david smith newtown ct truck was found at an auction in Leominster Mass. 1940 chevy 3/4 ton with an oak and plywood canvas covered canopy over the bed
the guy that pulled it out of the barn told me this story... was originally purchased new by a local farmer (I have registration certificates to back that up) and when he died his wife had it put up on blocks in the barn, about 25 years ago. She died a while back and then the daughter last year - at least that is my understanding of the family history. Their son lived on west coast - said sell it all... so it went to auction
A little mystery oil in the cylinders, fresh gas, rotor and cap from the 41 coupe sitting next to it, a new coil - a jump and she fired right up...
she was then moved to the auction site where ishe sat for a month or so.
it had been a couple weeks from when it ran last when I asked to see her run - a jump start and it fired on the first rotation - hardly any smoke...
front and rear brakes were locked up - rear because e-brake had been on for the past two decades. will be doing the brake system over entirely.
looks like fenders have been repainted and bondo'd - cab looks totally original right down to the St Christopher medallion attached to the orignal headliner. NO RUST - GREAT AGED PAINT... name of farmer and "fresh fruits and vegetables" painted on both doors. SO COOL. will restore the brakes, get her running nice and she will be driven just like she is.
4 speed is very sloppy - want to get info about what is in it.
Truck was made in tarrytown - there is a Hercules bed on it. From what I have been able to find out - Hercules was located in tarrytown as well - could this be a special order bed? It sticks out past the bumper about 8-10 inches, has a very cool wood step hanging off of the rear under the tailgate. Definately a factory component - not homemade... It also has a wood door with a window for the back of the bed (over the tailgate and attaches to the canopy top) and canvas roll down sides for the canopy top. can't figure out how to downlaod images from my computer - if moderator has suggestions - [email protected]
David, Santa sure come early to your house. That is about as nice of a "barn find" as I've seen. Your one lucky guy. Man, how cool its gonna be to wheel around town in that pickup.
