The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Looking for info on 44 and 56

I am new to the stovebolt forum as I ended up here researching some info on a pair of trucks I have. The more I research the more I am starting to realize that they are both kind of rare.

The oldest of the two is a 1944 Chevy 3 ton. It was built in Canada and was originally intended for military service. It has a 235" six as far as I know and a 4 speed with 2 speed axle. There is a grain box on it and it hauled many a load on the family farm. It also has a wooden steering wheel The model of this truck is 1773.

The second truck is also Canadian built and is a 1956 Chevy 1900. This truck was originally a highway truck but also found its way to the family farm where it ended up with a grain box. It is powered by the original 322 buick 2 barrel and has a five speed with 2 speed axle. I have seen few trucks equipped like this one. It has big front rubber and external steps on the cab.

The 44 was somewhat restored years ago but the 56 is all original. Although they worked for many years they are both semi retired now and are both still running and driving. Any more info anyone can pass along to me on these trucks would be great.

Thanks

Sounds like a couple of neat trucks! We would love to see some pictures, if you have any.

Hy Stooz, the 44 should be a Chevrolet Maple Leaf, which would have left the factory with a GMC 248 engine, the 56 is rare in that it was the largest Chevrolet truck that year, and it has the largest engine available that year in a Chevrolet truck. You do have two rare trucks, what are your plans for them?

I have more photos of both trucks........just have to track them down. I have one of the 56 but cannot figure out how to post pics on here.
The 44 has never had any of the maple leaf badging as long as I have known it. Interesting to learn that it has a gmc engine. The original engine is no longer in it so Im not sure if it was replaced with the same or not. The truck has over 200,000 miles on it. Right now the trucks are stored at the farm. I would like to restore them both one day.

Here are some pics of the trucks. The 44 got the grill upgrade when it was painted.

http://s987.photobucket.com/albums/ae356/Stooz/

You've got a couple of great looking trucks! The 1956 Chevy would be classified as a 10000 series here in the US, that is the heaviest model Chevrolet made in the 50's. 1956 was the first year for this series, almost all of them are long gone. The few remaining that I have seen are almost always rotten with rust. Looks like yours is quite clean and original.

If possible it would be great to have some more pics of your trucks from all angles, engine compartment, interior shots, etc... also how they were acquired and history of them. They would be great in the Stovebolts Gallery with a full write-up.

Its great to have you onboard!!! James

Great trucks! Your 44 is very similar to mine. They are rare trucks,I have a 45 GMC 2& 1/2 ton. I have yet to see another one like it. It looks like you have the same fenders and running boards as I have. My running boards have the little diamonds that look like diamond plate. The 42-45 trucks weren't available to the public because of the war, and they came without chrome. In late 1944 thru part of 1945 they were released to the public for a limited time for essential users, meaning available for public service, such as Fire Departments, Farms, Airports, stuff like that.
I think you an I have one of those trucks.

Thanks for the info and feedback.

James the 56 is still pretty tight. It still runs and drives great although it was never a very civilized ride.You cant beat the whine of the running gear and the lumpy idle of the old 322. My brother found the bill of sale from 1963 when dad paid $1700 for it. Originally it was a highway tractor and the fame had been lengthened after that. The grain box and hoist were each $400 in 63. I remember hauling some epic loads on this truck and there was never a shortage of power as it was geared for pulling stumps. This truck was originally turquoise green.

Jeff that sounds like a likely story for this truck. It was originally army green but this truck never did have the maple leaf badging. The little oval on the hood says 3 ton. How about the wooden steering wheel? Has anyone seen these?

Hy Stooz, I just saw the pic's of your trucks, does the 56 have ten bolt wheels all the way around? the factory options in 56 were Dayton wheels or six bolt Budd wheels, they didn't go to ten bolt wheels on that size of truck until 1958, so there's been some swapping going on.

That interesting as my brother and I were just talking about that. I found some pics of a 10100 on the internet and it had the six holes on the front. We were both kinda wondering what was up with that. As long as we had the truck it was like that. Perhaps it was changed early on in life to haul heavier loads.I always kind of wondered about the 22.5 rubber on the front. The rear axle are six hole. Along with the serial # on the id plate it also says opt82. Does anyone know what that means?

Hy Stooz, I don't have a 56 truck salesmans data book, but my 59 book lists option 82 as Heavy Duty Equipment [includes 7000lb. front axle, 16000lb. rear axle; front shocks; 2750 lb. front springs; 9100 lb. rear springs] opt. 2 Frame Reinforcement, and 362 [9" Hydrovac], hope that helps.

Hi Stooz...

If you are looking for more info for your trucks try ebay. I've seen truck service manuals, data books, advertising materials, etc., both reproductions and original, offered on ebay. Much of the material I've acquired came from there.

Couple of other questions, does the truck have an engine operated air compressor? Also is the two speed axle vacuum or electric operated? The interior pic looks like an electric switch on the transmission shifter.

Again you have two rare and great lookin' trucks!

James

Stooz,

I have lots of info on my web page that might help (click on Mike's Garage below). It should be noted that the Canadian trucks didn't always have the same options as their US cousin's.

My 1957 10500 Fire Engine has 6-lug 22.5" wheels...these were first introduced in 1956 here in the US.

The Eaton Electric Shift 2-speed would be correct. The 16000# rated rear had 6-lug and the 18000# rated rear had 10-lug wheels. Sounds like you have the 16000# rear.

The outsude Running Board Steps were an option on the 10000 Series trucks, however it seems like they all got them.

The 322 2-barrel was rated at 195 HP...

Mike B

Thanks for the feedback. I was mistaken when I said the rear of the 56 was 6 lug, it is 10. My brother has a parts book for both trucks and it shows the 10 bolt front and rear for the 56. The front axle is eaton and is 7000lb. The rear axle is the 18000lb model. We do have the air compressor for the 56. It still has the hole in the roof where the horn was. It is an electric eaton 2 speed axle as well.

On the 44, according to the parts book my brother says it is a maple leaf truck although it has none of the markings. It has a gmc engine in it as well. The parts book has two part numbers for steering wheels on these trucks although it doesn't say what either one of them are. The wooden steering wheel still remains a mystery.

Thanks to everyone for the input. Mike, I already checked out your site and all I can say is wow.......you have a sweet collection.

Stu

Wow two super trucks for sure!!! I also have a 56 but it is a 6100 I would sure love to have the heavier truck. I am also would love to see pictures of that 322 being an old Hot Rodder I love them old nail head motors I once had a 62 Buick Wildcat with a 401 and factory duel Carter four barrels on it. My dad bought the car in 77 while selling cars at Titus Will Ford the car came in as a trade and my dad got it for $150 no one wanted that gas hog my parents drove it for years and gave it to me. I had the car less than a year when it was stolen and later recovered full of booze bottles baby diapers and not a straight panel on it. I saw a 62 like her in a collector car book and all it said was destine to become priceless. Man I wish I had that car today I am sure a car like her would fetch big bucks at Barrett Jackson.