The Stovebolt Site Forums The Side Lot Great Lakes Bolters Hoping to visit a Stovebolt owner near me in MI.

HI All,

As I continue learning about Stovebolts before my purchase, I am hoping there may be a member or two somewhat near me that would let me visit them and their truck so I can get a much better idea of how these trucks are physically. I am not looking to buy a truck with these visits, just learn as much as I can from the owner. I live in the Detroit, MI. area, but am certainly willing to drive a some hours to meet up with a kind host.

My first hope is to find an Art Deco ½ ton Stovebolt ( 1941-1946) and one of the things that a few people have told me is that the Art Deco series do not have a lot of room in the cab. I would certainly be grateful to be able to sit in one to determine if my “slightly” thick frame ( 5’ 10”, 205 lbs.) would be OK in there.

I am also considering an Advanced Design (AD) series truck from the 1950’s (1/2 ton) — favoring the early-mid fifties.

If there is anyone in the region within a few hours’ drive and would be kind enough to host me for a few hours, I would greatly appreciate it. I also understand it is now January in the Great Lakes region and I suspect many Stovebolts are in hibernation, so If I get no responses now, I will ask again in the Spring

Thanks to all who respond!

Joe

Hi Joe, I just moved from WA to Holland MI but my truck is still in WA. I have a 46 1/2 ton but restored a 53 many years ago. Happy to talk with. No truck to let you touch here though.

Hey joe,I am always ready to talk trucks
I have a 1954 Chevy and 1954 gmc
I am in Lincoln park,call me any time
313-995-2768' keith

Straight up 75 to exit 290 Joe , big shop ,lots of trucks talk your head off ...
Dan
[email protected]

Hi Dan
Thanks for the reply. I have not been that far north since I went to college in the U.P. - what's the name of the shop? - sounds like a great road trip to me

I'm in Grand Rapids with a 46 3/4 ton. I'm roughly the size as you and fit fine.

Dan
Not near you but have a 46 2-Ton.
The problem is how tall I am. Not much leg or head room for my 6'2" 230lb frame.
You should be fine with the size you mentioned.

Edit: The Advanced Design's are not much better.

Don

Hi Joe,
I just became a bolter too.Just bought a 46 GMC 1.5 over the CHristmas break. It's actually in TC but I live in Troy and visit it on the weekends. Its stripped down and getting ready for blasting and engine work. I have alot to learn.
Mike

Hi Dan
Thanks for the reply. Is the 2 ton cab same size as the 1/2 ton? - If so, perhaps I might fit into it

Joe F

HI Mike
Thanks for the reply. Glad to see another newbie like me around - Hope things go well. I do not have the facilities to do a resto like your approach. I am targeting a 1/2 ton already restored, but done a while ago so it is within my max price range of $25K or less

You should be able to much better than that Joe ...price wise
Dan

I as just in Grand Rapids on Sat [ 16th} picking up parts for my 59... could not make it home because of the storm...
Dan

Hi All
I wanted to thank you all again for the kind words of welcome and encouragement. I brought home my new bolter yesterday - a 1955 1/2 ton first series. Image URL is below - had my first problem same day I brought her home - brake lights failed, had to take initial drive with her with flashers all the way home

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t49/JoeStine/IMG_0676_zps79vixssw.jpg

Can hardly wait until Spring!

Joe

Nice looking truck, Joe

hope you have as much fun as i do
with my 1954 p.u.
call anytime to talk
keith

Mike,
If you ever need a hand once your truck gets here just send a PM. I do not own a vintage American truck I can help with most issues and am used to sourcing parts for vehicles that are of that vintage.




Same goes for you Joe. Where in the Metro area are you?

hi joe,hope you are having fun with
new truck,every thing going good,
let me know if you need anything
keith

Hi Keith
Great to hear from you again. Right now, she is sitting in my garage on a battery tender waiting for Spring to really show up. I am trying to gather all the info I need to change the oil, grease the suspension, etc. Funny thing is that I got rid of the tune up tools I need now long ago - I have found the oil filter and am ordering some stuff online, and buying locally where I can - Hope to have it all assembled for the Spring cleaning and maintenance withing the next 2-3 weeks, - I am hoping Spring comes early this year. I was also hoping to perhaps take a drive out to meet you in person one sunny summer day this season as well

I will be in touch again soon - I am sure I will have many more questions

Joe

joe ,call any time always love
to talk trucks. keith