The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk '44 paint color?

**Newbie** I recently acquired what I believe to be a 42 or 44 Chevy 3/4 ton truck. I have a thousand questions but no one locally that is an expert. Im curious if anyone can identify this paint color, it appears to be original and can be found all over the truck. Secondly does the cowl tag in the photo appear to be original? I have the data off of it which is 6BL09 then the production number. There is no chrome on the truck other than the exterior door handles ; interiors are plastic. Anyways, I'll add more pictures to photobucket if anyone is interested. My intention is to restore it back to factory stock. Thanks in advance for any advice. -

http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/1led50/media/44chevyfirewall_zps4445ae06.jpg.html

Nick

Welcome to the site.

There were supposedly absolutely no civilian model trucks produced in '43-44, even for use by the military. I highly doubt you have a '44 model truck.

Chevrolet did get permission from the government to build civilian trucks for "essential users", starting in January of '44. Those trucks are considered an extension of '42 model year, which was cut short due to the war. The available colors for the '44-'45 trucks were Turret Gray, White Cream, Yellow, and Orange.
Judging from the serial number you've posted, you have a 1942 (early) 3/4 ton built at Oakland CA in September of '41.

Thanks for the great info already.

Longbox55 : That answers alot of questions right there! Do you know if that green is an original color for 42? Also my truck has 14" brakes on front and rear, yet "BL" states that it had 11"? Did all 3/4 ton trucks come with hooks on exterior of bed? Was a side mount spare tire carrier a factory option? Sorry to be a pain but you seem to have the answers. Thanks again

I have a 46 which was the same green. Sure post more pictures we all like that. I am restoring mine close to factory except export blue and not org. Interior color. Are you inthe sf bay area?

try this site http://www.tcpglobal.com/autocolorlibrary/default.aspx

> 1942 Chevy Truck paint mix codes

- Lonnie

That particular shade of green is very common on older Chevrolet trucks, as from about 1941 through 1980, it was the "standard" color on them.
The rear brakes throw a wrench in the works, that would point more to it being a BM, which is the heavy duty 3/4 ton. It should also have 17" wheels. It could be possible that the engine has been changed at some point.
The hooks were most likely added aftermarket, I've never come across one with factory hooks on the bed. Same applies for the tire carrier.

Are the welds on the "a" post of the cab at the base of windshield welds or ground and leaded? That is the best way to tell if its war production.

Rh

The regestration on my truck says 46. It has the welds on the A pillar. It also has the leather fill neck seal. Two wiper motors. The door handles were from earlier model. I think they were using up parts.

Nick,
Look at this site. It will assist you inidentifyingg your year.
http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/art%20deco/index.html
Harold