The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Not true Stovebolts?...

Here is just an observation, it seems as if there is a dis-proportionate number of members that have trucks in the A.D. era. Nothing wrong with that era but I don't understand why those trucks seem more prominate than the "Task Force" era.
My personal opinion is that the later model "Task Force" trucks are more collectable for a wide variety of reasons. The biggest reason seems to me would be that there are a wider variety of models to pick from. Not the least of these would be that the 55-59 are just simply a better designed mechanically and overall better looking vehicle. Any feedback?

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.
Cleon

I would love to have a 58 (my birth year) but I have a 53 and I am happy as a pig in knee deep slop.

there were a lot more AD's made, 8 years as opposed to 4& 1/2 for the TF series .... but there are just as many AD 'models' as TF, small to large, panels, burbs, COE's etc .... if most folks shared your opinion, you might have never been able to find a "real55"

all a matter of personal choice, and influenced by ones age and intentions when acquiring a truck - the TF isn't really mechanically much different, but a lot more of the "wearing" parts are still in the retail system, so maintaining things like brakes can be easier - and of course it's easier to have a V8 in a TF, but the 235 is about the same as earlier and can be a good reliable engine

Bill

real55,

Red58 has explained the "disproportionate" number of Advance-Design vs Task-Force trucks: more A-D trucks were made during a longer series-time-span.

What are the wider variety of Task Force models (Bill explained this misconception)? Maybe the long-bed 1/2 ton Task Force? But, there was no Task Force Canopy Express.

What would you consider to be better designed mechanics?

12v electrical system (even though that is not mechanics)? OK, maybe brighter lights.

Better engine lubrication system? OK, until 1954 A-D.

V-8 engine? OK, no contest.

Better mechanical components in drive-train? Not really, just open drive-shaft (that came in late A-D, and was not really better, just easier to work on and was probably cheaper to manufacture).

Better steering, better wheels, better suspension, better cooling. Not really.

Task Force and Advance-Design, I like them both; but, if I had a Task Force truck, it would have to have an original V-8 (variety is the spice of life). Of course, that would mean that I'd not have a real stovebolt engine.

What was meant by the wider variety is due to the Cameo and the first wide bed. I am not familiar with the overall production numbers but I am fairly sure that Ford had the lion share of the market until 1955 maybe 56.

Your right this post wasn't designed to put the AD truck owners against the Task Force people, it was just an observation of mine that there is an dis-proportionate number of AD people that belong here compared to the Task Force folks.

I,of course,own a '55 T.F.,BUT,I LOVE 'Em ALL!! There are a lot of guys on this site who help out with tips and tricks,that benefit everyone that takes the time to read-up on the tech.stuff!! If I had about 5-acres of land,a 40'X60' fully-equipped shop,and $1,000,000.00,I'd be HAPPILY restoring every "Stovebolt",that I could get my hands on! I Love the A.D's!! But,then you have'40-'55,1st-Series-to enjoy the "A.D's!"Art-Deco's"('40-'46),and "Advance-Design,"(47-'55 1st.) I especially like the BIG G.M.C. tractors,of that era. But their look may be deceiving,as well. I guessed one as being a '38,or '39,(from the grill/body-style),to find out that it was actually a'49! I also guessed that it had a 302 engine-WRONG!! It is actually a 426 MONSTER!! I LOVE the "Cannonballs",as well! Have you taken a CLOSE look at a'55-'59 G.M.C. 860? The front sheet-metal is a dead giveaway for a T.F.,But the cabs are "Advance-Design" 5-window!! And they also have the split-windshield! AWESOME!! Some of the big G.M.C. T.F. 450's,(on up), although implementing a "Regular" T.F. cab,added corner-windows,making a 5-window T.F. cab! I'd LOVE to see one of those on a pick-up!! I Love the "Gallery",every year,every size,and every story! That's what inspires me to "Keep-On-Truckin'"!

Chevrolet was the USA national truck sales leader in all Advance-Design years.
Chevrolet trucks continued this market dominance in all Task Force years.
Chevolet remained the truck sales leader through at least 1972.

To each his own. Everyone has their own favorites. I really like the Art Deco style ('46) because I grew up with one. But the one I have is a '47 and I like it too. It's hard to say too many bad things about ANY old truck!

I'm a newbie here but I'm surprised it's come to this ...sounds like a bunch of school girls...

I have a 48 because it was "born" 3 months after I was. But I think the Art Deco trucks are the most beautiful trucks Chevy ever made. If I had the money and garage space, I'd get one, but I don't, so I won't.

Unless someone wants to trade me for mine. But yours has to be as finished and beautiful as mine.

I'll chime in for the AD Series, but my vote would be for the "Art Deco" over Advanced Design. But then again, I have never owned an Advanced Design Model....yet !!!

If you were lucky enough to go to school with a bunch of girls that ate,slept and drank "Stovebolts",then I "see" what you're saying!

