- Seller: Thomas G (Contact)
- Location: Ottumwa, Iowa 52501
- Mileage: 2,000 Shown
- Chassis #: 1946628
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 327 SBC V8
- Transmission: TH350 Automatic
Whether your restoring or customizing a classic car, some builds tell a story. This 1938 Chevrolet 1/2-ton pickup started life as a forgotten hot rod project, abandoned to the elements, quietly aging as someone’s yard art. But where others saw rust and regret, the seller saw potential. What followed is a total ground-up resurrection blending traditional hot rod styling with modern drivability. Now fully rebuilt and ready for the road, this unique Chevy pickup is headed to auction right here on Barn Finds. It’s located in Ottumwa, Iowa, and is offered with a clean title and just 2,000 miles since completion.
At a glance, the 2-inch chopped cab and shortened bed signal that this is no ordinary ’38 Chevy. The wheelbase remains stock, preserving the truck’s proportions, but every other aspect has been thoughtfully modified. Under the hood, a fully rebuilt 327 small-block Chevy breathes through Trick Flow aluminum double-hump heads and a mild cam, offering the perfect blend of sound and street manners. The seller is including a Quadrajet intake with a new carburetor for those who prefer a less complex fuel system.
Backing the 327 is a TH350 automatic transmission feeding power to a Ford 9-inch rear end with 3.50 gears. The rear suspension is a triangulated 4-link setup with coilovers, while up front, a 4-inch drop I-beam axle, Lincoln brakes, and a Borgeson steering box ensure confident handling and braking without sacrificing classic vibes.
Inside, the theme of tasteful customization continues. The builder retained the stock dash, now filled with Stewart-Warner gauges. A column shifter, reproduction windshield frame with functional glass, and even an electric cowl vent all come together for a cabin that blends simplicity with function.
Despite the extensive work, nothing feels overdone. The truck sits just right, with an aggressive rake and purposeful stance that pays homage to its hot rod roots. With only 2,000 miles since the build, it’s sorted and ready to be driven or shown—and there’s still room to make it your own if desired.
Whether you’re drawn to vintage trucks, period hot rods, or simply want something that turns heads with every mile, this ’38 Chevy offers a rare blend of history, craftsmanship, and attitude. Would you cruise it, show it, or both?
Bid On This Auction
JJM bid $9,750.00 2025-09-26 11:13:53
To old love vettes bid $9,500.00 2025-09-26 11:11:49- JJM bid $9,250.00 2025-09-26 11:11:38
Carrol skaggs bid $9,000.00 2025-09-26 11:08:15- JJM bid $8,750.00 2025-09-26 11:07:19
- To old love vettes bid $8,500.00 2025-09-26 11:05:19
- Carrol skaggs bid $8,250.00 2025-09-26 11:03:20
- To old love vettes bid $8,000.00 2025-09-26 11:01:09
- JJM bid $7,500.00 2025-09-26 11:00:37
- To old love vettes bid $7,000.00 2025-09-26 10:59:34
- Carrol skaggs bid $6,700.00 2025-09-26 10:58:51
- To old love vettes bid $5,000.00 2025-09-26 10:27:57
- Carrol skaggs bid $3,000.00 2025-09-26 09:08:06
jen bid $2,250.00 2025-09-25 12:17:15- To old love vettes bid $2,000.00 2025-09-20 16:03:33
Chuck Storey bid $1,350.00 2025-09-20 14:11:19- To old love vettes bid $1,000.00 2025-09-20 11:44:19
One of the “just right”builds. Great workmanship. Looks like fun to me.
I’m with Bobhess. The proportions are just right. Love the black steelies and Chevy half ton button caps which were actually from a pickup, so at least to me and the builder, it ties it all in. Beautiful paint job too.
Nice truck. Glad the builder didn’t take the lazy way and build it rat Rod style. That fad needs to end.
This lil beauty is purrrfect!
