This 1941 Chevrolet pickup has been owned by the same owner since 1966, and while it’s cosmetically tired, it’s also a dry California example. The bed has been converted to a flat-bed of sorts, and the seller notes that this one is a blank canvas for any number of restoration types – from a rat-rod to a sympathetic restoration to something in between, like swapping it onto a later model chassis. How you would you restore it – or would you? Find the truck here on eBay with a $4,999 Buy-It-Now.
The truck is equipped with a 235 6-cylinder motor with a 3-speed transmission, and the seller notes it’s not running currently, but “….will probably fire with battery, points, etc. and comes with extra parts.” The cab of the truck presents nicely with no obvious rot/rust, and while I’d prefer to see an original bed out back, I’m also happy to see a truck that hasn’t been overly modified or otherwise hot-rodded. It’s clear the Chevy has been a worker for most of its life.
The interior is in fair condition, with a dusty but un-torn bench seat. The manual transmission is a plus, and the weathered dashboard should be allowed to keep its well-earned patina. The seller does acknowledge that despite its apparently rust-free exterior, the truck will require new floor pans. The split rims are also gone, having been converted to 15-inch wheels at some point in the past. The seller opines that this generation truck should migrate fairly painlessly to an S10 frame.
That’s almost exactly what happened to the 1953 Chevy pickup in the large Georgia barn find listed as a Barn Finds Exclusive. This truck has been swapped to an ’80s-era 4WD chassis, bringing with it power steering and power brakes. While the frame swap may offer easy access to upgrades, I think I still prefer old trucks in their original form. No matter what, these old Chevys have such great looks that it doesn’t really matter what you mount them on.
I like what I see but would definitely prefer the original steel box instead of the deck. I would try to source out a box if this came my way. I’d also look for an original steering wheel, and proper wheels. And if I see a 216 in my travels, I’ll have one of them sitting between the rails, although I’ll admit that the 235 can sit there for a spell; I won’t be in too much of a hurry…
I found a original one, 1944, with documentation – but nor for sale anymore ;)
I’m with Geomechs on swapping the flat deck for an original steel box, although I’d be happy to run with the 235, especially if it’s a later version of the exotic Thriftmaster with full-pressure lubrication.
I’d also do a wheel change to some later 15″ steel rims (to run modern rubber) and original hubcaps.
Add a twin-carb manifold, and a split exhaust for a few more ponies, give the body a freshen up with a decent coat of paint and enjoy the ride…
i have always Wanted a 1949-53 3100, similar to this but a little newer. I would lower it but not too much and give it a slight patina, just like the one i put below.
I’d go with a stake bed and keep the 235
out front. Might consider a 4-speed tranny to take advantage of the engine’s
full torque potential. Then, I’d redo the
cab and front fenders, fix the floors, add
a radio, and drive and enjoy. Sometimes,
I see one of these on the road here in Winter Haven. That one is painted Cream
with Brown fenders and seems to get down that same road with mo trouble at
all. Best of all it’s a beater whose owner
uses it every day for its intended purpose-
hauling things from point A to point B.
What more could you ask of such a fine
old truck.
https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1111690_1946-chevy-pickup-truck-is-worlds-oldest-prius-hybrid-really
Just put a prius drivetrain in it.