My son Donnie has wanted an old truck for quite some time. Being that he just turned 17 I can only credit genitics: MY first vehicle was a 1951 (Lowered voice) ford F-2, complete with Flathead 6. I pulled that engine when I was 15, back in 78, with a come-along and a handy black oak tree. Wish I still had it. Dissapeared into undeserving hands in 85, when I went into the Navy. 20 years later the USN sends me a monthly check to stay away, and I spend it on old iron with my rust infected son. All my fault. Along with the 54 Willys M38a1 setting in the corner of the shop, waiting its turn.
He's a good kid, well deserving of time and Stovebolts. Doing well in the local FFA, thinking of the nearby tech college and maybe diesel mechanics. (Maybe a Frito 4BT someday . . .) Helps out on his grandparents farm, works summers at an Ice Plant just down the road in Freeburg. Cool job.
Well, he found this on Craigs list in St Louis. An OS Interim 45/46 1.5 ton 160" flatbed, rolled out of the St Louis plant November 1945. 4th buyer to show up, but the only ones that did not want to cut it up. My son loved it, cranked right up, ran smooth and quiet. Promised to let it play in the pasture with our 1939 John Deere. (A refugee from my long ago antique tractor pulling days) The seller appreciated that: the kind of man who treats his old trucks like kittens, good price to a good home, with a pat on the fender. $1200! Heck yes!
Arranged transport with a friend 2 weeks later. Could not get the trailer closer than the nearest shopping mall parking lot, so drove it about 2 miles thru a St Louis Suburb. Great fun waving at little kids, staring old men and mystified mothers. Hauled it to our friends farm a few miles north of the River at Herman MO. From there, poured in gas and brake fluid, then rumbled under its own power the 60 miles or so to the grandparents farm in Loose Creek MO, mostly along old Route 100 on the south bank of the Missouri. My son and I swapped out about half way, as he worked his way thru the secrets of double clutching. Nothing but the title on the seat and a farm triangle nailed to the rear.
Crossed the river at Herman, straight thru town. 'Course, south of the river and back into the hills, folks don't pay as much attention to an old farm truck. Old german farmers don't throw nuthin' away, y'know.
He's been getting limber as he loosens up. Cruises comfortable at 50, (7.50x20s and that Pre 46 5.68 high range) loves Ozark gravel roads. Got a historic plate on it now, half the lights are working as we go thru the wiring.
Very strong running, few miles on the drivetrain. I've known a number of farm trucks like that, run only when there's something to haul, spend most of the time setting in the barn. No smoke, no leaks. Has the orginal babbit pounder Loadmaster 235, and a manual shift 2 speed axle, 5.68 high, 8.22 low. I've got a 53 Powerglide 235 in the shop to build up, but we'll have fun tinkering and doing some light farm work with him for now.
We're calling it "Melvin". Thats the name painted beneath the door lettering. Some long ago painters name I assume, but it seems to fit.
Chuck Luetkemeyer, Stovebolt 32032, Meta, Osage CO.
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