I recently came to own my family's 1927 chevy "jitterbug." This machine was originally a 1 ton pickup with a dump body and was purchased new by my great great grandfather, a Finnish immigrant. It has been in my family ever since and has come to be mine from my uncle. We call it a jitterbug because sometime in the 40s my great grandfather and great great grandfather chopped the body on it to transform it into a tractor. My grandfather learned how to drive on this machine, and my mother has many fond memories riding with her grandfather. I have had it for about 4 months, and while I have always been an antique car admirer, I had never had the opportunity to work on one before now. I got it running for the first time since 1991 the other day! That some of the most satisfying noise and smoke I've ever made! Now that I know she'll run, I'm working on making it run "gooder." I am currently waiting on parts to rebuild the water pump. I have already rewired the essentials, I had to put in a new set of points, and change one of the tires. I am a college student so I have a very limited budget and time, but there isn't much else I'd rather be doing than working on her! I have already gotten many great tips from everyone, thank you! Any tips or things to know are heartly welcomed!
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Welcome to VCCA Chat! Nice story. It's SO good to see young blood taking an interest in our hobby. You've come to the right place to find folks in the know. Just keep asking your questions. I'd advise to put them in the correct sub forum to keep things organized. Hope to see you one some tours when she's back on the road and if you decide to join the club.
VCCA Member 43216 Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet. 1938 HB Business Coupe 1953 210 Sedan
Congratulations on your acquisition. Family history always makes a vehicle extra special. Here in the Midwest, we call rigs like yours, Doodlebugs. Let us know when you need any help.
I also welcome you to the wonderful world of old Chevys! Great story and vehicle!!
I suggest that you put together a storyboard of it's life in your family (along with old photos if you have them) and take this information with you to car shows! Folks LOVE oddball vehicles and their back stories!
A great place to document the story and old photos is in the Vehicle Photo Gallery. Here's the entry for Lurch, my 1927 1 ton truck and general old curmudgeon: My love affair with Lurch
Cheers, Dean
Dean 'Rustoholic' Meltz old and ugly is beautiful!