I just joined Stovebolt, mostly to get some answers to several questions below. Thinking with all the knowledge out there from the experience "old timers" as well as the young bucks who are working on their older trucks, I can learn a ton to use in my journey with my old pickup.
I have a 1946 Chev 1/2 ton pickup in northern MN that my grandfather and father had and am in the midst of reconditioning it. It has been repainted about 40 years ago in an all black color vs the green and black fenders that it originally came with. The interior has newer black vinyl fabric from 40 years ago as well as repainting the interior a Corvette light tan. Nothing else really done on the interior or anything since then. The speedometer and gas gauge don't work so looking at also working on that. Hoping those are both simple fixes.
I just had the transmission replaced last year as 2nd gear stuck. The mechanic swapped it out for another tranny I got from CA and overhauled it. However the transmission on this pickup slips when in 3rd gear. He is willing to take it back when I go back up north to northern MN next year but wanted to find out the possible issues. In looking at other posts here, it appears that it is an alignment issue that shims may correct. Is there any other fix?
The question I have is whether it is worthwhile to redo the paint in the original color or am I OK to keep the black color. I wanted to keep everything original vs. upgrading to larger engine, tranny, drivetrain, suspension, etc. as well as no radio, A/C, etc. Is this the best way to approach this or should I look at improving things to more modern conveniences? Just wondering the value vs. cost of doing this.
My son will be getting the pickup next year and wants to maybe do the major work like engine and tranny upgrades as well as keep the all black color. My concern is whether the value declines with these improvements or goes up enough to pay for the extras. I just turned 60 and really don't have the energy, money or desire to do a major project....yet! So he is willing to tow the pickup to his garage to work on it. He has a budget of $2,000 next year to work on it and plans on focusing on replacing the tires (they are very old) and working on the box as the wood and rails are worn out (assume originals). Should he get the wide whitewall tires or stay with the original tires? Also what are other major items he should focus on. The engine is solid, overhauled 40 years ago and not driven a lot, just garaged and taken for a spin each summer.
Lastly what kind of insurance should my son put on this vehicle? Currently I don't have any, I know I should put on comprehensive and do add liability when I drive it but not sure if it is really worth it. I think the value of this pickup is around $10k or so, it runs great and I really should insure it. But it really doesn't have a VIN so what is the process to insure it? I use American Family for insurance and was going to call them but wanted to know if it really can be done.
Thanks everyone for their assistance and input, looking forward to this forum and learning from all your experiences!
Gary Quam
Last edited by 46Chev1_2 ton; 12/08/2020 2:57 PM.
