The Stovebolt Site Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre Farming will never be the same ...

Well i guess i'll start by telling you about me and how i came about the truck. I've grown up around farms and ranches most of my life. I've always been into restoration and classics and always wanted the "toys" that stood out the most. I've finished a couple of projects already and i'm about to start this one. The truck is a 1949 Chevy 1.5 ton. My grandfather bought this truck in the early 90's to use to haul grain around the farm. It has always been a good running and very well taken truck and i've always seen potential in it and always wanted to have it. Well, as time goes by the farm was sold along with all the equipment. All except the truck. It has been six plus years since it was put to work but it still starts and runs great. I tend to think it has been patiently waiting behind the barn for its day of glory to come. My grandfather and i were trying to sell it but any offer we got i turned down. I couldn't see selling it to someone that needed it to haul dirt and rocks around in and wind up destroying it. It is all original except for the seat covers and door panels. Did i mention that it runs great. Well, last year my grandparents moved and my grandpa and i moved it from Clovis NM to Lubbock TX. around 110 miles without any problems. But, as good as everything is, i do have plans to change some of it. Like i said, I've always enjoyed classics that stood out. The potential i've always seen in this truck is just that. Something that could definately stand out. My intentions are to create a hot rod grain hauler. While keeping the mostly "stock" look i intend to make it something i can drive daily and on road trips as well. Modifications such as a much lower stance, whitewall 22.5" tires (getting rid of the widowmakers), updated brakes, steering and suspension, and a much stouter and louder powerplant and tranny. "Haven't decided on the motor yet, would like some pointers though. My wife (God bless her for putting up with my toys) and i are picking it up in Lubbock TX in a couple of weeks to bring it home. Its about a 150 mile trip but i have no worries. Can't wait to get started on it. In the meantime i have attached pics of the before truck and after renderings. Please check em out and let me know what you think of the idea.
http://s600.photobucket.com/albums/tt82/cprather81/?albumview=slideshow

First of all.... Welcome to Stovebolt. This will be the place to get the support you want for your undertaking of hotrodding your farm truck. I think of it as moderizing it, so you can use it daily instead of only for hauling. I think you got the right idea and it is a beautiful truck to start with. It has history and you will keep it in the family. Good luck!

With all due respect, if it's as nice as you say it is, it sounds like YOU will be the one destroying it with the changes you are talking about!

None the less, it's your truck--do what you wish to it. There are plenty of knowledgeable people here who can answer all your questions.

Welcome to the Bolt!!

Welcome to the Stovebolt, prather ranch.

Welcome!! You have a cool old truck. Some of your plans/dreams for it may offend some of the purist among us, but its your truck! Pay them no attention. Enjoy it. Our own Grigg is doing a major re-construction of a 48 Chevy 2-ton, diesel and all. Anything that keeps or gets it on the road is good!
By the way, the engine is a 54 or later 235 full-pressure I would say from the photos and not the original 216... that's a plus if you decide to keep it as-is.
Whatever - have fun Safely!

Welcome from an Amarilloan. If you need anything, just send me a private message or an email. Good luck.