Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

My Great, Great Uncle Howard purchased this Chevrolet Truck new in 1946, soon after WW2 had ended. He was a hunch-back farmer from Maynard, IA. He was never married, and there are no pictures of him (I understand he was embarrassed of his appearance. I believe he was barely 4' tall). My Grandmother was very close to him, and he took her to CA when she was 16 to visit family (I believe back in the 30's). Long story short (I will fill the details in a later post), my dad had been telling me for years that he was going to pass the old tuck on to me, but I didn't think it would happen anytime soon. To my surprise, Dad towed the old truck down July 10' with the title and some money to repair the front end.

Re: Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

Currently, I am in the process of installing Flat Out Engineering's IFS and IRS kit. It has taken a little longer than hoped (with 3 of my own children and a busy youth ministry position), but I use this as my "guy time" when I need to get away!

I purchased the parts from Just Corvettes in St. Charles, MO (just North West of St. Louise). They are great guys to work with, and I was very impressed. I spent a little more than I had originally planned, but the donor car was practically a show car that had cosmetic damage to the roof, but less than 50k miles. This way I won't have to replace bushings, bearings, parts - and those things are where the real money would have added up. This is a nearly new condition and will save lots of money in the long run.

Re: Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

WOW!!!!! What a cool story, and a gem of a truck to start with. I can't wait to see your progress with it. I am subscribed to this thread. Don

Re: Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

When my grandma's uncle Howard passed away, my grandma's parents used the old farm truck. When they passed away in the late 60's, my grandma wanted the old truck for sentimental reasons, but my grandfather was a poor farmer and not very mechanically inclined (to say the least) so he wanted nothing to do with it. My dad purchased the old truck for grandma, and they brought it home and it set in her machine shed for years.

The last time it had been licensed was 1978, when my uncle Glen used it to deliver eggs before school. Grandma caught word that he had been drag racing the old bird and made him park it, where it sat collecting dust. I was very close with my grandparents, and spent several summers with them. I always remember the old truck sitting in a corner of the machine shed, and it was one of those things that we always stayed away from. It had so much dust and was so oxidized that we always thought it was light blue.

The summer of 89' (between my 8th and 9th grades), grandma told my dad he could have the truck back. We pulled it out of the shed, and after washing the dust off we realized it was actually dark blue with black fenders. After replacing a short piece of fuel line under the bed, they pulled it around the round farmhouse driveway with a tractor and it started right up the second pass! They drove it on the trailer after setting so long.

Dad and I worked on it all through high school. He didn't finish it until I was in college, but it was always something we had fun with. He and I are very different, and have very different tastes and ideas, but the old truck was always fun to look at and be around.

Dad isn't really known for having much patience. After several years of tinkering with the old truck, he lost interest and it set for the past 7-8 years in his garage. The front end was very loose, and he wasn't up to tearing back into it. When he towed it down for me, he said I was welcome to do anything I wanted to do with it. I've already had a ball and can't wait to complete my toy!

Re: Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

Cool story, and a sweet little truck. My uncle has a 46 GMC that I have been after him for years to get back on the road. Part of me wants him to get it on the road, the other part of me wants him to give up on it and sell it to me:).
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Re: Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

Sweet Truck. Growing up, that sort of project is what kept my Dad and I talking. We worked on so many old trucks and cars together. When we started out, I just handed him wrenches. Then as I watched, he handed his knowledge down to me. That is why I love these old trucks so much now. Now get back to the garage and get that pretty truck back on the road.
Kerry

Re: Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

wow, what an awesome truck. my dad has a 46, and now that I'm done with school, I really want to fix it up with him. It's a driver, but needs TLC.

Re: Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

That is awesome. I love reading the stories of the trucks that have been passed down through the family. Can't wait to see where you go with it in the future.

