[an error occurred while processing this directive]

01 February 2014
# 3048


	Owned by Lisa A. "coegirl" Bolter # 36654 Southern California

1948 Chevy COE

More pictures of my old truck

Join the discussion about this truck

From Lisa :

I bought a 1951 GMC Suburban in October 2011. Exactly a year later, I purchased my second old truck. This big brut is a 1948 Chevy COE 2-ton.

When I was growing up, one of my friends had a wrecking yard and that was the first time I saw one of those Cab-over-engine trucks. I thought it was so ugly that it was really cool! They kinda grow on you. One friend has a French bulldog and the truck reminds me of that dog.

I really loved these big trucks! I saw this one listed on eBay and I jumped on it as soon as I saw it. The owner described it as "no rust - restored indoors - 14 years." I communicated with him for two or three weeks before we completed the deal. When I got it, the truck was exactly as he described it.

I suppose I was in about third or fourth grade when I realized that I really liked cars. My Dad and Brother were always working on cars and it all fascinated me. I wanted to know more about how they worked. And ... well, I was a tomboy.

While I was in high school in Los Angeles, they were offering occupational classes -- automotive repair was one of them. I thought it would be a good idea for me to take the class so that when I got a car, I would know if a mechanic was taking me to the cleaners or not. I probably wouldn't even know what he was talking about. Well, after ONE CLASS in the shop class, I was hooked on the whole scene.

Back in the day (as we all say), you were able to get a driving permit at 15 -- and so I did (pretty easy to get back then, too). I was working part time and a neighbor had a 1964 Ford Monterey he wanted to get rid of. He only wanted $200 but that was a lot of money for a high school kid. That car was truly a "Fix Or Repair Daily" vehicle ... but I loved it! It had plenty of mechanical problems and it gave me a lot of practice.

While in college, I purchased my second old car, a 1950 Pontiac Silver Streak. I had a friend who had a Pontiac and I rode in his car and I liked all the chrome and the way it rode. He had a friend who was selling one on consignment. It was a fastback and it looked good, but it needed quite a bit of work.

The shop instructors were always looking for vehicles to work on and I told them I had one! I was able to bring the car to high school and work on it as project.

A lot of people helped me with that "project." We restored it from the frame up at school, and in my spare time. I had a lot of help from friends and family, too. There was so much satisfaction in seeing the old car come back to life.

When I started my career after college, I sold my old cars and dedicated my life to my career and my three wonderful kids.

The love for the old cars remained. Now that my kids are all grown up, I decided to get back into the hobby.

In October of 2011, I purchased my first old truck -- a 1951 GMC Suburban.

There are no markings to tell the size of the engine but everyone says it's a 235 since all 2-ton Chevys came with a 235. I haven't really been able to get in there to look.

This truck wasn't running when I got it. After rebuilding the updraft carburetor, changing all the fluids, converting it to 12 volts, installing electronic ignition and installing an alternator, the truck runs great! We did it all, step by step with my neighbor. That updraft carburetor rebuild was a challenge ... but I had guidance that was right on the money.

I just recently had the original three piece rims powder coated and new tires installed.

When I first got the truck running, I had to take it to the weigh station which was not really close by. So that first day, I learned I did not know how to drive a Brownie transmission. I left it in the one gear and went slow ... all the way down and back.

Many people on the Stovebolt site have been explaining to me how to do drive the split shift, so I have been driving it around the neighborhood to practice. It is working and I think I am getting it.

I love this BIG BOLT!

The guys on the Big Bolts forums are incredibly helpful. Whenever I ask a question, I get a bunch of answers, good details and good references. All throughout the site, the Bolters have been extremely helpful and friendly. I greatly appreciate all the great advise and suggestions.

My family and friends have helped with working on this truck (like the Suburban).

I really enjoy working on this truck and the original look. A lot of people tell me to change this and that but I want it original. I want it working it like it when it came out in 1948.

My neighbor wants me to turn this into a flatbed tow truck. He has four trucks that he said I could haul to events.

There is a local car show in my neighborhood but they won't allow anything bigger than the normal size vehicle. The show is in a parking lot, so I went anyway ... a parking lot is a big space! But, no I had to park on the street because it was too "busy." But even out on the street, the Big Bolt attracted a lot of people.

First thing people say, "Is this your husband's?"

I say, "Nope. it's mine."

"Do you know how to drive it?"

I say, "Yup."

They tell me the same about my motorcycle. I have the biggest motor cycle that Harley makes -- Ultra Limited. I have had three or four motorcycles and this is the biggest one. It's kinda fun when we've been hanging around with a gang, and we all head back to our "rides." They are surprised at my Hog!

I realize that not many women are into this type of hobby but lately I've seen more women getting into it. It's so wonderful to see that!

I have several hobbies but this one is the most satisfying. I love to see these vehicles come back to life in an almost original state.

Respectfully,

Lisa

I'm not sure about every climb and place, but we have been getting more female Bolters on the site and it's been great to see, and to read about how they got into the hobby! I know the Big Bolt Boys will be happy to see your two Bolts in the Gallery.It certainly was fun talking to you about the trucks. If we had such an award, I think you'd get one for Enthusiastic Stovebolter! ~ Editor

-30-

[an error occurred while processing this directive] [an error occurred while processing this directive]

[an error occurred while processing this directive]