1946 Chevrolet Other Pickups 1946 CHEVY PICKUP TRUCK FRAME OFF RESTORATION RARE

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Today, we have the honor of presenting a close friend's frame-off restored, 1946 Chevrolet 1/2 ton pickup truck, for sale. If you've ever wanted a classic pickup that hearkens back to simpler times in America, look no further. Driving this '46 through your local town is like being in a time machine...it WILL put a smile on your face, and remind you of eras bygone.

No stone was left unturned with this restoration, and please take time to view the photos and videos of this beautiful piece of American history. Be advised, you WILL be frequently stopped by folks with questions and positive comments about this truck. It's stunning, just absolutely stunning.

The Story

After finding success with his business, Mike purchased this '46 Chevy here in Wisconsin as a restoration project. Built in Janesville, we suspect the '46 has been in central Wisconsin most, or all of its life. Mike loved the '37-'46 Chevy pickup body style, and made the purchase with a full restoration in mind. Over the next year or so, the truck was completely taken off the frame and a comprehensive restoration was performed. Beyond the beautiful paint, notice the attention to detail with this restoration: wiring is new, brake lines and hoses have been replaced, turn signals added, BF Goodrich Silvertown wide whitewalls installed on beautifully restored wheels, and all chrome & brightwork replated or polished. This pickup is incredibly gorgeous, and it turns heads EVERYWHERE it goes.

Painted in a combination of Swift Red and Black, the body is straight, and the base/clear absolutely glows in the sun and under indoor light. The glass and trim is also in excellent condition, and care was obviously taken throughout the restoration. With that said, please look at the exterior photos for shots of some areas where a bit of bubbling has started, a spot on the front lower valence that has a small dent, as well as areas where light scuffs or scratches have occurred. 

Inside, the dash, door panels, and other painted surfaces were treated to the same restoration as the exterior. In a nod to his personality, Mike added a bit of flair with the plush seat cover that kisses your behind each time you drive. 

The engine compartment includes additional details like a correct radiator hose, all new electrical harnesses and junction boxes, and even a nicely detailed Carter carburetor. You'll be proud to open the hood at local shows and cruise-ins. The bed continues with the high quality restoration theme, and features a new oak floor, with polished spacers in between. Mike even had a $100 bill cleared into the bed in celebration of the first $100 he made as a business owner. As the photos and videos show, the undercarriage of this beautiful pickup is detailed with the same care as the rest of the truck. No stone was left unturned...

After finishing his dream truck, Mike enjoyed showing it at local events, and taking evening cruises through the hills of central Wisconsin. The odometer was set back to 0 after the restoration. Sadly, after a few years of enjoyment, and about 800 miles, Mike passed earlier in 2021. The heir is a close friend of ours, who entrusted us with finding a new caretaker for Mike's '46 Chevy. 

Can It Be Driven?

It sure can! This piece of American history features a 216 cubic inch, inline 6 engine, along with a 3 speed manual transmission. Please see the videos of the cold start of this truck, as well as the drive around town we did. The '46 runs well, shifts properly, and feels stable down the road. It's FUN TO DRIVE! Before salt was put on our Wisconsin roads for winter, we put about 15 miles on the '46 before listing it for sale, and we feel like it drives like a well maintained '46 Chevy pickup should. 

Mechanical Information

 The truck's VIN is 21DPH5291, which breaks down as follows:

21= Janesville production plant

DP= Commercial 1/2 ton pickup truck chassis

H=August production date

5291= Production sequence

The 216 cubic inch inline 6 has a stamping of DBA203271. DBA is a regular production 216 engine for 1946, so we suspect this is the born-with engine for this truck.

The transmission casting number is 591195, which again shows as a correct 3 speed transmission for this truck. No serial number stamping could be found on the transmission, so we were unable to break down its information further.

As far as features, the only things we noticed not currently working on this truck are the directionals and the horn. The taillights work, so maybe there is a flasher in need of replacement somewhere. 

