VCCA Home Forums GENERAL DISCUSSION New User Forum Trying to identify 1920's truck I just aquired

I recently got a vehicle from the son of the owner who passed away. He said it's a 1925 but has overhead valves. I don't know how to post pictures here but would love to hear from someone I could email pictures to.

All Chevrolets except for a couple early engines were overhead valve. If you describe the engine we can probably identify the year. Key items are location of distributor, location of radiator bottom outlet, internal or external oil pump, number of valve covers, exhaust outlet number (one or two). If I was going to be available you could have emailed photos. Will not be able to look them over for the next couple of days so better to have someone else get them.

Hi Rick,

If you will send some pictures to me I will do what I can to identify what truck you have.

When you return to the computer you should see a flashing envelope at the top of the Forum. Click on that envelope and I will have an email address for you.

Chipper,
I will try my best to answer your questions.
The engine has the distributor and dual port exhaust on the right side. The generator is belt driven on the left side. The oil pump I assume is internal. The radiator bottom outlet is on the right side. The headlights are not the pointed rear ones but squared off on the back an mounted to tie bar. If and when you get time I'd be glad to send some pictures. Maybe I'll try to upload them to facebook and anyone can look at them.

I uploaded my pictures to facebook. Not sure I know what I'm doing but here is the place to look?

https://www.facebook.com/rick.alter/posts/10202466764427290

By the description you likely have a '26 truck with '28 head. Photos will help tie it down better.

Couldn't open the photos.

That link works good for me, but then it's my Facebook page so who knows. Is there some other way like via email I could try?

I can find your facebook page but don't see any old truck pictures, just mostly airplane pictures. Email your pictures to leagleton@yahoo.com and I will post them here for you.

I am not registered on Facebook which might be the problem. You can post them to one of the free photo sites that permit public access. I use photobucket.com

Here is Rick's truck:

What a jewel!! Love it!

Yes, looks like a '26 truck with a '28 head.

I suggest attending to the mechanicals (but leaving the 'patina') and drive it JUST AS IT IS!! Don't even wash off the outside. Leave it as a survivor. You'll be surprised how much attention you'll get at car shows.

Here's a good thread to read that discusses getting it on the road: Resurrecting a '27

Celebrate every little success! The joy is in the journey!

Cheers, Dean

That's a really nice truck.
Like Dean said it looks great as it sits...

Based on the description and photos I agree it looks like a '26 truck with '28 head.

As Dean said make sure everything is as safe and secure as it was designed to be. Certainly a worthwhile acquisition in any case.
Tony

I hate to pop everyone's bubble, but the first thing I did was wash it. It had so much bird poop on it that it was disgusting. I still haven't got it all off the boom.
After soaking the cylinders in penetrating oil for four days I did stick a battery in it and it turned over with good oil pressure. I unstuck two lifters and three valves. The bottom of the fuel tank was rusted out so I sprayed some carb cleaner in the carb inlet and it tried to run. Took the carb off and the inside was so bad it was unrecognizable. Soaked it in carb cleaner for several days, dissembling as parts became un-stuck. Fixed a hole in the bottom of the float and put it all back together. With my hand partially covering the inlet the engine runs up to quite a good rpm. When the weather gets above freezing I'll look at it some more.
I've did a complete restoration on somewhere around 17 old fabric covered airplanes and getting tired of airplanes. As soon as I get a 1939 cub out of the shop I plan on completely restoring this to like new condition. Looking forward to every minute of it.
Thanks to everyone for their help. I cut an pasted this thread and Ray's email and will be submitting it to the State DOT to try and get a title/registration.

I guess I could mention where it came from.
A local pilot was killed with two others in a plane crash in fog at night. The pilot was the owner of this truck. His son who is now 48 said he remembered his dad driving it in parades when he was a little kid. It was stuck in a shed and not moved for about the last 20-25 years. The son donated it to the local transportation museum. Because of its condition and smell, they didn't want it in their building. I made them a deal that if they sold it to me for $0 I would restore it and when it's completed will move it back to the museum. That works for me because it remain as my vehicle and will have a great place to park it. I have my restored 71 Camaro Z28 and old motorcycle there now and can get them out any time I want. This hopefully will turn out as a good deal to everyone. Even the owners son is excited to see it being restored. He asked that a vinyl sign be put on the door with his dad's business name. Don't know if I will go that far but plan on recognizing him in some capacity.

That all sounds like a good idea and I wish you a lot of luck. Keep us posted. I'm sure that the people here can answer most of your questions. You might also want to join the VCCA Club. There is a lot of information in the VCCA Technical section of the club.

The idea of you owning the truck but parking it at the museum sounds like a win for you both.
Tony

I started tearing the engine down. I have decided to keep the truck as original as possible.
The clutch flywheel and pressure plate seems to be rusted together. I can't get the pressure plate out of the flywheel. Also I don't see how to get off the front crank pulley so I assume it is pressed on. Anyone have any suggestions?

Hi Rick,

Yes, the front pulley is pressed on. I heated one recently with a little with a propane torch and then used a regular gear puller to pull it off. If it doesn't want to come off, try melting a little wax in the crank hole with the pulley hot. The wax will flow in the hole and lubricate the shaft. Another point to make is with a little pressure on the puller, hit the end with a hammer. The shock will help start the pulley on its journey.

As for the pressure plate, before taking out all of the 3/8-16 bolts that hold it to the flywheel, I suggest replacing a couple of those bolts with longish (3 inches) bolts, so they stick out the back. When the plate finally breaks loose, it will ride on these bolts and not drop to the floor.

You might have to persuade (pry) the pressure plate away from the flywheel. I'd try banging on the pressure plate with a hammer close to the outside edge to try and get the springs to 'pop' it away from the flywheel.

On a similar topic, I'm in the process of tearing down three '28 engines to find enough good parts (hopefully) to build up one for my '27 truck Lurch. You can follow along in this thread: Tear down of a '28 four banger

Cheers, Dean

I have a 1927 one ton truck - got it in 1971 - pile of parts. Rebuilt the engine at that time - ran it on a stand for about 5 seconds - no water. It is now installed in the frame. And it is about 45 years later. I am now ready to finish it. I have had this truck more years than it was old when I got it in 1972. Hope some of you guys will guide me in trying to get it on the road.

This my first post - hope I am doing it correctly.

You are on the right track. We have a combined level of experience that most questions answered or problems solved fairly quickly.

Hi Bob,

Welcome! I too have a 1927 one ton truck (Lurch - see links below). Whereabouts in CA are you located? I'm in San Leandro, in the SF Bay Area.

Cheers, Dean

Dean,

I'm in Tehachapi - east of Bakersfield high in the Tehachapi mountains.

Do not know what i'm doing on this chat - never have done this before.

Would like to talk with you or email if possible - don't know the rules.

Bob Tuttle

Hi again,

Would love to chat. Send me your phone number in an email at dhmeltz@aol.com and I'll give you a call.

Cheers, Dean