The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Attention late 30's owners !

Hey , I just was wondering if those of you that own late 30's trucks can like sign in here so I can have a list if you will of guys ( or gals ) to contact if I have specific questions on my 38 I'm restoring. I'm thinking 37, 38, and 39 are very similar right ? It's just that there are so many years represented here that I would like to get an idea of how many of us are working on the same generation truck that I am. Kind of a dumb request I know but I'm curious.
thanks all.

39 is a new body style, but shares the guages with the earlier trucks. 39 and 40 have the same body, basically, but have different beds and the 40s share the guages with the 41-46.

What this means is that although some parts will interchange over all the years, 37 and 38 share a lot more body parts than 38 and 39. The Mechanicals should pretty much be identical between 37 and early 40s trucks as 37 was the year the 216 overhead valve 6 cylinder was introduced.

GMC came out with their own overhead valve 6 in 1939 which was of larger displacement (228) and better design. Prior to 1939 GMC was using either oldsmobile or pontiac flathead sixes in their trucks.

I guess what I'm trying to tell you is that a lot of the prewar stuff will interchange, a lot won't, but your best knowledge base will come from 1936ish through 1946ish owners

John
FYI I have a 1940 AC 152 (3/4 ton long bed)

Well, I believe a lot of the late 30's technology carried over into the early 40's. In fact, besides the front styling, I don't think too many drastic changes took place until the Advance Design series (mid '47).

I think the most important thing to do, is to include the year of your truck in the topic, like ('38 transmission problems). That will surely get the attention of others who share your same interest.

Many Stovebolters have owned and enjoyed numerous years of Chevrolet and GMC trucks. I believe the Grand Poohba (John Milliman) himself once owned a '39.

I had an opportunity to buy a '39 Big Bolt, but decided to stick with the Art deco series.

I am currently consumed by my 41's and 42's, but also have a '59, and have previously owned a '63, 68, 69, and 72.

I am curious, are you working towards a mostly stock original restoration, a functional driver, or a rod?

John

Hey Machinist.212 Welcome you will find like Big said the 36-38 share a lot of body parts and Mechanical parts 36 was the last year for any wood in cab 37 was first year for all metal cab the 37 gmc (thats me)used a 230 oldsmoblie motor)it was bigger then the chevy 216 motor that year . you will find like J Lucas said till 40-47 not alot of change in the trucks and some parts are interchangeable through 47. so what do you have a pick up or panel? would like to see pictures of your project.heres mine shes still coming apart. http://rides.webshots.com/album/560224270HHjrid
Good luck and later Earl

John - I'm planning stock appearance with a slightly updated drivetrain like a 50's straight 6 and tranny and maybe an S-10 rear. Other than that an all original looking truck.

Earl - there are pics of my truck the way it looks now in the link below and soon to be dismantled , lots of work ahead. Veiwers should be cautioned these pictures show graphic rust and deteriation.

I'm glad you clarified this. You're not restoring, you're resto-moding. There is a difference. I have a 38 coupe which shares a lot of the mechanicals with the half ton PU but I'm restoring so won't be much help to you. Good luck with your project.

Tiny - When John asked " are you working towards a mostly stock original restoration, a functional driver, or a rod? " I was reluctant to answer because I get the sense that there are a lot of original restoration guys here and didn't think it would go over very well here if I mentioned I was not going to use the original drivetrain on this 38 project. If I thought I had the ability to use what is there I think I would , but thats just it , I dont think I have enough ability when it comes to 70 year old engines and transmissions.
Paint and body or suspension doesnt scare me at all though. I just want something I can drive anywhere and can get drivetrain parts for easily.
I really do respect and admire guys here who can take one of these and make it like new , all original. That is perfection to me.

There are probably more resto-mod & resto-rod guys here than us restoration types. I'm not trying to make you feel uncomfortable or put myself on a high horse. You are welcome here and there are PLENTY of folks here who can help you with whatever comes up. The guys over at VCCA are the folks who prefer original over all else but I'm not putting them down either. Simply saving these old rides from the crusher deserves an "at-a-boy".

Thanks Tiny , I love the old trucks that's why Im here. Hope there are alot more cool guys like you around here.

Sweet looking truck you got there.

I am on the other side of the spectrum... I can get an engine and transmission bolted together, but I can't do paint or body work.

A quick rundown of my 1940 gmc planned build...
1957 gmc 302 6 cylinder built for about 225 hp
1994-1997 Dodge NV4500 transmission
IMCA modified f*rd 9 inch rear with 12 inch disc brakes using stock 6 on 5.5 lug pattern
12 inch front disc brakes
16 inch stock artillery wheels that have been widened to 7 inches.

I do plan to use the stock frame and suspension. The front axle will be swapped with the front axle of a 1941-1954 to allow me to use disc brakes. The axle swap is a "bolt on" upgrade.

Good luck to you!

Thanks Swingdaddy , I never gave front brakes any thought , wow. Oh well one thing at a time. I hope to get my cab to the sandblasters in a week or two then some quick primer.

Machinist i'm going to be doing the same thing your doing orginal looking. body and such, but modified ( read newer) drive train & motor.i would like to keep in touch

Big last time i put a motor togeather it stopped running and stayed that way till my friend re rebuilt it for me . :whistle: nice list of updates there big you just gave me more ideas now i just need to not work so much and maybe i can its the old girl apart.

Tiny who are these vcca follows you speak of ???

Later Earl

Earl , you still have some paint left on your cab , not bad. Other than that your about as bad off as I am.

Welcome Machinist.212 I've been picking away at a 38 for way to many years.I'm sure you'll find plenty of info here.

Vintage Chevrolet Club of America Very knowledgeable folks dedicated to original, correct restoration.

Machinist.212, I've also got a 38. Here's a link to pics of it. click here

It's still all original never had modifications done to it. Make sure to keep us updated on your project.

Machinist
Check the Gallery for a list of 30s owners there. Most of the guys are listed there.

Highwayman , your truck is in amazing condition.
I'm interested in the lettering on the side of your box , mine has similar writing but most is worn away, why do you think its there ?

Just a guess, but perhaps highwayman's truck served the country in WWII. Pickups would have been in high demand for moving materials and supplies, and there was a shortage of them. Many pickups were sold or lent to the military to aid in the war effort.

Also painted on the side of mine was the words " not for hire "

I'll go out tomorrow and take a look at what's written on the box. As far as I remember it was just the gross weight.

Machinist: I "resto-rodded" my 37. Used some parts from what I could find...even a stang front end and Buick steering wheel! kept it looking original but sure runs a lot faster
I have belonged to the VCCA club for, I guess, over 10 years but this is probably my last year. Those folks just can't appreciate a guy that took a piece of metal that should have gone in the junk yard and gave it a new lease on life even though its not "original". They refuse to recognize that most of us "resto-rodders" are NOT cutting up good vehicles but rather busting our chops trying to save what we can. Maybe thats why we have many thousands here and they are fighting to grow their memember ship. Everyone is welcome here and to each his on path. We just share what we have. Nevertheless I did enjoy the free advertising in the monthly calalog.........ONCE!!
Good luck on your project. I spent five years on my 37 and although it is tuff at times it can be very rewarding and something to drive for years to come. Keep TRUCKING.

Most commerical vehicles are required to list the Curb & max. or gross vehicle weight for state licence plate and for inter-state commerence. You did not have to do it if you marked the truck "not for hire". The VCCA is a very good club and we try to find and preserve a good original car or truck since they are so hard to find.

Alvin, very well said.

John