A little back story. I bought my truck as a restored to original but with a bad 235. I located a good running 261 and with research and questions and help here it lives again, lol. I searched for this era of truck for years. Rarely saw very many at shows in my area. I’m curious what others are seeing in your area of the’41-46? Any original versions? I only see modified versions of these trucks. I try to participate in a fair amount of cruise ins and award type shows. Does anyone else and what are your favorites? I took it to the Good Guys event here. I love having an original enough version to compete in the stock class. So far this year I’ve received 3 first place, a few top 20’s and a top 10 and a hot truck award. I have numerous shows to attend yet, but I’m honored immensely when asked to apply and accepted to exhibit at the 25th annual Des Moines Concours d’Elegance event this Sunday. Featuring a new American truck category. (Pre ‘73). I appreciate your comments and sharing your experiences.
Very nice looking truck! Congratulations! I rarely do shows with any of my trucks anymore. I’ve mostly lost interest in participating. Since Covid the number of events have dropped off considerably. Even some of the remaining shows seem to cater more to much newer models and typically are closed and over after a few hours. I’ve heard explanations that it’s hard to find people willing and able to do the work needed to sponsor one.
Congratulations you have a stunning truck! You efforts are paying off!
Phil Moderator, The Engine Shop, Interiors and Project Journals
1952 Chevrolet 3100, Three on the Tree, 4:11 torque tube Updated to: ‘59 235 w/hydraulic lifters, 12v w/alternator, HEI, PCV and Power front Disc Brakes Project Journals Stovebolt Gallery Forum
Very nice looking truck. I rarely see any 1941-46 trucks around here. A friend has a '36 Chevy truck and it's an $80K hotrod. He use to take it to shows, but you really can't drive it on the road. I sure don't want that. When I get mine back on the road, I plan to show it a handful of times (I've never done that before) to see if there's any interest in this old truck. I really like my '46, but sometimes wonder if I should have picked up a '47-'54 because of the parts and conversion possibilities. Well, I'll just be unique for a little while I guess.
~ John in Utah 1946 1/2Ton w/4-speed manual transmission w/1960 235 engine Here We Go Follow in his DITY Bay
- If you think about it, it has been one year ago today!
Thanks for the positive comments. I really like the AD version for their upgrade possibilities. I knew I would be going to a lot of shows, and not really knowing the challenges the art deco would be, I went with it for the style and I am so glad that I did. I love a well done restomod. But honestly I love being in a very limited stock class albeit not having the drive ability of others. A lot of spectators have actually committed they prefer mine over a restomod, but the restomod will get awards over mine if there is no class separation. I didn’t get this truck to necessarily win but for it to be a good representation of this era of truck. But showing well has become addictive lol. There are 9 in my truck category at the Concours show Sunday. Wish me luck, but seriously just getting in is win enough.
It was a great event Sunday at the Concours d’elegance show. I hear the event generally brings in 20,000 spectators a year. I did not place in the top three , those that did had exceptional trucks. The nice comments and recognition from the judges and spectators were very appreciated. I was honored to be accepted into this elite show and look forward to possibly being invited to be in it again.
Even though you didn’t win any trophies, it is truly an honor to be invited to a Concours d’elegance show, and that is a win in itself. Next year you’ll know what they are looking for, so you’ll have a better chance to bring home a trophy!
Phil Moderator, The Engine Shop, Interiors and Project Journals
1952 Chevrolet 3100, Three on the Tree, 4:11 torque tube Updated to: ‘59 235 w/hydraulic lifters, 12v w/alternator, HEI, PCV and Power front Disc Brakes Project Journals Stovebolt Gallery Forum
Even though you didn’t win any trophies, it is truly an honor to be invited to a Concours d’elegance show, and that is a win in itself. Next year you’ll know what they are looking for, so you’ll have a better chance to bring home a trophy!
Thanks for the compliments from everyone, it was indeed an honor to be there. Going into the show I knew, and they acknowledge it that a big part of the judging is based on you and the history with the vehicle. The restoration, maybe you and your dad built it, has been in the family a long time and your grandpa used it on the farm along time ago. Did you or a family member buy it new, what were the circumstances behind finding it etc. etc. unfortunately I do not have a history with the vehicle other than admiring this era for years and finally finding one already done. I did have to swap the motor out to a newer 261 that may have gotten me dinged on a bit also. Not that there’s anything wrong with them and I admire them, but some I competed against were more of a trailer queen version. Onto the next eight or so local shows, I will do yet to finish the season.