09 September 2013
# 3027

	Owned by Kent Miller "Kent34" Bolter # 30002 Shanghai, China and South Dakota

1950 Chevrolet COE Flatbed Truck

More pictures of my old truck

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From Kent :

I found this old Big Bolt on eBay in June of 2012. I was in China during the entire bidding. As I was making a final bid, my internet connection stalled and I lost the bid.

I was frustrated I didn’t win it and decided to contact the seller via email to let him know that if anything fell through with the winning bidder, that I was still interested.

Lo and behold, the winning bidder didn’t have the cash, so he and I were able to work out a deal that was good for both of us, and I was the proud new owner!!

Now to get it home to the shop in South Dakota, as I was -- and still am -- living in China, and the truck was in California  I went onto Uship and posted my job. After some negotiation, was able to work out a deal.  It wasn’t cheap to get it home, but well worth it. My Mom was at the shop to receive it (she likes vehicles also). I had to wait a few months before I got to see the truck in person.

I was in China the whole time and most of the communication was via email, with a few phone calls. The hardest part of that was the 13 hour time difference (being 13 hours ahead of central time).

It has the short wheelbase (134”), which I verified from the VIN number in the Stovebolt Tech Tip.

The bed is a combination of wood and steel, with rounded corners, and is 13.5’ x 8’.

The old truck has the original 216 straight 6 engine, with the 4-speed transmission, and a 2-speed rear end from an “older” International 2-ton truck (info from the seller).

There are a series of pictures I saved of how she looked on eBay if you want to check my website.

The history I got from the seller is that it originally came from Nebraska. He bought it and shipped it to California, thinking that it would be a quick flip to get it running and sell it.  After getting it, he discovered the motor was stuck, even though the seller said it ran. Since he was more of a body guy than an engine guy, that stopped him. He was paying for storage for it and that prompted him to sell it. He ended up taking a bit of a loss on it.
 
I am planning on getting the motor freed up, and eventually rebuilding it.  Right now, I have ATF & acetone in the cylinders, soaking away.  I've got time, so hopefully it comes free.
 
The interior isn't too bad, but will need to be re-done at some point.
 
I intend to get it running, and keep it pretty much all original.  It was missing the front seat springs, so I kept an eye on Craigslist, and found a set for $75.  They’ll need to be completely re-done, but at least I have something to work with now.

There are also some more pictures from different angles on my site while it out in the sun and I was shuffling some vehicles around for other projects.

Besides this 1950 Chevy COE, I have recently acquired a 1950 Chevy 1-ton Panel truck. All waiting for me to return to wrench a bit.

Xie xie (Chinese for thanks),

Kent

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