The Stovebolt Site Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre Do It Yourself (DITY) Gallery 1942 Chevy 1 1/2 ton 4x4 panel (G-506) (Gallery update)

Hi Folks,

Wanted to say hello and introduce myself and my old chunk of iron. Been lurking about getting all kinds of great info from you guys so thought I oughta show you all what I've been hiding. Hope you like it.

My name is Tony and I live in Northern California at the 4000 ft level of the Sierra. My truck, which I've always referred to as "Bigtruck" (although not so big after checking out some other rides around here) is a military 1942 Chevrolet G-506 (Panel). The G-506 refers to the 1 1/2 ton 4x4 trucks made by Chevy that came in various configurations starting in Aug. 1941. I'm Not sure when they stopped producing them. They share axles and "closed cabs" with the much celebrated GMC 6x6 CCKW (G-508) that was also very common in WW2. BTW, a great place with photos of these trucks is at www.vehiclesofvictory.com

I aquired this rig way back in '77. I saw it parked on a main road in the East Bay (SF area) with a "for sale" sign on it and I just had to get it. Very big, panel truck, 4x4, and just too cool. So we worked out a deal and she's been in my custody ever since. The powertrain worked very well and all I had to do was get the braking system in order which allowed me to have a lot of fun Booniewhompin in our local hills and mudholes. What fun! Well, here we are still after all of these years. As you can see by the pictures, father time has had his way with this old girl. But I've been working on her. Just last year I installed newly sleeved master and wheel cylinders along with a rebuilt Hydrovac and all new brakelines. The engine and the rest of the powertrain appear to be strong but it's been many years since she's hit the road, so we'll see how that will go, hopefully soon. Just two weeks ago I procured 4 "like new" tires (7.50x20), but hit a bit of a snag when I had the existing wheels taken apart. There is quite a bit of rust (who woulda thought?) inside the rim and my local tire fellas backed out. After careful cleaning I think the rims are ok, as the mating surfaces of the lockring and rim appear to have good integrity. More on that in another forum (except to say thanks for your "tech tip" on tires and wheels. Very informative.).

So that's it. I would love to hear any feedback or questions in regard to this truck, or these types of trucks and related issues. Fantastic site! Thanks so much.

Tony

Dude, that is way beyond cool.

Thanks Paul. Yeah, I think so too. Nice to hear you say it. Motivating.

What a great truck ! Just has the " look "

I agree. VERY cool truck!! Welcome to the Bolt!

I really appreciate the feedback. Been checking out you guy's rides as well. Nice working trucks, rodded truck "vrooom vrooom", and great to see.

A couple of other bits of info on the truck I thought I could share. I'm pretty sure mine was put out as a K-51 radio truck. From what I gather these were some of the most powerful "mobile" radios of that time. The radio and other necessities were in the truck itself. The sizable trailer that was part of the rig was essentially just the generator. The reason I think my rig was one of these are some minor distortions and brazed holes on the sides that seem consistent with the toolboxes and spools that I've seen in pictures of that setup. Also, it wasn't long after mine was built (June 42) the war dept. didn't allow any advertising on the trucks, so to speak, so the embossed "Chevrolet" on the sides of the hood "where I've painted it black, didn't appear on later versions.

Thanks guys.

Tony

Hey Tony,

That truck is beyond NICE!!!!! I've been into the 4x4 thing for a long while, and your ride, made the ol heart skip a few beats!!
By far the best 4x4 party wagon (panel) I've seen in awhile! Oh, yes, WELCOME to the BOLT!!! Thanks for sharing and keep us informed!!

Tony,

Just saw your truck (Peggy;s been doing Stovebolt.com stuff, I've been farming all weekend ... )... As Paul says, waaaaaaaay cool truck, Bro! Makes me want to go out to the pole barn and throw rocks at my M817!

Welcome aboard! Stay in touch!

Regards,
John

Uh, thanks GORT, er, I mean, John. Hey, why are you looking at me like that? Keep the visor DOWN! Please.
Nah. Seriously, thanks man. Glad you like it and thanks for the warm welcome. I've been diggin old trucks my whole life, and it's great to be around all ya all.
Yeah, Peg does that Stovebolt stuff all right. Has me featured on this months cover, oh yes she does !
Saw that big 5 tonner of yours. Gigante ! Muy bueno !

Easy, guy.
Tony

P.S. Go easy on that M817

Hey folks.

Been away from the forum for a while and I figured I'd resurrect this thread.

Busy all summer working on my G506 Panel. Did not remove the body from the frame but did take all the front sheet metal, grill, radiator support, fenders, running boards and everything connected to them and either sandblasted, sanded, or otherwise ground them down to metal (mostly), as well as the body, and repainted in "early" WW2 OD lusterless. One of the more challenging parts of the job, aside from just disassembling everything(Wow!), was fitting and welding panels on the lower body sides. Had not done that before.

Here is a picture of the ole gal http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums...k%20and%20Paint/IMG_0860_zps7cev3xlu.jpg

One of the links below show the process of this project if anyone cares to check it out. Thanks.

take care all,

tony

Hey Tony,

Just looked through your picture album. I hadn't realized you took your panel apart as far as you did. It looks to have still been in pretty good overall condition and your efforts certainly made it better.

Who doesn't love the looks of a dually panel! And also, who doesn't like a nice pint at the end of the day.

Paul

A big Ten Four to that Paul.

I had to be drug out from under the truck THAT day and hammered out after removing some of that side's running boards. Getting into pretzel form doesn't work for this old body. The pint helped. A lot.

Now that's what I call a nice big one. I like it. Good work.

Thanks.

Wow, that's an awesome truck. I would love to find a old military panel truck like that.

Tony;

I absolutely love your truck! You've probably heard it before but if you ever decide to sell it, I need to be the first person you call!

What motor does it have in it? I didn't see it mentioned anywhere.

Great job!!

WOWSER! What a sweet old Vet! And it looks you are doing her proud. Keep up the pix.

MFW. Larry. Tango. Thanks for your kind comments.

Everyone shows a great interest in her. Younger folks especially are surprised when they learn it's WW2 vintage. I am happy to able to present the truck and all of the history that it represents. Plus it is simply gnarly cool. Ha.

And Larry, your on the list. lol

Tony

BTW Larry.

It has a 59 235 motor. The original motor was also a 235 as shown here http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/military/1945_46/4x4cmt0101.htm The 59's just an improved version of the original as discussed quite often on the Stovebolt.

And Paul, no comments from the peanut gallery ! Just kidding bud. You know I love you. Don't know where I'd be without ya.
Folks, if you haven't checked out Paul WNC's truck, an early G506 tipper, do it now. It's a sweet, virtual factory replica.

Tony, what a jaw dropper! Now that's a truck!

John

I like the fleet you have there, J.

Is your signature line statement rhetorical or is it designed for self motivation ? Looks like most of them are ready to roll.

Tony, a little bit of both. Unfortunately another year slipped by without me accomplishing a whole lot. On the good side '16 looks to be a bit more promising. Time will tell.

John

I hear ya John. Well, good luck in '16 bud.