1946 Chevrolet Fleetmaster

1946 Chevrolet Fleetmaster

The Series DK Fleetmaster was introduced as the top trim level model in the 1946 Chevrolet range, along with the lower level Series DJ Chevrolet Stylemaster. The Fleetmaster, which replaced the "pre war" Chevrolet Special Deluxe, was powered by a 216.5 cu in (3.5 L) straight-six engine driving through a 3 speed manual transmission. It was offered in 2-door Town Sedan, 4-door Sport Sedan, 2-door Sports Coupe, 2-door Convertible and 4-door Station Wagon models. A Fleetline sub-series was available as the 2-door Aero Sedan and 4-door Sport Master Sedan, both of which featured "fastback" styling and additional triple moldings on all fenders.

For this consignment, our consignor and builder took this example of a 1946 Chevrolet Fleetmaster and totally rebuilt it repairing damaged sheet metal, adding a new 350ci engine circa 1978, and a 1970's-eaque interior, as was the theme for this hot rod. All the heavy lifting is done save for the paint, which our consignor did not attempt due to lack of knowledge to do so. Be creative.

ExteriorA high bulbous hood and pontoon style front fenders with a curved grille, lead the way on this rod. The grille is courtesy a '42 Chevy, and the belt line trim has been shaved. The suspension gives the car a bit of a lowered, (slammed), look which is befitting to the style of this large piece of classic Detroit iron. Stainless shiny rocker trim can be seen flanking on either side, and for the back of the car smaller and more compact to the body pontoon fenders are original to the car. A beautifully curved rear roofline seamlessly melts into the trunk lid, that slowly cascades downward to the rear bumper and a large trunk lid handle in the center. All this metal, some original and some NOS, is painted in primer and is ready for the color of your choice. Noted are just a few areas of slight rust bubbles, mostly at the rocker trim and door jambs. 15-inch Torque thrust wheels are on and looking great. The fronts are wrapped in 195/75R15s and own back larger 275/60R15s are on. Smoke 'em if ya got 'em, and it's got 'em!

InteriorBlack vinyl panels, some smooth and a tuck in roll insert create a classic rod look for the doors. Shiny chromed cranks and handles have a small wood insert in the otherwise chromed knobs of these levers. A big curved bench seat with tuck and roll inserts and some smooth surrounding bolsters, also in black, stretch from door to door. This bench has a split back so one can access the rear bench which is also like new and in back with the same pattern, only with some snappy armrests built in. Upfront the dash has a combination of classic original looks with its circular speedo in front of the driver, and clock in front of the passenger. Plenty of chromed ribbed, (vertical and horizontal), make up the dash front, and the full metal jacket painted black dash top is there as well. On top is a tachometer aimed at the driver. Mounted to a tilt chromed steering column is an aftermarket water gauge, and below this classic dash is a trio of aftermarket gauges to monitor the totals of the V8 under the hood. A large wood rimmed with drilled shiny spokes tops the tilt column and this wonderful shiny art deco styled dash. Black carpeting floods the floors and shows a B&M shifter reaching for the driver's hand. Above is a black headliner showing some slight creases.

DrivetrainUnder the hood is a beautifully painted in GM orange/red blocked 350ci V8 circa 1978. This mill sports TRW GM .100 domed pistons, GM Pink rods with ARP bolts, Speed Pro rings, and a GM standard steel crank. Heads are iron angle plug style with with dual spring retainers that have had some mild pocket port work performed on them. These are topped by shiny cast ribbed valve coverings, which show off white powder coated Patriot headers coming from the deep red/orange block. On top beneath an original looking air cleaner covering is an Edelbrock 4-barrel carb with an Edelbrock intake manifold. On back is a TH350 3-speed automatic complete with a 3000rpm stall converter. The rear axle is a 10-bolt 3.73 posi setup. This mill has been dyno tested at 391.3hp!

UndercarriageObviously with the previously described parts to this car it was undertaken by a passionate and talented builder, and underneath is no exception. Solid framing and floor pans, all painted black with nice rockers and body hangers. Independent coil over front and leaf spring rear suspension is on and disc brakes are on front, and drums for the rear. A turbo muffler system is mounted on and looking pristine.

Drive-AbilityNot only a looker, but on the test track it can be deemed a cooker too! Great smooth acceleration, effortless automatic shifting, and good handling for a large rod. All functions were in working order, and I'd have to say A plus for the drive-ability section.

A very nice and meticulous build with a full list of nearly every part that went onto this car which reads like a who's who of quality automotive manufacturing. Plenty of attention to detail, and a very nice interior. All you need to do is turn the key and go to the paint shop where you can go hog wild!

VIN DECODE14DKG393014-Baltimore, MD Assy PlantD-1946K-FleetmasterG-November Build3930-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAGSTYLE NO 46 1027-1946 Fleetmaster 2 Door CoupeBODY NO M338-Baltimore Body #TRIM NO 130-Gray Striped Pile FabricPAINT NO 336-Mayland Black

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.