The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 1937 Chevrolet W/fuel tanker

History of 1937 Chevrolet Fuel truck
This truck was purchased in 1937 by H. Ray Oil Company, the Mobil Consignee. It was originally black in color then painted red. (red was the color used which represented danger on Gasoline trucks, Fire trucks etc.) H. Ray who was also the Chevrolet Dealer for many years, sold the truck to his brother after WW2, about 1948-1950. Later it was sold to Paul Thompson of La Pryor, TX, about 20 miles south of Uvalda, TX. Mr. Thompson died in 1974 and his truck was parked in a field behind a gas station in La Pryor. This is where it sat for many years.
I used to see this truck hauling fuel every week or two as it passed the Uvalda Post Office where I worked . I always loved this truck, I coveted it. In 1987 I asked a friend from La Pryor about its location. My wife, Ann and I stopped and took pictures of it on a trip to Eagle Pass. I was thrilled to find it . My wife looked at me and said, " I think you really like that truck". I told her I had always loved that truck. Well she got in touch with Mr. Thompson's daughter , and bought the truck. She surprised me with it for Christmas 1987. What a Christmas gift.
It had been sitting since 1974, so I got a tow truck to bring it to our property in Uvalda. With the help of mechanic friend, my brother in law, and son in law , we completely rebuilt the engine, and repainted the tanker trailer. The heat in June and July forced me to give it up for awhile. I ordered parts for the cab. I had so much fun driving it to the coffee shop and showing it off to my buddies.
I never finished the cab, it seemed so overwhelming. What I did not realize was I was developing a heart condition and was unable to do the work on it myself. I was really depressed, but I still enjoyed taking it to coffee once in awhile. However after a five by- pass heart surgery, and reaching 80 years old, I realized I needed to find a new owner that would appreciate it as much as I have.
I decided to sell it to Phillip Lott, a friend Ann and I met while camping in New Mexico.
(Written by Jack Malloy. Uvalda, TX.)
Soon after meeting Jack, I learned he was a "Old car enthusiast" like myself . We immediately became friends . Soon talk drifted to this old fuel truck he had. He had pictures , and I liked what I saw. I could tell Jack really loved his fuel truck. He mentioned from time to time of selling it.
Time of about 4 years passed, still meeting Jack and Ann during August each year in Eagles Nest, N.M. I told Jack to call me when he was ready to sell. I need to know how long it was, so I could haul it to MS. I had Jack to measure it.
In early Nov. 2015, I arrived with trailer in Uvalda, TX. I immediately fell in love with Jack's fuel truck. We decided to drive it to the local John Deere dealer to load it using their loading dock. Jack, now 84 yrs old drove it and I followed.
Jack cried when we left for home. He really hated to see it go.
Every stop on the way home, people would come over to look. I could have sold it several times.
The tanker/ trailer which is "homemade" in 1939 has been repainted, but the truck itself has not.
I have decided to keep it "As Is" instead of completely restoring it. So far I have done some rewiring , and repairing of the brakes. I do not want to destroy any of the history of the work the original owner has done. So much of it tells a story of life in the 30's ,40's and 50's. For example, the rear fenders have been fabricate from 55 gal drums. The "fifth wheel" was fabricated by the original owner, as was the tanker trailer. The tool box behind the cab still contains personal tools belonging to Mr. Thompson. Overcoat and Cap were found behind the seat. Believed to have been worn by Mr. Thompson.
(written by Phillip Lott, Grenada, MS)

he has been talking about this truck for some time, nice old tanker.. not sure why he ended here with it.. maybe he has
been to close to the tanker fuel plus it has Tx license plate..legal for any forum..lol

nice truck

Cool truck. That new guy deserves a pass (and not because of the TX plates, Homer).
I can feel that old truck beating my sore back to pieces in my mind right now...

Phillip, thanks for sharing the story of your truck and to the old fellow for passing it on instead of letting it rot away.

..This would make a good story for the Gallery. Peggy, you got your ears on?
(Cletis will probably move it to Big Bolts or Project Forum)?