UPDATE:

I believe you're right about the truck being in really good shape. We managed to get the wheels loose so it could be rolled under a shed and kept out of the rain. The back wheels popped loose easily after we got the front wheels freed up. On the front, the break cylinders were locked up and could not be turned to free the shoes from the drum - wound up taking the front bearings out of the hubs and rocking them back and forth until we got them to turn enough to tap the drum off the spindle . Much anointing with PB Blaster and a big pipe wrench. We took Paul WNC's 360 degree advice, approached with care, and did not bend up or mutilate the backing plates or anything else. The brake shoes really had no visible wear. Drums rusted but smooth.

The block number is 3837004 - that makes it a 55-57 235. The 12v battery had been mercifully disconnected. Engine is not caked up outside at all. A little water in the oil pan, determined via the dipstick. Still has visible antifreeze in the radiator. Points and condenser looked new. Plugs were not rusted. We anointed the cylinders with PB Blaster, and did get crank movement rocking it back and forth in gear. All gears were present. Clutch still works. I did note that the 216 water pump and fan had been mounted directly on the 235, and are setting too low on the radiator.

Man, I'm getting luckier as I go. Usually works the other way around.

This is going to be fun.

1946 Chevy 1/2 Ton
http://s1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg615/dprawls/46%20Chevy/