I have always loved the 1947-53 vintage Chevrolet pickups. When I was a kid, my dad had a 1950 Suburban. My uncle had an old pickup, but I don't remember what year it was.

I had occasion to go to a State of Iowa auction in 1991 where a 1949 1/2 ton pickup was being auctioned. The paint was fair, the engine looked clean, but I didn't know if it ran or not. Well, I ended up bidding on it, and got it. It took me about a month to fix the brakes, replace fuel and water pumps and get it running. It was maroon as you can see on the left. I have since then put about 15,000 miles on it, enjoying every mile.

Then, early in 1999, I saw an ad for a 1949 Chevy 1/2 ton pickup in the want ads. I went and checked it out. Now, after always dreaming of owning one of these beauties, I have two. The green one has a much better paint job on it and also has the delux cab, fondly nicknamed the five-window (see below).

Both of these trucks are "close to stock". The maroon one has a 235 c.i. straight six with a three on the tree. The green one has an newer 261 c.i. straight six with a 4 speed.

Since I don't have room for two trucks, I have sold the maroon truck to a good friend of mine. So, it isn't too far from home and I will still get to see it periodically.

I just finished a 2 1/2 month project of pulling the engine out of the green truck, completely stripping down all of the parts on the engine, cleaning, repainting and reinstalling. A long but enjoyable project.

Before:         

And after:

I have included some more pictures here for your viewing enjoyment...                 

               

  

Here are my two babies. They get along well together. Aren't they sweet?

I saw this fella one day at the grocery store. I think he might be a cousin. He's kind of a crusty dude, isn't he?

Can you guess what holiday this was? (Here's a hint: As American as apple pie and Cheverolet)

This is my dad's Chevy "Carryall" back in the mid 50's. I am on the right.

And finally, this is one of my favorite pictures. I needed a transmission for my truck. I went to the local "auto salvage yard" and pulled it out of this ole geezer. Even in this condition, they all have a certain personality, don't you think?