I discovered this truck about 13 years ago. I followed it and tried to get it from the beginning. Two years ago. I was finally able to buy it it from the original family.
It was the Service Department truck for the very first Chevrolet dealership in the Pacific Northwest -- Ball Brothers Chevrolet, Turner OR (1920-1981).
It was 100% untouched and had been sitting since 1974. I am a preservation person so I was going to retain all original finishes.
The paint was horribly faded. It took months of work going over the truck 12 times with different products to bring back the finish.
All work was done by hand, every nook and cranny addressed, undercarriage was fully cleaned down to dental picks around the bolt threads.
The underside is amazing with virtually no rust present. The original front spiral shocks still on it. The wood bed was protected by a piece of steel and was in amazing condition. Dealership sideboards still with the truck.
Inside was fully cleaned up. Seat was reupholstered in actual 1951 NOS factory heavy brown vinyl (from SMS Fabrics, had 1951 date coding on the back).
The 216 engine was not salvageable. A 1947 235 truck engine was put in its place with every possible bolt on piece from the original 216 used, nothing refinished.
Original radiator was in excellent condition with original non-pressurized cap. Original plug wires with rare black square shaped rubber rings holding the wires in place (only seen that one other time).
Factory air cleaner and oil canister were in excellent condition. Not one speck of rust in the engine bay. All factory chalk marks in place. Brand new exact factory wire harness was put in place from Harnesses Unlimited.
Everything works perfectly. Every mechanical piece/item was rebuilt to factory. Only change was a swap from the 5:30 third member to 4:10 third member.
Very rare Push Hit front grill guard in place.
Numerious items from the long defunct dealership were under the seat. Original spilt rims still in place.
All original paint through the truck. NO CLEAR COAT AT ALL, just wax.
ENJOY!!
