Decisions, decisions! The new owner of this 1946 Chevrolet ½-ton Pickup will face a few because there are plenty of paths they could choose to follow in their build. Its rock-solid nature means the panels only require basic massaging to present at their best. However, that lack of penetrating rust could make it the ideal candidate for a ratrod build. The Pickup is listed here on eBay in Great Falls, Montana. Frantic bidding has pushed the price to $4,450, which is short of the reserve.
The history of this Pickup is unclear, but the tired original Swift Red paint and a few minor dings and dents suggest it is no trailer queen. It has worked to earn a living, but it looks like its life has been one of use rather than abuse. Any bumps and bruises are repairable without the buyer resorting to steel replacement. However, the best news is this classic’s rock-solid nature. The frame carries a coating of surface corrosion, but it looks structurally sound. The front floor has penetrating rust, but as this is a bolt-in component, the new owner can leave the welder in the cupboard after spending around $120 on a high-quality reproduction floor. The most vulnerable areas of these old workhorses are the lower cab corners and cowl, but there are no visible problems. The passenger side windshield has a crack in one lower corner, but the remaining glass looks fine. Some trim pieces should polish nicely, although a couple will probably head to the platers for a refresh. Overall, whipping the panels and paint into shape could be a satisfying undertaking for someone in a home workshop this winter.
The supplied interior shots lack clarity, but they suggest everything is present. The painted surfaces have seen better days, but returning them to their former glory should not be difficult for someone with good preparation and painting skills. The wheel has cracked badly, and the gauge cluster lens looks like it might be cloudy. However, with those issues addressed, fresh paint, new seat upholstery, and a rubber mat on the floor, this interior should present at its best once again. The story with the drivetrain is more complex because the engine and transmission are long gone. The Pickup would have featured the company’s legendary 216.5ci “Stovebolt” six producing 90hp and 174 ft/lbs of torque. That power found its way to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission, and while it wouldn’t frighten muscle cars, this Pickup would easily have carried its designated load without raising a sweat. The buyer has choices to make, depending on their vision for this classic. Locating a period-correct engine and transmission is possible if a faithful refurbishment is on the agenda, but the new owner may elect to follow the custom or ratrod path. If that’s the case, they will only be limited by their imagination and the size of their budget.
With the ongoing popularity of classic Pickups, I’m unsurprised by the bidding activity on this 1946 Chevrolet Short Bed. Sixteen people have submitted thirty-eight bids, and plenty of time remains on the auction for that figure to climb further. Some will be attracted by its lack of rust, while others will find the idea of taking a blank canvas to create the vehicle of their dreams impossible to resist. I would typically advocate for a faithful restoration, but the loss of the original engine and transmission lead me to believe it would be an ideal candidate for a custom or ratrod build. If you’ve dreamed of owning a classic Pickup, is this Chevrolet one you might consider pursuing further?
I wouldn’t bother with a restoration for this truck. You’ll only have troubles finding correct or reasonably correct small items, the nickel and dime stuff. If you can find them you’ll wait for back ordered stuff and pay $ thru the nose for shipping. Push all that “correct” resto nonsense aside and Hot rod these old workhorses. Want to see an original? Go to a museum. Make it reasonably fast and safe so a schoolbus doesn’t rear end you, and have a ball. It looks fine to me the way it is so I’d concentrate my efforts on completely upgraded chassis and motorvation. OR . . go ahead and restore it. It’s up to the buyer, is’t it?
I agree with Dave, modernize the chassis and drivetrain and have fun.
Please stop promoting rat rod culture. This truck deserves way more than that.
I typically build a couple vehicles a year. Some are faithful restorations, and on some, I go resto-mod. My decision is usually based on what I start with: highly original vehicles stay as survivors, or get restored. Incomplete, or rough get resto-modded.
Regardless of which way I go, with old trucks I always end up driving the resto-mods waaay more than the restorations. The reality is, old restored trucks just don’t drive very well compared to modern vehicles.
If I were to buy this one, I would source a late model Silverado, and do a body swap. A few years ago, I swapped a ’53 Chev pickup body onto an Escalade drivetrain. I drive it at least once a week. In contrast, I drive my restored 1945 Dodge WC truck a few times a year…..
I like original vehicles as much as anyone but this is in my opinion would be in line with a resto-mod since all of the primary drive components are missing. I am not a fan of the Rat-rod craze so for me that would be out and this is to good for that. But to each his own we all have different taste. As good as these old trucks were upgrading the drive train and adding a few modern convinces would make it much more enjoyable for a long drive. I have owned and driven a lot of miles in many older trucks and as much as I loved them at the time when I replace them with something nicer I rarely look back and wish I had the older truck as my daily driver.
When I see this truck, I just see the dream, not the problems. Wish I had room.
Depends on what you are going to do with it. I need a pickup to haul brush to the dump, manure from the farm 8 miles away to my vegetable garden, compost likewise, lumber from the lumberyard, kyaks from the house to the lake, none of the trips more than 20 miles away. So, I would make it look better (and I do not mean a clear coat over the rust), install the 235 Chevy 6 with positive oil pressure and a 4 speed transmission and “economy” rear end ratio, preplace the flat glass that has a problem and drive it. Yes, modern conviences, particularly rack and pinon steering would be nice, but, one can get used to the constant correction that old steering boxes demanded, and, like much else, muscle memory takes over and you do not really notice it – except that you cannot take your eyes off the road to use your cell phone or you end up somewhere you do not want to be. And a dual master cylinder and modern brake lines. And a second windshield wiper, even if it is a fraud, but I suspect it would not be hard to rig it up since it was probably an accessory back then.
I had one, identical to what this was, as a high school car, back in the mid 50’s. I respectfully submit, there is nothing in my memory to suggest that I would want another.
What’s the truck under the tarp? Morris maybe?
Looks like the next generation of Chevy truck but hard to say.
How about that? This truck comes up for sale in Great Falls and I happen to be in Great Falls. If I can escape my other duties I just might go have a look at this gem.
Now as far as I’m concerned the best way to do this one is original, right down to the Babbitt-Pounder, three speed stick and a lot of people in import SUVs and Tokyo Trash Cans following me down the 2-lane, honking and flipping me off for being in their way (of course they own the road). I’m in no hurry; why should they be? Anyways, the engine and transmission are no trouble to locate and parts aren’t too hard either. A person could drop in a 235 but you MAY have problems clearing the fan. Paint from the hardware store and you could be on the road without breaking the bank. Restore it and enjoy it. Too many people seeing bellybutton rigs…