The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk New here, need advice

Hello folks, found this site by search and looks like exactly the group I am after.

I have a 1938 1.5 Maple Leaf that my Grandfather bought new and used to haul gravel to build some of the training bases in Canada for WW2.

It was later used as a grain truck, and now has sat for more than 20 years.

I put the crank on the motor and she turns, so I'm sure I can get it running. I yanked her out of the ground last sumer, and the tires are all still up!

It has duals, and a wet kit/hoist for the box, the wooden box is shot, but the rest is in not bad shape.

My dilemma:

I just had a guy call and offer me a thousand bucks for it. I'm torn, I was going to fix it up, but it's one of those projects about 10 down the list, if ever. It holds the sentimentality factor of course, but really the old bugger would most likely continue to rot. I had asperations to make it into a custom hauler for my hobby car.

What is this thing worth? pros/cons for you guys are that if I do keep it, you will have to contend with me as a member for many years to come..along with questions and advice.

What do you think?

It is a great dilemma that you have,and a choice that you must make on your own.

Myself I have a 1941 GMC one of the last trucks build off the assmeble line in Regina, before it went into full war prouduction for W.W.2, my father bought it new as well, and after he passed away in 1966 the truck was put into the bush pile on the farm, till I pulled it out in 1995.
I too was offered a large amount of cash for her, but I said no...and my father-in-law said to me at that time, that is when two fools met the one who offered the amount and the one who said no, Presently I have her torn down and scattered in two of my sheds on the farm,a 10 year poject that I hope to have her put back together and driving her by next summer,
It has cost a lot of time and money to bring her back up to what she looked like when she was brand new in 41,I belive and it is just my opinion that our truck is part of our family and has been so from before I was born and will be I hope long after I am gone.
Now that I have rattled on and on, you can pretty much figure out what my answer would be, but You must pick the road that you want to. I wish you luck in your quest.

If you don't need the money why not cover her up or if you have room put her inside.I think Sometime in the future if you sell her you will be sorry(everyone usually is).By the way the more the merrier on this great site.

I'd keep it,get that truck running and drivable and it'll be more fun the $1000 can buy.

If you've got the time and patience and can afford it, go for it. I'm building up a 46 1/2 ton over in Moose Jaw and I'm really enjoying it.
Welcome to the bolt and for you LSmitty, I'll have to bring the 46 over when it's done and look at yours when it's together and compare it with your 41. Maybe even a photo op of them together. Cheers, Bob T

I'd keep it, $1000.00, if it was my grandpa's it would be worth more than cash to me. It sat for 20 years, whats 20 more. I'm doing a 52 chev 1/2 ton my father bought new and has sat since 1969. He's 83 and he doesn't know I'm doing it, I can't wait to see his face when I pull into his yard. P.S. Welcome to Stovebolts.
Jeff

snowbuzzard,
welcome to the stovebolt. I agree with what other have said here. You need to make the decision, but keep in mind. The truck is unique and has sentimental value to you. You can always sell it down the road if things don't work out for some reason.