Re: Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

Things have been so busy, I've only been able to work on my project 1 day a week (well, some of the day anyway). I'm hoping to be able to do more soon. But meanwhile I thought I would update the progress. I am waiting for a reply from Don McNeil with Flat Out Engineering about where the IRS Trailing are brackets are located. The instructions said some of the 46' frames had a bolt hole that will line up. Mine doesn't.

Re: Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

I promised myself I would rest before beginning this next big weekend, but I'm way too high strung to stop long enough! I thought I'd fill in some gaps of my story. I grew up in a Chicago suberb (Algonquin) and moved to the Quad Cities after graduating high school to attend a diesel tech school in Bettendorf, IA. Looking back in hindsight, I see God's hand often protected mr from making really bad mistakes. When I graduated college a GREAT job at the Cummins distributor opened up, I married a great girl I went to church with, we bought a little house with a big garage, and I thought life was over. Well, God had different plans! In 99' we sold our house and all our stuff and moved to Nashville, TN to attend the Free Will Baptist Bible College for youth ministry. It took me 7 1/2 years to complete my Bachelors degree, but it was a great season of life. I worked for Cummins CrossPoint (previously Great Plains), attended school, was the part time Youth Pastor for the great church Good Springs FWB where we lived in the parsonage, and God blessed us with 3 kids (last two where buy-one-pay-twice-as-much-for-second twins). I loved my job at Cummins! I worked my way into having the opportunity to be one of the difficult-to-diagnose techs. I had the priveledge to be trained on all the new products, work on new trucks, and do lots of cool motor home work (many of them cost $300,000 - $1 Million - very professional clientele. Truck drivers are mad the second they break down, even if it's their fault). That job only came after replacing 100s of M11 service blocks! Then in 07 I gradraduated college, was ordained, and moved to MO to serve as the full time Youth Pastor of Fellowship Free Will Baptist Church. I've been very blessed to serve two of the greatest congregations out there! And this old truck has helped me keep my mechanical skills sharpened, when able to take time off.

I hope this added info didn't boar or offend anyone. As I read through the other forums I recognized some are strictly for business, but others are not. I really enjoyed getting to know the story behind the story. If I can help anyone with a Cummins related problem feel free to message me. I also keep my Facebook updated with all my new pics of progress on Uncle Howard's 46'. Feel free to friend me (Facebook, David Inman).
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Re: Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

That's an nice truck and a geat project! I love the body lines of the art deco trucks.
I have a 1940 Chevy 1/2 ton project that I would like to get to someday so I will be watching your progress on the IFS/IRS swap because I have been thinking about the same setup :) Keep up the great work and pictures!

Re: Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

Great build, keep us posted on your proress!

Thanks for sharing the history of the '46 and yourself! God Bless!!

Re: Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

Here are some updated photos. I'll explain more later.

Re: Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

A couple more pics from recent progress. I'm hoping to be able to spend tomorrow getting more done.

Re: Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

subs

nice build

Re: Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

I have made an extreme effort to work on my toy at least one day a week. It has been very good for me, because stressful things just seem to vanish when I become consumed in my garage! That is a good thing! I have posted more pics than normal because I would have learned a lot of things and saved myself some time if I could have seen other's examples (or if there where instructions for the 41-46. The 47 up kit works, but many things - including measurements - are different for the 46). If anyone would like to know the measurements I used, send me a message. I wonder if I should write them all in a future post anyway? Things are going VERY well! I am in hot pursuit to find a set of 90's up Vette rims and tires now.

Re: Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

Looks great!! Here's a link to a super nice build using Flat Out components on a 46 Chevy. I think you might get alot of ideas or just like to see how things could turn out for your truck. Hope this is useful for you! Keep up the great work and pictures:)

http://public.fotki.com/radiowaves88...hevy-pickup-s/

Re: Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

Thanks! I had actually found his project and have consulted it a few times. Thanks for sharing, because I'm sure there are several others who will want to see this extremely quality build.

