The Stovebolt Site Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre Do It Yourself (DITY) Gallery 1938 1 ton Farm truck

I'm just about finished with this truck and it's time to tell it's story.

This was the 1st truck sold by Deichert's Chevrolet in Flasher, ND soon after the dealership opened. My grandfather's neighbor, bought it and used it on his farm.

During the 1950's, Deichert's built a block dealership building. The old wood gas station building they had been using was moved to my grandfather's farm and is still there today.
My cousin has my grandfather's farm where my father was raised.

The truck was used until 1965 when the water pump broke and damaged the radiator. The grandson, was now the owner of their farm.

Deicherts Chevrolet closed during the 1970's

While on vacation in July 2010, I found the truck at my cousin's neighbor's farm. I purchased the truck from the grandson in June of 2011. It had sat for 46 years.
Here it is in the field

North Dakota didn't issue titles for vehicles in 1938 and there was never a title issued for this truck. The grandson and I hauled the truck to the DMV and had it inspected. I was issued the 1st North Dakota title.

I hauled the truck home to Florida and started to take it apart.

The rust was on and in everything. The motor, trans, and all brake cylinders were frozen solid with rust.

I discarded the drive train and found a 1956 GMC 270 cubic inch motor with a 3 speed transmission. I also found a 1958 rear axle with 3.90/1 gears.

I changed the front axle to a 1951 to have bigger kingpins and added disc brakes.

During this time I was reading everything I could find in the tech tips and forum questions that pertained to this truck. This forum provided me a wealth of knowledge and confidence as I rebuilt the truck.

In October 2011, I placed an ad online in North Dakota looking for memorabilia from Deichert's Chevrolet.
I had a response from someone that sold me a used dealer badge . I also had a call from Mr Deichert's nephew Ted. He offered me a new dealer badge and a new pair of mudflaps with Deichert's name on them. I finally received them in October 2012.

You can see the rebuild progress in my photobucket pictures below.

I have recently started taking the truck to cruise in's. I get very positive comments for the work I've done to this old farm truck.

Thanks again to this forum. It wouldn't have happened as quickly without you!

One Heckuva Build!! Nice Work!! Most trucks I've seen sitting for that long,in that condition,Usually are considered GONERS!! Nice to see someone bring an old piece of American ART back-to LIFE!!

Very nice, I hope that mine will be equally nice. You must have thought many times that you would never finish. I don't know that I would have taken it on having seen the field pic. Great job and best to you.

Wayne, you have truly done the truck justice and saved it from finally destruction by the tin worms. Its a nice job and the mud flaps really add a "touch of the times" to it.
Thats one you can drive with pride.

Beautiful '38. Nice work!

Wayne,

Finally got your truck story in the Gallery. If there are any things I need to fix just let me know.

As you need to update any progress, or stories on this truck (in general), post them here as this is the link from the Gallery page.

Thanks for writing such a good piece.

Peggy

Peggy,
Thanks for putting this into the gallery. I had a great time reconstructing this old truck.

I have since recovered the seat with a Mexican blanket I bought in Cozumel.

Great story Wayne and a very nice job on the truck, love the picture of you driving the truck down the road with the seat on the frame and no body or bed............ Classic!

Love it!!! Looking good

I just read your story Wayne and its awesome! I love the 38 and well you did on it but I'm also happy it's not sitting out in a field dying anymore!

Thanks Ian