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Rat Rod Project? 1936 Chevrolet ½ Ton Pickup

The fact that this 1936 Chevrolet ½ Ton Pickup is a project that has stalled in the very early stages could be a real blessing for the next owner. This means that the work that has been performed hasn’t proceeded beyond the point of no return, and the next owner has a real opportunity to transform it into the Pickup of their dreams. The Chevy is located in Bakersfield, California, and is listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has now reached $4,650, and the reserve has been met.

By and large, this old Pickup appears to be a pretty solid vehicle. There is some rust visible on either side of the cowl, but this should be relatively easy to repair. That appears to be it as far as actual rust is concerned. Sure, there is surface corrosion that may (or may not) need to be addressed, but this is not that surprising given the vehicle’s age. The windshield swings out as it should, but the glass itself will need to be replaced, along with the glass in both doors. The timber in the bed has been replaced at some point in the past, but the owner says that this will need some support work. Also, the removable cab floors are missing, but the steel is there to fabricate new ones.

With the interior of the Pickup, the next owner will be starting from scratch. As well as needing to fabricate replacement floors, new padding and a cover will be required for the original seat. Of course, the next owner might have alternative plans in that area. The dash is complete, but none of the gauges are currently connected. The beauty of an interior like this one is that apart from the seat, gauges, and the wheel, everything is essentially painted steel, so bringing it back to its best is also not a particularly difficult job.

Under the hood would originally have been a 207ci straight-6, with a 3-speed manual transmission bolted to it. That combination is now gone, and in their place, we have a 216ci engine, and 4-speed “crash-box.” The engine doesn’t currently run, but it might not take a lot of work to get it going. In spite of the appearance in the photos, it not only looks like it is complete but a spare engine and transmission, along with sundry other items, will be included in the sale.

Normally I would now bang on about how I’d love to see this Chevrolet ½ Ton Pickup restored to its original condition, but with this one, I am willing to make an exception. I can get some idea of where the owner was headed with the vehicle, and it has all the makings of a great rat rod project. I would be inclined to get the engine running and return the Pickup to a mechanically roadworthy state. I’d restore the interior to its original state, except that I might be inclined to upholster the seat with something a bit different or colorful to liven it up a bit. I’d then give the exterior a clean and a coat of satin clear. I think that the resulting vehicle would be quite attractive and distinctive. Do you agree with me, or would you follow a different path?

Comments

  1. bobhess bobhess Member

    Fix the body, paint it, keep the six and drive it. Neat old truck.

    Like 8
  2. Avatar TimM

    Sand blast the body do the body work an two tone the running boards and fenders in black and the rest of the body in red!! Some nice wheels with a dropped front axle to rake it slightly!! Then ditch the six and go with a 327 and 9″ Ford rear!!

    Like 2
    • Avatar OhU8one2

      I would paint the body light sage green with black fenders. Install a factory fuelie 327 ci with a 4spd tranny and a posi rear end. And drive the hell out of it.

      Like 1
  3. Avatar Dan

    The seller states he does not have a title. Possibly excepting those states that don’t issue titles to vehicles that have passed a certain age, the lack of a title makes me leery as to whether the seller has a legal claim to ownership. It’s a neat truck, but lack of a title means it would be an easy pass for me.

    Like 5
    • Avatar Brent

      Good point on the title. Have known more than one person who got big bucks into a project just to find out they couldn’t title it. Rule #1 is make damn sure everything is legal before you buy it.

      Like 7
  4. Avatar Nevadahalfrack Member

    SOLD-08/10/18 2:47PM for $4800.

    A great project for someone with space, knowledge, tools, time and money-ESPECIALLY money in this particular case!

    Like 2
    • Avatar CATHOUSE

      Now relisted. The seller claims the high bidder had no intention of buying this truck. BIN listing for $4900.

      Like 1

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