Re: Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

I have gotten lots done. I had to move the rack notch plate holes back about 1/4" then I first measured because it fit so much better and was easier to remove and install the rack. I have seen pictures of several of these jobs done, and I am not always pleased with the way the inside of the frame is modified. I went the extra step and made plates that weld in front of the Flat Out Boxing plate, and I welded them smoothly into the front crossmember. I have a little more grinding and cosmetic work to do, but you can see the main idea.

When I am all done with all the course welding and work, I am going to take everything back apart and mount on a reciprocating tool so I can weld / grind much easier - with gravity working for me!

Re: Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

I have been working hard, and it's getting really exciting now! I was not aware of this initially, but I had to notch the frame where the upper control arm interferes on the top rear. It's not a big deal, and I will box it in with a piece of tube (when I get to the metal yard I'll get a piece). The fit of everything is just great. Flat Out Engineering does some very quality work! I have been very pleased with everything I have seen.

Right now I am just mocking everything up and doing the dirty work. I will eventually take everything apart, clean / paint / polish, and go together with correct tightness and change some fasteners.

Re: Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

I figured there was a good chance that you had seen that build but I thought I would post it anyway. Super nice truck :chevy:
Progress looks great !!

Re: Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

This is one of the weeks guys like us live for. I didn't necessarily have that much time to spend, but everything fell together perfectly. I stand back and just stare in unbelief how much I have been enjoying this.

To make matters even better, I ran across a set of C6 rims in great shape from a guy moving (rear rubber not so good). Fronts are 245/40/18 with 18" X 8.5 rims and the rears are 285/35/19 with 19 X 10 rims. The rears included spacers, helping it fit even better. Life is good, God is great to me!

I have some more work to do on the rear suspension and bed.

Re: Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

Tha whhel look good on there.

Re: Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

I've been hard at work. I'll write a better explanation later, but here is some pics.

Re: Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

As I day thumbed through hoards of car and truck magazines, I had a thought about tilting the bed, but it seemed more like a far-fetched dream than a real possibility. But as I considered showing off the C4 IRS, and mounting the battery on the frame rail and the boost on the frame behind the cab, it seemed more practical than just dream.

I started by notching a 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 slot in the bed support rails and laid a modified square tubing that I capped the ends. I did not want it too look cheesy, but my goal has always been to appear factory as possible. After some homework and thinking, I also wanted to adjust it any way possible. What I came up with is found in the pics below.

To tilt the bed, I am working on purchasing gas-filled springs to lift. The electric actuators are neat, but I'm not sure I want to spend that much money. It is not a very heavy bed, but I want to lift it safely, and secure it safely too. I looked through oodles of forums checking for other good ideas for tilting beds, but I was really surprised how few well documented articles I could find, especially conceding hinges. I've seen many that I did not like at all, but all the ones that appeared good didn't have viewable pictures of the right stuff.

If anyone is wondering why the back half of the bracket is sticking off the frame, I am planning to replace the rear crossmember that the bracket will mount to. I hope to start on that next week.

If you have any ideas of how to make my design better, or other forums that I missed, feel free to send them my way. Thanks.

Re: Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

Sweet!

Re: Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

Great story!! great build too!! Keep the pix coming and I'm proud of u for having the balls to chop the truck up. Most folks wd have built it the way "Old Uncle Howard" bought it.
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Re: Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

Great story! Will be checking back to see progress. Keep at it!!

Re: Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

Really great story!! This truck is one to cherish. Although, I would have replaced the bushing regardless while everything was broken down and apart.

Re: Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

Nice truck build you got going there I notice you are not too far from me I would love to check that out in person keep up the great work!
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Re: Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

Very nice! Makes me want to get back to work on my project!

Re: Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

I have been REALLY hard at work this past few weeks. There are many seasons that I must work 24 / 7 in youth ministry, so I need to take this window of time to get some stuff done!

My ultimate idea is to run a T56 6 Speed transmission and fuel injection, so I am running all the extra items now so I will be ready when the time comes. I finished the bed tilt, but realized I didn't take pictures of the finished product! Oh well, I will have the bed back on soon.

