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Long Hibernation: 1941 Chevrolet Pickup

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This long hibernating 1941 Chevrolet pickup is looking for a new home. Featuring a fairly even patina, with no apparent major rust concerns, which draws our attention further to this old truck. We love the large fenders and the ever so wide running boards. The truck appears complete and looks like it would be a good candidate to get up and running again, or perhaps even a good restoration candidate. Bidding on this time capsule is currently up to $2,650, with only a few hours left. Find it here on ebay out of Westfield, Wisconsin.

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The seller has been short but certainly truthful. The inline 6 appears to be original, but boy is it crusty. We would be interested in knowing if the engine is free or not. The bay looks pretty good for not being touched at a minimum of 10 years, although we suspect it’s been much longer than that since someone was wrenching on this old truck. It’s no cream puff for sure, but it’s not a bad start. The wiring in the bay doesn’t appear to be chewed up by any small rodents.

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The interior has such an even rustic patina that we just fell in love with it. All of the dash trim appears to be present, and there is even a cool heater still with the truck.  The seat is still there, but it will likely need some attention before taking on some journeys. The glass is pretty rough, and the windshield is evidence of this. The glass appears to be somewhere between delaminated, and cracked, or both.

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This truck isn’t perfect, but looks to be a good start for a project. Another thing we really like about the eBay ad is the seller mentions that he has the key, and the title to the truck. The title was signed over June 9, 1958. We get the idea this truck has lived a life much like Rip Van Winkle, but instead of sleeping for 20 years, this truck looks to have slept for 58 years so far. You cannot currently steer the truck via the steering wheel, as it desperately needs a steering box. Would you awaken this long hibernating Chevrolet? If you did, what would you do with it?

Comments

  1. Avatar David Wilk Member

    Auction ended! Sold for $3902.

    Like 0
  2. Avatar geomechs Member

    The ’41 to early ’46 GM trucks are amongst my favorites. This one would qualify for a full restoration. I see that someone has already changed the bed as the rear fenders are for an Advanced Design unit. If it came my way, I’d get a reproduction bed and rear fenders which are both readily available. I don’t have a problem keeping the 216 because it can maintain a steady 55, and you don’t really want to go much faster than that. I could be persuaded into (maybe) something as big as a 261 which would fit in but you would have to run an electric fan in front of the rad as the water pump and regular fan won’t clear it…. Aw hell, just keep the 216…

    Like 2
    • Avatar Bobsmyuncle

      Is that why the rear wheels aren’t centered in the fender opening?

      Like 2
      • Avatar geomechs Member

        That could well be the reason the wheels aren’t centered. But the stock fenders were more pointed (read: teardropped) at the back.

        Like 1
  3. HoA Howard A Member

    I knew right away, there’s NO WAY this was a local truck. This thing sure has been around the block. N.Dakota, W. Virginia, Wis., ( sounds like a song) with varying increases in price along the way. Still a pretty good deal, gonna need everything, but non-existent in Wisconsin. I hope the current buyer does something with it, probably resto-mod, very popular model with resto-moders, and that’s ok. I’d rather see that then it being shuffled around. If I ever want another one of these, gonna have to be quick, and preferably, from someone that doesn’t have the internet ( oh yeah, I know some folks in N.Wis. that don’t even have cell phones, and I’m not too proud of that fact)

    Like 0
  4. Avatar John H. in CT

    I picked up a 53 chevy 5 window 3/4 ton last year in similar condition ith the idea of restoring it. Then I added up the costs. At this stage I’ve come to realize you restore these yourself because of the passion, because if you have the work done you will be way underwater.

    Only way today to get your money out is with a mild restomod. I sold mine without restoration to a more ambitious soul.

    Like 1
    • Avatar geomechs Member

      Hi John. The reality of the whole hobby is that you’re not very likely to recoup your investment whether you resto-mod, hot rod, rat rod, or purist restore. It’s the passion–the journey–no matter which way you go. The only ones who make real money in this game are the ones who do the work for hire. I see the odd flipper make out OK but the realities behind the majority of them is that they’ll buy one that is sure to make them a bundle, only to find that it’s the one that sinks them; they end up just getting rid of it to free up some cash flow and start again.

      Like 1
      • Avatar John H. in CT

        Hi Geomechs, Thanks for your kind words. I do own some other classic cars, but prior to the truck always acquired semi-restored ones that I could then bring back to dead-on stock as new, doing a lot by myself. The truck was the first time I considered going from start to finish. Perhaps when I retire I’ll have the time and passion to take one on, but I still will look for something with rarety or provenance that makes my labor worth at least minimum wage!

        My latest project is a ’70 AAR Cuda that I’m taking from semi-rough driver to 2+ condition and to very factory correct. Why an AAR? They have good history and were only made for six weeks. And compared to a 440 or 426 Hemi, they were built for road racing versus the 1/4 mile, so very good handling. I’m having fun while coming close to break even or better, based on the AAR’s history and relative rarity.

        Like 1
      • Avatar geomechs Member

        John, you’re going to enjoy that Cuda. It’s one of my favorite cars from that era and it’s one of the muscle cars that people actually NOTICE. Good luck with your build….

        Like 1
  5. Avatar J Holtsr

    I would re-frame the truck with an s10 frame,

    Like 0
    • Avatar geomechs Member

      Putting a truck body onto a modern frame might be tempting but from what I’ve seen, it’s more trouble than its worth. If the donor truck happens to be a write-off, you might have trouble registering the truck. I’d check with your DMV. Myself, if I was inclined to update (read: resto-mod/hot rod) I’d be more inclined to get a built frame/rolling chassis from a builder like TCI. You’ve got your suspension, brakes, motor mounts, rear axle (all you need to add is a diff carrier and your motor) By the time you get through all the headaches and expenses from trying to use a chassis that wasn’t designed for it, you’d be money and frustrations ahead going the other way. I know several people who have opted for the built rolling chassis and they’re all very happy with their decisions.

      Like 1
  6. Avatar Doc

    I love these old trucks. Headlights on top the big ole fenders, just too cool.

    Like 1
  7. Avatar Doc

    Ha! It went what I would consider cheap. $3900 and change. Someone stole that one. Call a cop!

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Johnny

    I have a 41 Chevrolet pick up. Bought it in 1970 while on leave from the army. Still have it and been looking for some parts for it. Instead of paying these outrages prices on e-bay,etc. I think I,ll just take a sight seeing -take my good old time driving around trip out west and get my parts on the trip. I,ve had some good times in my old truck . ,but I can,nt see paying $800 for a rear fiberglass fender. Before I,d let them burn me. I,d put a wooden bed on it. These fiberglass fenders are bad about splitting the paint.When a gravel is throw out of the tire thread. I,ll buy a parts truck first. I,m in need of a front fender and be interested in any parts in descent shape.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Tim

    Just bought a good 1941 Chevy 1/2T pickup truck. Solid body, good running truck, that needs a few things like a new chromed grille.

    Like 1

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