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

1948 Chevrolet 4400 1.5-Ton

01 October 2007 Update
# 1953

From Shaughnessey :

           I have finally finished the old make and break. I been putting alot of time into the truck now. I got the old 216 to turn over. The problem was two frozen valves. I decided to just sell the 216 with the 4 speed as is I don't care if it runs or not. I'm just going to put a Cummins with a 6 speed now. I thought I was getting a International 466 Detroit with a five speed. But I'm going with the Cummins set up because it's cheaper and more power is there. I have been saving for the diesel. I have pledged not to buy a single part until I have my diesel. Although I brought home yet another tractor. A 1929 Farmall F-20. That is just the parts tractor -- the other I haven't got yet. I've been working on gantry to lift the cab off the frame to move it into the garage.

           My Truck wont fit in the garage so It will have the next best thing.

           Here I have started a Webshots page -- enjoy!

07 August 2007 Update
# 1953

From Shaughnessey :

           Every week and weekend from June 20 - October 30 is fair time in Maine. Here's the Calendar of Events from the Maine Antique Tractor Club's site! Been going from one fair to another with a truckload, hauling up to five tractors or other equipment at a time. I'm in Topsham, Maine and we just got got back from the show in Wilton, Maine.

           Because of all that, during July, I worked on my truck very little. I have some pictures of the progress. Here's a good shot of the engine. It's all cleaned up (here's the floor shot) and I have been scouting out an engine. I live right up the road from White and Bradstreet Diesel Truck Salvage. I found an International, 466 DT and a 5 speed transmission in their yard. I might put on a great utility body, the kind you can put all you tools and supplies in. It's a big DOT body. I would need to add more frame as mine has been cut. That would be nice because I could use it all the time. I got a job there rebuilding transmissions. I could use the experience. I want to go into a tech school for Diesel Tech.

           I've been working on an engine in my shop for the Windsor Historical Society. It's is being restored by me. It's an old make and break engine, an old one-lung'ah. It is over crowding my garage as you can see. I first got it running and just finished it today.

           So, now it's back to my truck. I finally got some time! I got the old 216 to turn over. The problem was two frozen valves. I have decided to just sell the 216 with the 4 speed as is I don't care if it runs or not. I'm just am going to put a Cummins with a 6 speed. I thought I was getting an International 466 DT with a five speed, but the Cummins came up -- it's cheaper and more power is there. I have been saving for the diesel. I have pledged not to buy a single part until I have my diesel. Although I brought home yet another tractor (a 1929 Farmall F-20). That is just the parts tractor. The other I haven't got yet. I've been working on gantry to lift the cab off the frame to move it into the garage.

           I have more pictures on my Webshots page.

15 June 2007 Update
# 1953

From Shaughnessey :

           Hi again, and again!

           The end of May, I got the 1948 Chevy 4400 home and I have begun the restoration. I have cleaned (pressure washed) the whole truck and it doesn't look any better yet. I am starting to get into the idea phase.

           I would like to put a diesel in it after seeing what Bolter Grigg Mullen did in his 1948 2-ton 5-window . It sounds like a good idea.

           Thank you very much. I really like your web site. It's very, very resourceful. It's the best out there.

           Well, I'll keep you posted

Thank you,

Shaughnessey

23 May 2007
# 1953

From Shaughnessey :

           I’ve finally bought an old Stovebolt. It is a 1948 Chevy 4400 1.5-ton truck. I found this truck on the side of the road in Jefferson, Maine in the fall of 2006. It was not for sale at the time. I was referred to a gentleman by the name of Peaslee, which is a common name here in Maine. I was told he "had a few trucks."

           Well when I went to see the man, he said he had 500 acres of stuff. I thought this was a slight exaggeration -- but I was sure as heck wrong. We hoped into his truck a drove probably 1/2 mile to the first lot. He had a field a with 87 Allis Chalmers tractors all in running order (I thought I was bad with my restored 1940 Farmall H) and probably tons and tons of old scrap and other machinery that he didn’t know what they were.

           We got to the truck lot and wow, maybe 34 trucks (mostly, not to mention mostly CHEVY). I couldn’t believe my eyes. Then we got to the car lot but I kept trucking. I love old cars and would love to have a 1957 Chevy Belair but I had to stay on task. Then we got to the money -- a 1929 Model T Ford in original condition and beautiful. It was bought brand new. There was not a speck of rust and it had the original varnish on the wood.

           This guy doesn't advertise because it's all for his own use. I think he would be a millionaire if he were to sell it all off.

           Well, I had look at a lot of scrap and parts trucks. I left thinking in the spring I was going to buy a 1966 International R-1856, a fire truck in beautiful shape. I really wanted that 1948 Chevy. So I said "Let's call it a day" and made plans to come back the next spring.

           It came to be spring and I had lost the phone number. I had to find it this place. I look and looked on the web and did everything I could to find it. Thanks to Uncle Bill who reminded me of a phone book -- so he found it.

           I called and then went to look in early this month (May 2007). I saw everything again and still thought I would still buy the old International. At the end of the day after walking and walking, the owner said (as I was getting into my Grandfather truck) "That old Chevy of my son's is for sale now." I left but had to come back and ask. "You mean the '48 is for sale now?" He said yes and that he wanted "$800.00 firm.” I got home, got the money and today (May 21, 2007) I bought that 1948 Chevy 4400 1.5-ton.

           It’s in ruff shape but "it’s all there” (the best words in restoration). Not a thing missing. That’s how it’s beautiful junk. I will post more update as the restoration continues. (Since today is only the 23rd, I think you mean begins ~ Editor)

           I am 16 years old. I am a high school student and after restoring several antique tractors, I knew a truck from the 1940’s is what I wanted. So for the next two years or more I will put my entire pay check from the YMCA to that truck and it will be worth every penny if I wait. Like my Gram always says “good things come to those who wait”.

Sincerely,

Shaughnessey McArthur
"S McArthur"
Bolter # 14761
Augusta, Maine

           Wanted to get this story in. Man, when we are up in Maine visiting family, we may have to track this fellow down! Also, we are hoping to get more photos from Shaughnessey and as soon as we do, we'll get them in here. It's good to see Young Stovebolt Blood, hot blood at that ! ~~ Editor

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