1940 Chevrolet Master KC 1/2 Ton "Survivor" Pickup Truck

1940 Chevrolet KC 1/2 Ton Pickup Truck

Ready to part with this solid and reliable 1940 Chevrolet KC 1/2 Ton Pickup after enjoying it for the past five years. The truck spent much of its life on a farm in North Dakota. A previous owner tells us it was driven mostly in the summer and used for bailing hay, as evidenced by the bumps and dents in the top of the roof, where the workers would sit. We purchased it from a gentleman who planned to remove the engine and transmission and turn it into a hot rod. Luckily we were able to buy and preserve this rare original with a very desirable 80 year old patina.

The only thing keeping this truck from being a daily driver is that we don't have the time to use it as much as we'd like. After a professional cleaning and tuneup of the engine, it has never failed to start— even during the coldest Northern Michigan winter (though it only leaves the garage in summer). Being that it is all original, it cruises comfortably at 45-50mph. This is the perfect truck for anyone who still appreciates a working, nearly-stock original pre-war truck.

BODYWORK & TRIM

The hood and the roof of the car has smooth surface rust while the sides are still in the original GM "Brewster Green" with pinstriping. All four wheels, as well as the spare tire have been blasted, primed and professionally painted in the same Brewster Green. The rear fenders are not original, but fiberglass replacements that blend nicely with the rest of the truck. The grill and bumpers were all re-chromed several years ago. Though not stock on the 1940 models, a spare tire and mount has been added to the driver's side running board. The vacuum powered windshield wiper has been upgraded with a powerful electric version that performs well in rain. The crank out windshield still works, though it does leak some when driving in heavy rain.

ENGINE

The reliable and quiet original 216 cubic inch inline 6-cylinder engine shows no noticeable smoke on startup. The only major modification is from a previous owner who added dual exhaust and upgraded to a 12volt system. That previous owner said the engine was rebuilt about 15 years go, but without documentation. Still, the engine is very quiet and clean with no major exhaust fumes. The water pump and all water pipes have just been replaced with a rebuilt model from Chevsofthe40s. Engines run nice and cool, even when idling. Starts with original foot pedal starter, or original hand crank, also included.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

This truck leaves almost no marks on the garage floor, even after a day of driving. The transmission was removed in 2016 and cleaned with all new seals and gaskets installed. The truck shifts quietly with no slipping, though as with these older models, each gear requires a "double shift." The chassis is clean and only shows minor surface rust. The springs are in good condition, though one appears to be an older replacement and sits slightly lower— overall this is hardly noticeable. In 2016, the engine and transmission mounts were replaced as well as the rear shock mounts. The original gas tank, neck and cap were also replaced. The brake hoses were replaced and brakes bleed. Tires are Coker Classic Bias Look Radials purchased new in 2016 (SKU 62238)

INTERIOR

The interior has been restored to as close as stock as possible. The bench seat has been reupholstered to factor specs. Other improvements include a new rubber floor covering, fresh painted dash and doors, a new interior firepall cover and new fiberglass headliner with insulation. The correct '40 GM heater is installed and has been tested, though we chose not to reconnect it when we replaced the water pump since we only drive the truck in summer. The original 1940 radio has been retrofitted with an amplifier and speaker for playing any aux audio source. The radio's power is controlled on the original knob, and the volume on a knob located on the side. This sale will also include the owners' manual and many original pamphlets and brochures for the 1940 trucks.

Sale will include a binder of all of my receipts as well as those provided by the previous owners. If I've left any detail out, happy to answer any and all questions or provide more photographs as needed. Truck is available for inspection in Northern Michigan near Traverse City. All serious offers considered.