Mike's passing came as a shock, and several family members were involved in settling his estate. Unfortunately, no restoration receipts were received for the '46 Chevy pickup. Much of the work is obvious, but details like an engine or transmission rebuild have to looked at further. Although we cannot guarantee rebuilds, it's apparent that the engine has been re-gasketed, has new freeze plugs, and has had all new gauge sensors installed into the block. With the level of detailed restoration performed throughout the truck, we feel comfortable believing the engine has been rebuilt. We feel similarly about the transmission. The clutch feels great and holds well, and the truck shifts smoothly.

Our friend who inherited the '46 from Mike is searching for a caretaker who will love this truck like Mike did. Please don't hesitate to message us with any questions, or call our shop at 608-401-1113. 

The Details

Please let the 200+ photos  and 30+ minutes of high definition video of this stunning Chevy pickup truck make you comfortable with a purchase. However, don't hesitate to call me with a specific question. Please remember that your purchase is a COMMITMENT TO BUY this car. Because opinions of vintage cars and trucks can vary, please have the car inspected or inspect the car in person PRIOR to purchase. Any inspection fees are the responsibility of the bidder. I cannot stress enough that I am asking bidders to follow through on their commitment if you purchase. 

This eBay listing is a consignment, meaning we are marketing this pickup truck for a friend, the heir who inherited this pickup. The sale of this pickup will be conducted through the heir's auto dealership, EZ Motorcars, in Milwaukee, WI. Buyers in Wisconsin will be required to pay sales tax on the purchase price of the truck. We will connect the buyer with the owner of EZ Motorcars to complete the sale. 

Sale Terms and Conditions

A $500 non-refundable deposit and communication from the high bidder is due immediately at purchase. The deposit can be paid through eBay or cash, and I will pay any eBay fees . The balance is due in full within 7 days of the auction's end, paid via cashier's check (must be verified), bank wire transfer, or cash in person. Cashier's checks must be received prior to pickup, with 5 business needed after deposit for funds to clear. Cash or cleared wire transfer will allow the car to be released the same day.

Because of its age and mileage, this vehicle is sold strictly as-is-as shown, with no warranties expressed or implied. If you haven't owned a classic car, please remember that this isn't a 2019 Toyota Rav4. Older cars, even those with low miles, require an increased level of maintenance and attention.

When you place a bid on a vehicle, you are entering into a legal and binding contract to purchase the vehicle. This arrangement is outlined in the eBay User Agreement. We also reserve the right to cancel bids at our discretion.

We will not be liable for any cancellation of this auction for any reason. We reserve the right to cancel bids from bidders with negative feedback or a bid retraction history and members with zero (0) feedback need to contact us for approval to bid. As with all bids, bidders need to be 18 years or older.

As stated above, shipping charges are buyer's responsibility. We will assist a buyer with shipping the car anywhere in the United States or Canada from zip code 53560, but will not be responsible in any way for claims arising from shipping damage. We assume no responsibility for damages incurred after the vehicle leaves our possession. We are not affiliated with any shipping carrier. Any claims or other communication regarding shipment of vehicles will be between you and the shipper, not with the seller.

The terms of sale shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Wisconsin without regard to any conflict of laws or provisions thereof that might indicate the applicability of laws of any other jurisdiction. The venue for all legal proceedings shall be in Dane County, Wisconsin.

High Definition Videos

1946 Chevy Pickup Truck Exterior Walk-around Frame Off Restoration For Sale

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1946 Chevy Pickup Truck Engine Compartment Frame Off Restoration For Sale

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1946 Chevy Pickup Truck Interior Frame Off Restoration For Sale

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1946 Chevy Pickup Truck Cold Start Push Starter Frame Off Restoration For Sale

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1946 Chevy Pickup Truck Undercarriage Frame Off Restored For Sale

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1946 Chevy Pickup Truck Ridealong

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1946 Chevy Pickup Crank Out Windshield and Foot Starter Demonstration

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