We have all witnessed the ascension in popularity of ’60s through mid-’70s pickup trucks, Chevrolet and GMC’s “Action Line” (’67-’72) in particular. They have been really killing it at the usual suspects of high-dollar, televised auctions. I like them but am not drawn enough to want to own one (I will admit an attraction for the ’68-’72 El Camino however). And I think that’s what catches my attention with older pickups like this 1934 Chevrolet example that appears to be a 112″ wheelbase, 1/2 ton model – it’s more like a modified car (Camino?) than it is a truck. Yes, this McAllister, Montana resident is a bit rough but it’s worth a look-see anyway. Interested parties can find it here on eBay where it’s available for a current bid of $7,100 with 32 bids tendered so far.
I’m always interested in the back story of a “barn-found” vehicle, especially one that’s 89 years old, unfortunately, none is offered other than to state that it has been sitting for years. It’s claimed to be complete and 100% together but that’s not really the case. Those among you who are sleuths will note the missing driver’s door and the whatever-it-is that is passing for a tailgate. Nevertheless, two additional doors and a tailgate are included in the sale. The seller makes mention that an A-pillar needs to be replaced, along with the grille insert and radiator splash pan but those parts are included as well. Oh, and the wrong headlights are attached, and “The front fenders need some work but they (are) saveable and the rear fenders need a lot of work but new ones are available“. So, this one is sort of complete, parts-wise, but it’s really not 100% together.
The 65 HP, 207 CI, in-line six-cylinder engine has had its carburetor removed for a rebuilding that never occurred, and, you guessed it, there’s a $50 rebuild kit included in the sale (lots of inclusion going on here). There’s no word as to whether or not the engine will turn over or if anything else important is missing. The manual gearbox should have three-forward speeds.
There really are no images of the interior included in the listing but the seller advises, “It has a seat from a Chevrolet car but new ones are available“. One observation is the speedometer, note the “AC” logo at the six o’clock position – it’s mostly a survivor name more than the original company, as today, it is the ACDelco parts subsidiary. You can assume a complete interior redo will be required but at least it’s a contained, simple environment.
Right before we are told that this Chevy has no title (it’s supposedly available for $200 and a lot of paperwork), the seller opines, “Pickup is a real untouched Gem“. Yes, it is untouched but the “complete and 100% together” claim is not exactly true. This one is a nice find and it would be really interesting to know how it was used over the years, the length of time sitting, etc. but that info is probably lost to the ages. I have to admit that I am surprised that the bidding has reached $7,100 – it seems “generous” considering what’s here. I’m not going to suggest any next steps for this truck but I will ask you to weigh in on that one. What do you think its next stop should be?
Running or not, to be 90 yrs old and still retain the original drivetrain is a helluva feat for this vehicle. I hope whoever buys it don’t cut it into a hotrod and will restore it. Everything it needs can still be located.
I’ve known several 90 year olds with their “original drivetrain”. I agree with you- it’s a helluva feat in my book.
Nothing worse than being accused of having a “small block” installed somewhere along the way…
It would be nearly useless, except to a clodhopper, if it were simply restored. A restomod at the very least, I would want to actually drive it at some point. At least the purists can’t complain about an LS swap here. After all it’s a Chevy!
Oh how wrong you are. Why would you take something that you have all original parts and hack it up and LS swap it. No matter how you look at it there is a good 50 to 70,000 more to be invested so just asking price is absolutely insane. But this is something that should absolutely be restored to original
Totally agree. I am sick of this “restomod” trend and hate to see vehicles like this cut up. Restore it and drive it in parades, around town etc. And old truck like that is a time machine and modifying it ruins it.
State law. Must be restored using original or original replacement parts to obtain an “other than” working title.
Proud clodhopper here, I guess. No, it’s not going to go on the interstate and wth would anyone want to with it? Country back roads would suit this truck and me just fine.
Is that another epithet from the backward-baseball-hat crowd to define restorationists?
If it wasn’t 90 years old I would say that the A pillar requiring replacement would relegate this to a parts car.
Put an Iron Duke in it. Lol!
It was more than likely a ranch truck at one time, the hole cut in the tailgate was probably used as a grain chute.
I’d be afraid the fenders would rub the tires, if you drove 80mph down a bumpy dirt road.
Do you typically drive 80mph down a bumpy dirt road?
Reread the ’31 Ford comments. You’ll understand.
80 mph ha ha when new maybe 68
Rebuilding stove bolt six is a real pain, All Cheve loveres should have to rebuild one .Not a fun engine to work on
Good luck
An LS swap on this all original truck is laughable. You’ll spend more on a new frame or front end with disc brakes, transmission, suspension….etc to support that power than you will buying the parts needed and keeping it stock. If you want an LS you can drive, go get yourself a 99 thru 02 Z or SS Camaro and save a ton of $$.
🎸Last of The Untouched Gems 🎶
Great tune by The Tragically Hip 🍁
Ha, love it! It’s actually “unplucked gems”, but I immediately thought of the song when I read the title as well. You must be in Canada or a northern state that borders a great lake.
What most people don’t realize is this is a WOOD framed pickup cab and just a real nightmare to fix up. The doors are even hung on wood. I’ve owned a lot of these and like this person, I just pass them on to someone else, usually for about $3500. because I tell them it’s a WOOD framed cab.
selling my ’34 Ford pickup with original drivetrain. An interested party told me it is worth way less than my asking price because it has the original drivetrain. I told him to pound sand.
I think being a farm truck and 7 years old when WWII broke out saved it. Farming for the war effort trumped the scrap steel and rubber drives.
I remember when I was growing up my dad had Buicks in the 1920’s and 30’s one of his 1925 Buicks he use to drag race he also had antique Buicks. Some guy came by to buy some original parts from my dad. He started saying to my dad about how people ruin their antique cars by modifying them . That’s when my dad went over and lit up his cutting torch and cut the original front axle the man wanted to buy without blinking an eye. I’m just saying.
I’m sorry that you had to witness that as a child.
Days gone by sorry I see these old things they are just not worth restoring at today cost someone that wins it better check the cost to bring it back .
For me a full driver-quality restoration would be the order of the day. Take the old six and rebuild it, then DRIVE it. They’ll drive pretty good at 50-55 mph. Blueprinting the engine could maybe pull 65. You don’t want to take one of these any faster; they weren’t designed for that. Take one up to 75 in a crosswind then catch the turbulence from a semi and you’ll know what I mean. One of these, bone stock, will run all day at 50 and still take you anywhere you want to go…
Okay, we all know that opinions are like belly buttons, so here’s mine. I say, thanks to GM for the small block Chevy V8. I yanked the flat head 6 out of my ’37 Packard back in late 1994, and replaced it with a 99,000 mile ’72 Chevy 350, 4 bolt main, 4 barrel Rochester carb., and never looked back. The engine is stock, and the car looks stock, and I’d drive it coast to coast, and wouldn’t worry about it. Oh yeah, it has power steering, air con., 4 wheel disc brakes, 308 posi. rear, and a ’68 Camaro front clip. And I make apologies to no one. Drop a small block in this beat up old pickup, and use it for more than parades. The looks you’ll get on the Freeway, when you pass other cars, will be priceless.
What is going on with the front end? The front fenders are so different, beyond bending into shape “serviceable?”. Why are the 2 driver doors leaning against the barn so different? Good luck to the new owner.
The waterfall grille is an amazing touch for a truck in that era, A by-product of the Great Depression. Cars and trucks shared parts. I share the same belief about keeping this truck stock, carb being off is no good. If I can’t, PLEASE someone save this Chevy truck! Merry Christmas! Chevy Power!