It doesn't take alot of money to have several Bolts in your stable. Just watch for the deals to come along. We (I, my wife and sons - when I can wrangle them in to helping) do all the work ourselves in our 2 car garage - yes we live in a Deed restricted community, and yes we have to keep the garge door closed when working. The '65 and '66 are parked in the front driveway. The '53 is kept in a storage garage ($99/month) The '59 is residing in the garge as it is restored. The '41 is parked here at work until we are ready to restore it.

Which do I like best? Sorry, I love them all equally......

http://s783.beta.photobucket.com/us...mp;_suid=1357654113701003541301111850448

http://s783.beta.photobucket.com/us...amp;_suid=135765414412206687271533750558

http://s783.beta.photobucket.com/us...mp;_suid=1357654183465010764141608984029

http://s783.beta.photobucket.com/us...mp;_suid=1357654209104034239451510174296

http://s783.beta.photobucket.com/us...amp;_suid=135765423327506961933281062756

I like the 48-53's because that's what I'm familiar with and I like the look. Not sure if I like the look because it's familiar or because I just like the look?
I'd probably like other models too if I had started playing with them at a young age. I don't dislike any of them, just enjoy the AD years the most.

Grigg

Not really! He had a legitimate question and logged on here for a discussion. This sort of "back and forth" makes us all more knowledgeable on a subject dear to our, hearts. I, for one, bought a 1951 because it reminded me of my hunting truck from back in the 60's. I think the TF trucks are the best looking trucks ever built and some day, if I live long enough I hope to have one. One thing to remember about old trucks, "it's a truck" not something you would take a date on [unless she likes trucks]. IE looks (design) aren't very important in trucks.
Sorry for the ramble...

If it's 1960 or older, ya got my attention!!! Yes, CHEVY at top of the list! (though if another brand fell into my lap, it would be hard to resist) Also, really into 4x4s, which explains why when a 55 2nd series NAPCO came my way I did not think twice! Old-yes, Task Force-yes, 4x4-yes, Stovebolt- OH YES!!!
(As far as "DATES", if she DON'T like my truck, we AIN'T going!)

I hate to throw gas on the fire, but a "true" stovebolt ought to be any Chevy vehicle that has a stovebolt engine in it, sedan, pickup, big truck during all those years they were making the 6-bangers, from what the 30's to when? the 80's, 90's? But golly a lot of the 'bolters are running v8's, best not rile them up!
As far as the AD versus newer model goes, it sure is a matter of taste, but the AD and older models seems to belong to another (possibly idealized) era. I do like those well-rounded forms, yes indeed. Then also, a lot of us need to slow our hectic lives down - nothing like an older truck to force that!

Karl

Yeah, you're talking about different eras. I prefer the Art Deco trucks because I like the style and curves of the body and fenders in that era. The Advanced Design are bigger, but they're too prevalent (I like something that's rare and different, which is why I bought my GMC), and the shape isn't quite as appealing as the Art Deco's. The newer they get the less I like them, as they lost that shape from the older era.

I like them all also, but 55-56 TF is my favorite. But what do I know, I'm old.

If the object of the first post was to create conflict you may have missed the mark! To each his own. I like them all!!! 41 -46 Art-Deco trucks are a rare find these days not so much because of the limited number that were built but because they were one of the few trucks built during that period that were available to the public,because of the war effort. Shop owners, farmers and tradesmen just tended to wear them out. They were reliable. They still are, without trucks of all makes, models, and sizes this country would not have lasted as long as it has. If your preference is for the later models with 12v and a V-8 is the thing GREAT if not OH WELL (but it's not a "BolT")
But it is a TRUCK and that is what matters and what we love.

Just a thought.

You are a trouble maker, Karl

Yes, stovebolt engines are considered to be the Chevrolet in-line six engines from 1929 through 1962 (some were sold into 1963).

Stovebolt.com quite generously allows the moniker "Stovebolt" to be used to describe any Chevrolet truck up to/through 1972. Some might believe/argue that the years/engines/models/makes are irrelevant - the mindset is what is important.

I see little or no put-downs (regarding years/series/models/colors of trucks - but, one regarding school girls, I think. ) in the above posts - just mild statements of what some people prefer.

Yeah, buddy ... this one brought Karl out of the closet!! Waa HOO!

Just to expand on what Tim so eloquently explained, we at Stovebolt.com made the conscious decision (egged on by Tom Brownell) to cover all the GM trucks. We choose to end with the '72 model year because after that, they diverge greatly and become more modern. Plus, there are some pretty good web sites out there dealing with the '73 and newer trucks so we didn't feel like we needed to compete with them.

So, according to *our* definition, if it's a truck (or reasonable facsimile thereof) made by GM (or made with predominently GM parts) ... it's a Stovebolt as far as Stovebolt.com is concerned.

