1948 Chevy 3600 3/4-Ton

Owned by Chip Beck "mtcb" Bolter # 15805 Great Falls, Montana

From Chip :

          I've always wanted a 5 window Chevy and finally bought a 1949 model that I saw at a local car wash. It was owned by someone who had just let out from a pre-release center, and I made him an offer he gladly accepted.

          After trailering it home, I began to clean it up. I got it running and developed a game plan.

          About one year later, I noticed an ad in the local paper for a 1948 Chevy 3/4-ton. The seller was asking $1200, and on a whim, I decided to cruise by on my way home from work to see what it looked like. I figured it may make a good parts truck to cannibalize.

          To my amazement, it was in much better shape [ side view pix ] than my current project and was being used as a daily driver. After buying it on the spot, I drove it home and began taking the things I had cleaned / fixed / upgraded on the '49 and switched them over to the '48.

          The original project truck was sold on eBay and I delivered it to the excited new owner in Las Vegas. Now I could set my sights on the '48.

          Everything was pretty much original. The body was all there. The wiring was original. The interior had some ratty bucket seats. The 216 was running fine.

          Of course, the bed was rotted and appeared to have the original pine boards. The tires were in bad shape so the first thing I did was put new rubber and wheels to make it road worthy.

          After putting an original bench seat in the cab and re-upholstering it, I decided to attack the bed. I just finished the wood, and I'll reinstall it after a coat of epoxy primer on the panels and fenders.

          More truck details:

• 1948 Chevy 3600 five window
• 216 motor
• 4 speed tranny
• Original rear end
• 6V
• 60K miles showing on odometer

          This is my first attempt at rebuilding a vehicle, and I've used various books to plan a strategy. The Stovebolt web site has been invaluable. I've never had previous mechanical, body work, or electrical experience. Thus far, I've learned enough to be dangerous and have invested in a MIG welder, hammers and dollies, and other assorted tools.

          I plan to use this truck to gain experience and determine what things I'm willing to do myself, and what needs to be "subcontracted" to a pro.

          I'm also planning on building our dream home in the next year and it will have a dedicated garage with a lift for this and future restoration projects.

          We were a military family for our entire career and moved so often I never had the chance to pursue a hobby like this. Now that we have settled down, I'm attacking the "bucket list" with vigor!

          Here are some more pictures on my Webshots account, including some pictures of the original 1949 Chevy.

          Thanks and keep up the good work!

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