Jim Arrabito's 1941 Chevy 1/2-Ton

"Stinger"

19 October 2006 Update
# 1353

From Jim :

          Here are some updated pictures of "STINGER." This is how she looks today, sitting pretty on Water Street at 6:30 a.m.

          The update ~~ The 327 is just humming along nicely. I recently took the '41's rusted and pitted rear bumper and drew a life-size template, based on my photo-shopped image. I then paid a visit to the local welder, (Mobil Logic, Port Townsend, Washington) and for less than $31, he cut them out (bookend style) and dressed up the edges. I then sprayed them with clear and remounted them on the stock bumper brackets. I drove around town for about a week to see if I liked the look. YES I did ! Now for CHROME!

          I went to EFS Plating Inc. at the Bremerton, Washington airport and they transformed the raw bumpers into SHOW STOPPING CHROME Push-Bars. (All told less than $191) for EVERYTHING ! Better than the value I found (which was outstanding) was the enthusiasm of every partner involved in the process. And then so many compliments from all the on-lookers where ever I go.

          I'm just getting ready to shoot some images of the '41 for a couple of national truck magazines. I'll keep you posted.

          Now for the Cows ~~. I went to visit a friend's ranch in Burlington, Washington. When I drove up to the house, (see the front gate, foreground), almost immediately, the truck was surrounded by all those bovine -- licking the fenders and tailgate. Obviously old soul cows love an old truck, too!

          Thank you so much, everyone. I'll keep you posted.

Jim Arrabito
"Bitoman"
Bolter # 6422
Port Townsend, Washington

21 June 2006 Update
# 1353

From Jim:

          Thought I'd update my Gallery page. I just got "Stinger" back from the paint booth. I spent the better part of six months looking for paint ideas / color combos. I never found anything that "flipped my switch," so I created my own.

          Inside the bed, I added a tool box, housing the 10 gallon tank, battery and kill switch..

          Thank you and hope you enjoy these pictures of Stinger.

Best wishes,

Jim Arrabito
"Bitoman"
Bolter # 6422
Port Townsend, Washington

06 January 2006
# 1353

From Jim:

          I've enjoyed owning my 1941 Chevy 1/2-ton for nine months now. I purchased "her" online (Deals on Wheels) on a wintry Friday nite in February 2004. Two days later, I flew from Seattle to Sacramento to kick the tires, check the oil and decide to pass over the cashier's check. She was stuffed in a garage -- boxes everywhere -- wearing the beautiful waterfall chrome smile, hoods up. This was my soon-to-be "baby" with California '41 plates.

          The oil was fine. The right front tire need some air. Passing of the check was painless.

          I was given the "here's what this does" as the 327 warmed up. Finally, I climbed behind the Grant wheel, tickled the gas petal several times, as eased into the California sun ..... and never looked back!

          One year of important work, rework and corrections ... more later, when the relatives go.

Best wishes,

Jim Arrabito
"Bitoman"
Bolter # 6422
Port Townsend, Washington