Passionate discussions on the subject are welcomed! Encouraged, even. Like Jim "Big Chevy 3600" says, it's all good. Just as long as we stay friends and don't take it too seriously or flame anyone.

To Karl's point, though, if you want to get technical/accurate about it, the true "Stovebolt Six" is the first one -- the 194 -- that came out in '29. After that is debatable.

I call my '72 GMC 9500 a Stovebolt. It has a Detroit 6-71 in it. It's an inline 6 made by GM ... ergo, Stovebolt.

As Tim put it so well, it's the Mindset that matters. We're all here because we all love old trucks and we like other people who do, too. Sortta like Margaritaville ...

So have a beer and let's have a good debate. And when you pass out later, I'll slap some Hello Kitty stickers on yer truck

Hi Karl!

John

Say, you didn't want the blower on that thing, did ya??

Well, John, it is mostly through your generosity that your "Screaming Jimmy", "Rocky Mountain Humming Bird", "Green Leaker", "Driptroit Diesel" can be considered a Stovebolt (thank you, Wikipedia, for those names). The definition of Stovebolt is appropriately and flexibly sui generis.

Does that 6-71 (in-line or V) have any stovebolt machine screws on it?

just saying

All good points voiced. This discussiion proves my point though. There is a much larger group of members that are interested or own the "AD" version of the stovebolts. No harm in that, just wondered why.

Speaking of AD's. I'm picking up my new '53 5 window 1/2 ton basket case project this Saturday.
Cleon

My earlier reply to that question was because I'm familiar with them, it's what I started working on/playing with going on half a lifetime ago. I expect many are in the same situation.

Grigg

I don't know real --- While I do drive a TF I am indeed taken with the earlier, more shapely, and clearly much more artistic forms of the Art-Deco era. The grills alone make an artistic statement well beyond the egg crate style of the more practical, but not as eye pleasing grills of the late 55 and 56 (and 57 for that matter). That said, however I chose the uniqueness of the Cameo, and the hardiness of the 235 which goes way back. My experience here on the Bolt has been one where I never noticed more AD than TF; the questions get answered either way, from both ends, and help and suggestions and pictures are forthcoming generously from both camps no matter their chosen rides. Just my .02.

Dale

Hi John!
I have no beef with the accepted definition of "Stovebolt" on this site. It's a great site. I guess for me the name of the thread is a little provocative - "true stovebolt" - especially since I have any number of questions about my 41 sedan, and previous questions about that car have been stifled.
But this thread is meant to be about our different preferences for these old trucks, and that is valid. I am not sure but that I may like the Art Deco models even more than the AD, but even the hallowed 1954 model (particularly the grill) starts to wander away from my idea of vehicular beauty, sorry Tim.
I sure would love to drain a few pitchers with the gang over this issue, when are you all coming to the great Swedish Stovebolt Reunion?
In a friendly spirit...
Karl

Karl,

My only consolation regarding the 1954 grill is that the GMC grills of that era were even more questionable in their beauty.

The appeal of my truck was its cost in 1971, $200. My $70 1948 panel was closer to rusting away. If you can't be with the one you want, want the one you're with (or, something like that).

If your 41 sedan has a stovebolt engine in it, in my mind you are a stovebolter, in a purer sense of that term. Just be ready to take the jabs from the truckers.

so is AD refering to 42-46 or what

Usually AD stands for Advance Design trucks '48 - 54, but strangely enuf AD does NOT mean Art Deco - Art Deco usually meaning the trucks from about 41 to 47.

No, Art Deco is 41-46, it just unfortunately has the same initials. AD stands for Advanced Design, the 47-54 (and 55 first series) trucks.

Advance - Design is the GM terminology for the 1947-55 1st Series of trucks. Art Deco is a term dating back to 1920's France. The more common association for industrial design is Streamline Moderne, it was used on everything from automobiles to refrigerators and has enjoyed continued resurgence every decade since. It is an unofficial but common reference to the 1941-early 47 trucks.

I think AD's bring the most money.... watch Barret Jackson next Tuesday for a few days and prove me wrong...

There's a reason that Chevy made the SSR and HHR.......

ok well i never liked the look of the late 47-55 trucks
i got a 47 1 ser thats the cool 46 design
was confused about the AD abervation
thanks

For me if its pre 1972 Chevy or GMC pickup i consider it a stovebolt, Why? this site! Ive been on here since i was 16 just about everything i know about them comes from reading post on this site. I finally got my Advance design when i was 20. I also love all of the years, the next truck i buy will probably be which ever comes up on craigslist first after i get the money together to start another project. I have this irrational fear that by the time i have enough for a new project, it will be years later and all the good ones will be picked over! Does anybody else get really jealous when they pass by a junk yard full of old cars and trucks?

Mnsmith ... um, yeah .... Like, I'm still kinda using it ...

Karl ... a svenska stovebolt hoedown sounds great to me!
Complete with a recital by the mrs?

Thanks Tim. Always the wise tribal elder around here.