The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts My '37 is alive!

I have to announce that my Chevrolet 1937 SD truck is alive.

This afternoon I started the engine for the first time since 1976. Along the way, I had to have the head rebuilt after it became a mouse hotel, rebuild the carburetor, clean the fuel system that was plugged solid with varnish, replace the wiring harness that was so brittle any movement of wires caused the insulation to crumble, replaced the ignition components, radiator hoses and fan belt. The last thing I had to do was clean the starter bendix so it would actually engage the flywheel.

I've installed new wheel brake cylinders, rebuilt the master cylinder, and replaced all the brake lines. I still need to do a final brake adjustment and put the tires on it.

This truck was my grandfather's, he bought it in 1939, and gave it to me when I was 15. I drove it for several years until college, marriage, and kids side tracked it.

I still have a few issues, the generator isn't generating, it overheats, and the oil pressure seems too high (indicated 15 PSI at idle, 30+ above idle). But it was nice to hear it run after all those years.

Jim

That's great news! Congratulations!
It's always a good feeling when something fires up for the first time after an extended nap.
Do you have any pictures of your truck?

First starts are always fun. Great history with your project. Pictures man, pictures!

Congrat's Jim. Feels great when things finally start coming together.

Keep us posted

John

I can see the smile from S.C. Nice work Jim, just stay with it......minimum of 15 minutes a day and you'll soon be riding. Thanks for the update. Keep trucking brother!

Well Done

The first start after a long nap is So gratifying.

Now comes the First Drive.

Tom

OK, I've searched, and I just don't have full pictures of that truck handy. I'll toss a couple at you, the head that became the "mouse hotel", and the head as it came back from the rebuilder. By the way, I've grown to hate mice. Why the little buggers would decide to nest there is beyond me. Fortunately the cylinders were not harmed at all, the bores looked great and there was no corrosion on the pistons.

Almost all of the photos I have of the truck are of bits and pieces that I took pictures of so I could figure out how to put it back together.

Jim

Here's a before and after picture of the engine.

Ohhh , that head looks SO good and the oil pressure is quite normal ..

Drive ON ........

I’m sure that oil pressure will come down a few pounds when you get her heated up real well.

I love your story and that it's been in the family since new. A rare occurrence these days. Congrats on getting her started!

Nice work! Love it.