General – What we have here is a unique truck, it is a1949 Chevy, 3600, five window, grain truck survivor. Back in the day most producers bought Chevy/GMC 1 ½ ton and other manufacture’s large capacity trucks. They still dot the landscape in rural Montana. Smaller outfits or those who could not afford a larger truck, purchased cab and chassis ¾ ton and 1 ton units and outfitted them with boxes they often moved from one truck to another. This appears to be the case with this truck.
The truck came out the wheat region of north central Montana. The 1947 thru 1955 “Advanced Design”, Chevy is one of the most sought after of all pickups. The most sought after of these is the coveted five window. However, any more these trucks pretty much fall into two categories; the first being a total basket case, beyond restoration, and good only for parts. The second category is one which is already restored and well beyond most budgets. This one is the hard to find in between and is an excellent candidate for either restoration or to hot rod, however if the latter is your plan, I do not want to hear about it. The truck has a clear Montana title and is properly notarized.
Mechanical - The original, or era correct, 216 CID six cylinder engine is present, not frozen, and according to the previous owner he had it running and driving two years ago. The transmission is a four speed, and it goes into each gear and clutch feels alright. The brakes will obviously need to be rebuilt; you need to pay particular attention that you do this correctly, as the old master cylinders were only a single chamber unit, so any leak anywhere and you are quickly out of brakes. There is a plate on the dash that I have never seen, it indicates a No Spin differential (see picture). My research indicates this was a dealer installed forerunnerto the posi track. Beyond this description I just do not know much mechanically, as I have never been able to drive the truck.
Exterior - The best part about this truck is it is a five window, and a deluxe cab with chrome window garnish, grill and bumper. What rust there is, is confined to the cab corners and passenger’s door bottom. I have these parts new and it is an easy weld job. The floors are very solid. No matter whether restoration or hot rod is your goal, you are money and time ahead by starting with as solid and rust fee vehicle as you can possibly find, (see pictures). This one does however have 71 years of dents, dings, welds and what some people call “patina”.The wooden grain box is surprisingly complete and could be shown or used as is. The driver’s and rear windows are broken, all other glass is in good original condition. All tires hold air.
Interior – Not much to talk about here. It was a highly optioned truck to include heater and factory radio. The seat frame and springs are presen, and that is what your upholsterer needs to recover with dark maroon, or some say black vinal. All gages and instruments are present. The interior of this truck is all there; if you are going for an original restoration - clean it, sand it and paint it. If you are going for a hot ro, then you probably already have your own ideas.
Summary – The simplicity of a pickup is what makes its restoration so popular and easy. This one would make a great project for a father and son/daughter, the guys in the shop, or whoever. While this five window will require some work, much of what needs to be done is that which one would normally do anyway in either a restoration or hot rod build. The main point is you have a solid body and clear title to work with. The old truck deserves another chance in life to show up at your local car show, or for work with your business logo on the doors.
Payment, Disclaimers, Storage, and Transportation - Please if you have less than ten positive eBay transactions, contact me before bidding so I can be sure of your sincerity and ability to pay, thank you. I require a nonrefundable deposit of $500.00 within 48 hours, and the remainder prior to me sending you the title. Please only the deposit by PayPal unless you are willing to pay the PayPal 3% surcharge. Well I have tried to represent the old truck as honestly and accurately as I can; please read this ad thoroughly and look closely at the pictures. Did I mention it is a five window? Make no mistake it is not currently a roadworthy vehicle, rather it is a project. The truck is sold as is, where is, and with no guarantee nor warrantee implied or specified. I am very proud of my 100% rating and will answer questions. I will post some of them so that others may benefit. The truck is stored in a secure compound and can remain so, as long as you pay the rent of $25 per month. If you send after the truck, I will help you with shipping in any way I can, also, you should make sure you advise your shipper that the truck does not currently run on its own. Good luck with your bidding and thank you for your time spent in reading my ad.
12 October, Addendum - I have been asked by an overseas bidder for the dimensions. I thought they may benefit others, they are:Length - 17 Feet 2 inchesHeight - 74 1/4 inchesWidth 75 1/4 inches