Worked on many cars and trucks in my teens and 20s. Picked up a running, moving, but not stopping 1946 Chevy 1/2 ton truck project. Retired 2 years ago and always wanted to tinker with a car/truck project.
The truck does run and has a 261 installed in it according to the block numbers and the 'Captains Marks". The previous owner shifted it forward and backwards with the stock 3 speed but warned me that the brakes don't work. Body is decent for the age and has been skinned years ago. Came with the box walls and tailgate, 4 front fenders that need repair, and boxes of parts. Started on the brakes which have been dry for awhile due to broken lines. Next am tackling the rusty frame and leaf springs.
Will be needing lots of parts and tons of time. Hopefully I get enjoyment out of driving the truck someday after all the work. But I am sure you all know what that is like. Did my first post about the engine and had very good responses to my question.
This sounds like a nice site with good people. Looking forward to keeping up on the site as time allows. Thanks
Last edited by Peggy M; 09/30/20235:07 PM.
1946 Chevy 1/2 ton 1946 Chevy 1/2 ton donor Early 1947 GMC 1/2 ton long bed donor
Hi I restored a 46 a few years back. It was tough finding parts then. Probably more of a challenge now. I sold mine a few years back. They are beautiful trucks. My truck was very close to original. I changed the rearend to a higher ratio (Patricks Kit at the time). I replaced the vacuum wiper motors with electric. It had a 216 that I put in insert bearings instead of poured babbet bearings. I did the interior in black and added a radio in the glove box. I found the truck not too much fun to drive. The reasons are: I'm tall and my eye position was just below the wiper motor valence, I had an original brake system but with the faster rear end stopping could be exciting sometimes. I also had single acting knee shocks which made hitting bumps exciting. The truck would at times jump over 2 inches when I hit bump. If you have any questions happy to help if I can remember. I had many posts back at that time.
Welcome. Be careful that the while you are here syndrome bites you. Or you will miss the fun of driving. My 54 was a running and driving truck from southern Ind in 1983 before the advent of salt on the roads whether they needed it or not. and I thought why not fix this then the list got longer and longer. Have fun. :thumbs_up:
Ron, The Computer Greek I love therefore I am. 1954 3100 Chevy truck In the Gallery 2017 Buick Encore See more pix 1960 MGA Roadster Sold 7/18/2017
Rosco,
Welcome from way down south. You can get the best information/advice from here if you need it on your project. Speaking from experience of course The "search" is extremely helpful. đź‘Ťđź‘Ť
Please don't tell my wife how much this thing cost!
Thank you for all the welcome responses. Recently acquired 2 parts trucks. One is a 1946 1/2 ton Chevy numbers matching truck without a box but with a title and an early 1947 General Motors Truck (art deco) 1/2 ton long box. They are rough but saved them both from the crusher because I wanted to save some money on hard to find parts. Will try to maybe make a 2nd truck some day after the 1st truck is on the road. Might be posting some parts in the near future that I know are extras. Let me know if anyone is in need of a specific part and we can talk. Thanks
1946 Chevy 1/2 ton 1946 Chevy 1/2 ton donor Early 1947 GMC 1/2 ton long bed donor
Rosco, Be sure to post any parts you are offering in the Truck Parts For Sale forum. Don't forget to brush up on the Guidelines before posting to help you make the most out of your ads. ;
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100 Follow this story in the DITY Gallery "My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine" 1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
Hi Roscoe.You have my dream truck, and found it in perfect condition. Well, probably not “perfect”, but crusty and worn, with battle scars showing, but mostly all there. It’s a lot like us as we age.The problems that GW Wirth described can all be solved, depending on what level of restoration you are aiming for. You’re off to a great start by finding two donor trucks for parts. Good luck on your restoration. I’m looking forward to following along.
Nice truck. What you have looks like good metal. The real key is the frame and how solid. I have a 46 half ton. It depends on which direction you take. I had put disc brakes on my straight axle. But I’m a street rodder. Now, small block Chevy, Mustang II and Monroe shocks. Still under construction. But it’s fun to drive. A lot of the guys want stock. Everyone has their own ideas. Welcome to the site. The guys here are very helpful. Good luck with truck.