I purchased 2 250 lbs gas springs (shocks / struts - like to open / close the rear lid on a Vette or Camara). A close friend is an IT manager (aka: the computer guy's computer guy) and former CAD designer, so he showed me a cool and easy formula for placing the shock points on the bed and frame. It turned out GREAT! With a little lift, the bed opens itself and stays, then with a tug down, it easily closes itself. I am in the process of making a latch mechanism that will be hidden in the frame rails - I think I will use a hood latch lock, and the cable will run into the cab with a hood-style release. That way it is all clean looking, safe / secure, and there are not any tacky pins or clips anywhere (no offense if anyone has gone that route!).

A good friend who is a local car collector hooked me up with a TRICK fuel cell. I was going to reinstall the heavy steel job my dad had made, but this thing is neat. It came with a Nova drag car he bought / sold a few years back, and was just setting on his shelf for the past 10 years. I am in the process of installing / hooking up / fabricating parts to put it together.

Re: Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

I have the two boxing plates made that fit behind the rear. I want to hide as many items within the frame rail as possible, but I'm not silly, and want to have access to them when necessary. So with lots of thinking, reading, and talking with friends, I think I came up with a pretty neat idea. I cut the Chevy bowties out of the frame rails, and cutting flat plates that will bolt in behind the hole with 2 1/4 stainless bolts. I'm not done, but on a good path.

Re: Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

amazing story,and an amazing ride as well!

Re: Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

..that's a great transformation you are doing on that truck.. great work..

Re: Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

Love the story, God bless you sir.
Great work! Subscribed
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Re: Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

great project, nice job on the tilt bed also me and my grandfather built several like that back in my minitruck days

Re: Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

I am moving quickly to the next step. After purchasing the mid boxing plate material last week, we removed the cab and engine, all the cross members, and began filling unnecessary holes, welding in all the weld nuts, and welding in the clamping locations for hoses and wires. By next week I hope to have the frame mounted on a frame rotisserie to do final welding and grinding.

I had the opportunity to spend some time with Pastor Roger Hogan last week. He has a 55 Ford F-100 that won (I believe 1st place) truck of year last year (either at the Goodguys or NSCA - whichever is the big one). He had to qualify top places at several major car shows to be eligible to enter the big competition. He gave me some VERY good advice about things I would not have thought of. He suggested moving the battery and master under the cab to clean up the focal point. He had some really good ideas. It was well worth my time on several levels! If you get a chance, Google "Roger Hogan 55 Ford F-100" and you will be impressed - even if we are mostly Chevy guys on this forum!

Re: Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

Great build, subscribed!
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Re: Uncle Howard's 1946 Chevy Truck
 

I have been busy plugging away. I didn't realize how many things I missed taking photos of until I went back through looking for things. After pulling the cab and bed, I am almost ready to install the mid boxing plates. The brake / clutch pedal has been modified and assembled. I will have to take pictures of that soon. There are 1/4" mounting bosses welded into the frame (I believe I'm on my third bottle of MIG gas!). I cut out several bowtie access holes in the boxing plates. The frame will be charcoal and a black plate will bolt up on the back side of the holes. You will see all of the weld nuts ready for the trans member, battery box, brake pedal assembly and booster mounts. I have ordered a couple bear claw hood / trunk latches that will be mounted to latch the bed (another picture I missed taking), and I just received the 2 2psi residual valves and the proportioning valve with the brake switch. I took and fabricated the frame enclosures for the rear side of the front swing arm clearance. That is turning out really well. Then just tonight I mounted the frame on Ted Tenholder's body rotisserie. This will make welding up the boxing plates and finishing the welding / grinding SOOOO much easier (and hopefully more professional appearing).

I appreciate everyone's positive comments. I am always looking for good advice too. I believe it is turning out well, but I am really interested in learning from other's experience to help it turn out really well. Thanks!