The Advance-Design Series of trucks and vans were Chevrolet’s first new ones after World War II. Built from 1947 to 1955, they were the market leader at the time whereas Ford dominates that space today. This long-wheelbase panel delivery is something of a rat rod created by the seller. The paint job, including the Firestone script, was done by the seller and the six-cylinder engine has triple carburetion. Located in Yorba Linda, California, this patina project is available here on eBay where the current bid is $919, but the reserve is unmet and the Buy It Now price is $15,800.
As best as we can tell, this project began with a truck with a straight body that was stripped to bare metal. We’re told there is no filler material to be found anywhere. Then the seller applied the paint (rattlecan?) and added the Firestone signage to make it look like a delivery van from 70 years ago. A sunroof was added in the back, although it looks to only be suited for cargo so far. Inside the van, you’ll find a 1990s Chevy bench seat that may have been recovered and a new OEM rubber floor mat added.
Instead of the original 235 cubic inch inline-6, a later one displacing 250 CI is in its place. An Offenhauser manifold has been added to accommodate three single-barrel carburetors. The distributor is from HEI and a header has been added. The 3-speed Saginaw manual transmission is present with a long-handled shifter. We’re told it’s a good running truck but may need some more dialing in. The van has not been tested at highway speeds should you want to drive it home.
The remaining items on the to-list include fixing the non-running gauges, door locks, windshield wipers, turn signals, and some odds and ends. This is a swap meet kind of vehicle. If you need the creature comforts of the 21st Century, then this Chevy is probably not for you. The van has a clear California title but has not been registered since 2005. The seller doesn’t mention if there are any past DMV fees for being idle for 19 years.
Gotta love the vice grip window crank!!! I like that they went with a tripple carb setup on the replacement 250 straight six. Its unique. A 292 straight six however would be even a bit better. But I like it.
That’s what happen when you don’t take the inside door Plat off an keep a little grease on the door mehicanisms. K
Hey! I’m still using vise grips that came into the wrecking yard I ran nearly 40 years ago. A very expensive window handle even then. I used to keep a box of various styles of window cranks on the counter for a buck back then.
Shiny wheels & white white, white walls kinda blows the patina thing.
Too many if’s, and I really think it looks cheap and horrible.
How hard would it have been to take a spin on the highway? Big ask for a vehicle that needs a lot of work.
Does one drive with a rag over the plate so as to prevent miscreants from seeing the number?
That Chevy Bench seat is great for you and your sweetie to stretch out during date night. As long as you stayed off the highways and kept it at 25mph you might get her back home.
Paw Tina aint so great’n fake? even worse (a ‘survivor’ is sad but if light admissible). Now the HEI? the very worse on these motors. Gunna play around there Y not the 292? & 3 BBDs w/the 2v? or the YH (I lub so much) from the vette?
….what??
“Genuine frontier gibberish” to quote from Blazing Saddles
Remind me of my 1st hack. It could be something cool someday.
Not even 10% of the asking price at this time. I see disappointment on the horizon for this. No doubt the in person viewing will be less than exciting at 15k+.
here’s the original craigslist ad it’s says 3 days but it has been on longer than that
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/d/santa-ana-triple-carb-1950-chevrolet/7704099287.html
The Chevrolet HHR Panel comes to mind, it was based on this car.