to restored furniture, weapons and even hand made folding knives. I had a lot of hobbies but something was lacking ... Giuliana.

           At any rate, once here she took me to a guy who had a 200 or so car collection and restoration shop. The fever worsened. She, as I, love antique trucks over the cars so we thought it would be a good idea to have just one and not a collection as before.

           A few years went by before I found one on eBay. I didn't win the bid but after negations with the seller, we came to an agreement on a price. I wanted an original as it seems they are more pleasing to me these days then the street rodded ones so often seen. Another plus is after market parts availability.

           So I purchased an already restored vehicle as opposed to doing all the work myself and receiving little, or usually, no profit in the re-sale. I sure don't have any regrets and if it was not for where I have been, I may have not been where I am now. It seems at my age, I have reverted back to where I began so long ago -- the restoration and maintenance of a fine original.

           On the door of the truck, it says PETTY QUARTER HORSES. The only information I have been able to find out about the truck is she belonged to a guy named Thomas Petty who lives in Florida, raises and sells quarter horses. He bought the vehicle restored and apparently has many vehicles in his collection. He was willing to part with this one. The dealer who had the vehicle in Michigan arranged the deal with me and the owner. I had to go to a transportation / shipping company to arrange shipment of the vehicle. The unfortunate part is I will have to pay a 65% sales tax on the value of the vehicle as required by Peruvian law for imports. The reason the importation fee is so high is because there is a fee of an extra 10% included on antique vehicles which are viewed as a luxury, or as they call them, vanity items. Liquor, computers, jewelry or any items that are not a necessity come under this law. Vehicle more then five years old are not allowed to be shipped here. So special permission can be obtained for vehicles 30 years or older. So, talk about a love for old Chevrolet trucks ... LOL ... I've paid my dues. (A big YES on that one ~ Editor)

           Unfortunately, the original ID tag located on the firewall is missing and the title VIN is K6012218. I am sure this is the engine serial number that is being currently used as a VIN. I am curious if there is any other way to retrieve the original serial number and history of the vehicle.

           So here are the pictures and I am still waiting for the truck. I plan to change the engine to a full pressure 6 with more options for reliability and some speed goodies. The original trans and torque tube will be retained.

           The Gauges ~ Front view ~ engine compartment ~ another engine view ~ interior ~~ in the showroom

           The bed of the truck appears to be oak wood varnished to a lustrous finish. [ The bed ]

           I miss the machine shop I had and all the equipment in the states but we are currently building a house near the beach with, of course, a garage and, of course, a pit. Most of the machinery can be replaced here as tools are pretty reasonable. I would never want the vehicles or the amount of equipment I once had in the states but my garage will be well equipped.

           I am a new member to Stovebolt and you have a great web site. I got some interesting ideas and help here. Hope I will be able to share some of the information learned over the years (usually the hard way). I have never been at a loss for words as your site will show. In the short time I have been a member of STOVEBOLT I am now rated as Wrench Fetcher . It's a great site with great folks and an overabundance of knowledge. You really need to be commended for your efforts.

           Hope you like the truck. Good news is the '36 Chevy was supposed to have been loaded onto a ship on the 28 of December. Although they have told me this a few times before and canceled only to delay for a few more weeks, I think this time it's a go. The truck should arrive here in a few weeks. Can you imagine my excitement?!

           I bought the truck November the 6th so you can imagine how I have been chomping at the bit to get her here. I believe the paint is the original color as I had a '35 that was similar. I'll know better once she is here. While Giuliana is the love of my life, the '36 will be running a close second with her and me as she can't wait to drive her as well. I can't wait to get her here.

Respectfully,

David Giorgianni
"36 dude"

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