Chad Stillmunkes' 1942 Chevy 1-Ton Truck

23 June 2007
# 1790

From Chad :

           This is an update on my 1942 Chevy. I think the old girl has been waiting for me for a very long time.

           Here's more of the story. The truck started its life as a water hauler for a fire department in a small town outside of Springfield, Illinois. Shortly after that, when the pumper trucks came about, she was retired. She was used for parades or just sat there -- for the most part -- for folks to look at. These trucks were made to work not just sit there and be oogled at like a pansy out to pasture.

           From there it was purchased by two brothers who put a grain hauler box on the back. They did it with the best intentions of using it and taking care of it. When I purchased it, there were no signs of abuse, just plain ole neglect. When I first saw it, I knew I had to have it! When I was a boy, my father had an old Chevy truck about the same year.

           The truck went right to my garage where the TLC began. A good cleaning from bumper to bumper, then every grease zert and every fluid was changed. It also got a full tune up and carburetor rebuild.

           My dear wife has the same feelings about the old girl as I do. She sewed the seat covers and we reinstalled them. We also put a new headliner in, got the gas gauge working and the horn which sound's WAY COOL going down the road!!

           For the finishing touches (for this year anyway), we had a rumbling glass pack put on, split it to duel's out the back with CHROME TIPS. Yes chrome tips! I still have the kid in me.

           This truck really look's pretty good, but I could be a little impartial. I feel she has a heck of a lot of life left in her but semi-retired. I drive her to work, if I need bags of mulch or anything else a truck would haul. So far she has not let me down. It is hard to explain the feeling you get when you climb in to the cab and turn the key. It's like being joined as one with a part of history, bringing the past to life. It is pretty tough sometimes to bring the ride to an end for the day. You talk about stimulating and somehow relaxing at the same time!?

           After all the great advice from all you wonderful Stovebolters and an online meeting the great folks that make it ALL happen with the web site (All the Stovebolt volunteer staff) -- I thank you all. Thanks for all the hard work on the web site. It is absolutely GREAT -- INFORMATIONAL -- ENTERTAINING -- AND SOME VERY COOL PICS. These are the thing's that make life ALL worth it. Family is always' number 1 and the TOYS and meeting friend's close to 1(1.1). Thanks for letting me share and KEEP IT BETWEEN THE DITCHES!!

           Everyone have a good summer.

Chad Stillmunkes
"old truck lover"
Bolter # 13201
Iowa

24 January 2007
# 1790

From Chad :

           I found my 1942 Chevy truck on eBay and I bought it last thanksgiving. It was a municipal truck for the fire department, used to haul water in a small town outside of Springfield, Illinois, in the '40's.

           I bought it with less than 4300 mile on it. We are lowering the box and adding a new bed.

           My Father had a half-ton 1942 Chevy truck when I was a kid. I always had a special fondness for the old truck. With my dear wife's nudging and persistence to get it, it now has a new home (always garaged).

           We plan on getting everything in working order and just enjoying it for the beautiful summer drives.

Thanks,

Chad Stillmunkes
"old truck lover"
Bolter # 13201
Iowa