This is one sweet ride, clearly well thought out and appears to be extremely well assembled. Good luck on your sale although I would personally keep it and spend my weekends thumping anyone who would care to try me on the street.
Yeah it’s fun to drive and a definite thumbs up truck. It’s a kick to go to the grocery store and pick up groceries for the week.
I have some other projects to complete and might consider a partial trade for a project body for a salt flat racer I would love to build. Thanks for all the kind words.
Tom G.
Tom, what are those seats from? I’m looking for something similar for my ’38.
Thank-you.
Hey Jay,
They are modified Volvo electric seats.
Thank-you. Greatly appreciate your help.
You’re welcome,
Any thing I can do to help, love building cars and this hobby.
Is that a Manafree intake and 4 2 bbl carb set up?
It’s an Offenhauset 4 x 2 with Rochester 2g primary carbs. They used to call it poor man’s fuel injection.
It actually works well, I will be back home later today and will send a video and a picture of the other intake and carb set up that can go with the truck if needed.
Thanks Tom
Boy did you take me back with you reference to “Man-A-Fre” direct port induction. I still have an old hot rod magazine from 1965 that featured that set up. In fact John Milner’s ’32 in “American Graffitti ran the same system.
Looks like a well thought out build with solid workmanship. Can’t find much to fault here. Sweet hot rod.
You are right, well thought out and executed. Picked a theme and stuck to it. The carb linkage looks like it was built using Enderle, pieces, those always give a positive impression.
Hopefully this gets the bidding it deserves.
Steve R
Tom, How is the turned tool mark finish on the trim pieces and glove box door created?
Is there an NC machine used? A lot of precise work!
The jeweling or engine turned pieces were created with my shop drill press and jig I made to create it. It’s all custom stainless pieces that is not hard to do just tedious and takes a little time. I kinda got carried away a bit but I liked the look.
Tom G
You do very nice work. I know how much thought and effort goes into a build like this.
Thanks.
They look great.
Very nicely done! I particularly like the 4 deuce carb. setup. You just don’t see that very often. If I was in the market I would be bidding!
I was the high bidder on the 49 Plymouth wagon sold here back in April from the same seller. The seller Tom really knows how to build a solid hot rod. I saw this truck in person and it looks great, bid with confidence.
is rear end a posi track very nice build like it
Yes, it is a positrack diff,
Thanks for the kind words from the Plymouth Suburban owner!
Tom G
thank you jc
thank you jc
thank you jc
I know where the gas tank sits but what is under the small hatch in the bed. Love these old trucks especially one done so perfect like this one. The 4×2 is a great look.
The battery sits under that little hatch.
I just got back from the grocery store a few minutes ago. I don’t know if I should sell this one or not. Love it.
Didn’t we seething truck AND ad a few weeks ago?
As I don’t type particularly fast, I am going to save myself some time and just say that I second nearly all of the positive comments already made. This little beauty oozes cool. Kudos to the builder, you have a great eye for real hot rods.
I really appreciate the words from oldrodder I am in my mid seventies so I guess I’m an old rodder as well. Still love building them and I have a couple more in mind so that is the biggest reason for selling.
Thanks again for the kind words, Tom G
You’re very welcome. I envy you being able to continue with your passion at your age. I am 76, and even though I still own and drive (when I can) the last of many Corvettes, I am no longer physically able to “tinker” around the shop like I used to. Best of luck to you my friend, and I hope you can continue with your journey for many moons.
Thank you Old Rodder!
I am not very fast anymore but I usually only do it once. Very fortunate to be blessed with patience. It’s great to have a passion when you are in your senior years. I have been fortunate to have built a lot of cars( all four kids were involved with ground up builds for them.) A few restorations but I have an obsession with building hot rods in the last few years. Tom
Body and paint look outstanding that is an indication of what the rest of truck is.
Tom g. Has your truck sold already sold?. thanks carrol s.
No it hasn’t sold yet, make a reasonable offer.
Thanks for the inquiry, Tom