VCCA Home Forums GENERAL DISCUSSION New User Forum New to a '41, 1/2 Ton Truck

Hello, I just retrieved my late grandfather's '41 pickup (with VCCA window sticker) from a storage container in the California desert and trailered it to it's new home in Utah. I also have a '73 Lotus Europa, about as different as possible. But, this begins my first journey with an American classic. I've got much to learn.

Luckily it's not a show queen but is in great shape. According to a note in the glove box, it had been driven about 30 miles since 2006. :( After checking fluids, a new battery, etc. it started right up. I'm still trying to figure out what's what but next up it needs a new water pump (it started leaking). After searching these forums for info and tips, I order one and look forward to the work (should be MUCH easier than on the Lotus, which requires pulling the engine).

Cheers, Mark

Welcome! Great looking truck. Glad to have you with us, and I hope you'll join the VCCA. We have a great magazine, technical advisors, fun get-togethers, etc. Have a look at our website using the "VCCA Home" button above.

And since you come from a VCCA family, we'll waive the normal $100 membership fee surcharge for Lotus owners.

All the Best, Chip

Welcome!
If you have questions about your great looking truck, be sure to post them in the Trucks Forum, here in the Chat. There are a number of us that frequent that section with lots of info we can share. There are presently at least four members restoring or have recently completed restoration on this truck model.

Of the 2 vehicles in that garage the 1 on the left takes the prize. After resting for the 12 or so years it is not surprising that a few issues like that show up, another possibility is fuel pump.
Tony

That is absolutely gorgeous...I'm so jealous...that's exactly the type of truck I would love to own.

Good looking pickup. Here is my 46 I got last November. Click on the photo to enlarge it.

You guys are killing me...but mine will come in due time...nice truck Keith! That's a beauty also!

Thanks for the welcome! My grandfather had a few vintage vehicles, a 31 Model A, 60s AMC Rambler, MG Midget MKII, and 62 C10. I suffer from a severe lack of garage space. My Lotus (which my father bought new in 1973) is in a neighbor's garage and my Miata (in the picture above) is regularly parked on the street. I didn't think I could keep any of Grandpa's cars and my aunt and two cousins didn't want them. But this 41 truck is just so damn cool and totally different from what I have! I'm really happy to have found a garage for it.

I'll make my way over to the truck section to ask questions...

Love that blue Keith!

Thanks again,
Mark

Your green looks great. Like the side boards, plan on having my buddy make a set for me. He is a carpenter and would like to do it for me.
I ordered some fog lights to make into turn signals when I get to it. They weren't cheap, but think they are a good answer.
They don't look very straight, but I will get them straight.

Keith,

On the GMC trucks, at least the larger ones, I've seen lights on top of the headlights. Where those also original on the front bumper like that?

I am just learning about these trucks, so please be easy on me.

Alan (lusting for '46, but will take a '41-'46)

aland
To my knowledge the lights on top of the headlights were factory fitted in all trucks as park lights but the lights mounted to the bumper in Keith's pic are not factory but may well be optional fog lights.
Tony

The parking lights are on top of the headlights as in the pictures. They are real small and Gene Schneider said that the lens were frosted.
Figured they would be to small for people to see. I am not sure about the fog lights as they were probably dealer installed.
I looked for one of these trucks for a while. Most of the ones on Craig's list needed a lot of work and I am getting so I don't like to do a lot of work on them. I found this one in Santa Rosa. All stock and should be the original engine per the engine number. I have my Ranchero for sale as I cannot drive 3 toys plus my DD.

Don't mean to hijack this thread.

Yes, the fog lights were a dealer installed accessory. The parking lights are on top of the headlights, covered by milky thick glass. The bulb is a #55, which is about the size of an old flashlight bulb. I have recently been working this light challenge in reassembling my ”˜46 project.

Advantages to the fog lights are amber as modern directionals, very bright, and lights are out in the open where they can easily be seen.
Sorrry but the original accessory 1946 and up fogs were clear (not amber) and to be correct for 1941 and 1942 would be the retangular lights same as a passenger car.