I purchased this 1 ton Chevrolet 3800 truck in July 2013 while I was working in Southern Saskatchewan near Weyburn. It was parked in a couple of feet of grass in the front yard of the owners farm. After driving by three times, I got up the courage to stop and ask about it. Not the best welcome but working as a regulatory consultant in the oil and gas you get used to mediating.
After much talk of the industry in general, we walked out to look it over.
The farm owner's son had purchased it from the original owner, who purchased it new from the Weyburn Chev dealer. The original owner, I was told, used it to haul about 25 loads of grain but decided it was not big enough. He bought a 1.5 ton with full grain box. He used the 1 ton around Weyburn area and the farm. Then stored it on blocks for 47 years when the current owner purchase it.
He was asking what he paid for it -- $1,750 + abit of pocket money, which I think was pretty close to what the original owner would have paid new. The original tailgate, spare tire and a couple of other spare engine parts were stored in the shop.
I was heading back to Alberta for some time off and asked if he could get it running so I could do a test drive. I told him I would pay him $2,000 running and we had a deal.
When I returned the next week, she was sitting proud and ready for a test spin. The old 6 cyl fired up with a little gas down the carb and away we went.
Everything worked from the original 6 volt headlights to the single taillight. The power take off driven hoist worked perfectly. Other than both doors having been over extended and the usual farmer wear and tear, there is no major body damage and no rust other than surface. I couldn't get it on the trailer fast enough.
On the 1200 kms trip home, everywhere I stopped for lunch or fuel, it drew attention. Both men and women looked it over with most saying their Grandfather had one just like it. There was a lot of emotion in some asking to touch and even sit in it.
In Alberta you need to pass an out-of-province inspection before you can register a vehicle. While attending the local show and shine, I met with a member of the St Albert Cruisers (check out the St Albert Cruisers on Facebook) and was told of a mechanic in Westlock. After replacing the front brake cyls and rubber lines along with a carb rebuild and tune up, she ran like it was new.
When I took the Bill of Sale and Inspection paper to the registry. I was told that this truck was never registered in Canada or anywhere else for that matter. As it turns out I am the first and only registered owner of a 1950 Chevrolet 1 Ton Deluxe cab pickup truck. How cool is that!!
The past winter I had been quite busy with work but on my down time I've sanded and repainted most of the interior dash components. The floor has had Rust Bullet applied. Seat frame and heater repainted and repaired. I tracked down an awesome upholstery shop in Edmonton who reupholstered the seat and back to original style and colour.
This winter I will be completing the dash and painting the interior of the cab then reassembly. I have no plans on repainting the exterior as this is the way it was meant to be with perfectly natural patina.
I submitted the truck for the October truck Gallery and possible 2015 calendar candidate.
Doyle
