History Another "Should I sell it?" dilema-1936 Chevy Wrecker

Nice truck!! People today are asking gold prices for pieces of lead. Don't sell it to someone who's gonna change it. That truck will get more attention and appreciation the way it is next to a truck with a $10,000 paint job. Besides you won't be afraid to let someone sit in it, or on the running board!! I get more joy letting little kids sit in my truck while their parents take their picture. Its only original once!!!

 

bet someone on stovebolt.com would love that truck! lots of big truck lovers on that site.

 

That is a sweet truck. I understand not having room, I ended up selling a few that I would never get to and also buying a bigger building.

If you decide to put it up for sale, get online and get in touch with your local ATHS club, they typically have members that are into semi trucks and have the money and room to play with these. And they are the type to keep them original.

good luck

 

Thanks for the idea, I was a member of the local ATHS club in the 80's but our chapter sort of fell apart and is now dis-banded. In looking at the ATHS home page it appears that group is not nearly as active as it was 30 years ago. I checked their convention schedule for this year and several of the regular events were cancelled due to lack of people signing up. Seems that Stovebolt and a couple of the "Classic" car and truck trader sites might be the way to show it, IF I don't fall back in love this weekend.

 

Very cool old wrecker. I dig big old work trucks though and I know it's not everybodies thing. The guys over at oldgmctrucks are big on restoring working truck too, I know its not a gmc but it's cool enough that they won't freak out.

 

No $10,00 paint job here. As I expected a battery, some gas and 10 minutes of clean up and she was off and running again. The brakes dried up so I was dependant on the hand brake but that worked fine for what I had to do. My 3 year old Grandson really liked it!

 

I put the old girl to work this weekend snagging an old pickup frame for a friend of mine. Had to move "A TON" of stuff to get it out. My "vintage" boom is only 14' long, not 20' as I remebered. Only got a couple pictures but it was fun.

 

Yep. I'm certain now. I like it.

Dig the wagon in the background too. Seems you're cursed with similar tastes to mine-


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Yea, if I could get it to run I'd finish the front loader I started building for it, but I think our fine excuse for gasoline we get today stuck all the intake valves and bent 3 of the push rods. That little dude is a bit light compared to the Old Chevy too. I'd hate to have it roll over on its back and squish something.

 

I'm not a chevy guy at all, but I freaking love your old wrecker !!... If it was me, I'd never sell it...

 

Well, that settles it. Sell the tractor and keep those two fine mo-chines! That truck really is cool and it earns it's keep.

Last year I bought a '51 gmc 1 ton. It's a brute- inline Jimmy, granny four speed 538 rear gears and a pto dump. Another earner, especially compared to some of the other money pits.


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There is a Towing and Recovery museum in Chattanooga TN. ,perhaps they could help or point you in the right direction.


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Well guys, I think you all helped me see the light. The Boss and I got hold of the credit union and we're adding a bay to the garage at the house on a home equity loan. Selling the tractor won't solve the space problem, or be a reasonable replacement for the Wrecker if I get it to run, so I think the old truck stays, at least a little longer. I put her back in the barn last night. Thanks for all your comments. If anyone needs details on how Chevy put this together send me a PM and I can probably help. The truck was re-motored in the 40's because it's running a '48 235 I6. It also has a great big cable winch in the bed ahead of the Weaver that's driven through a 30's 3spd transmission off the PTO.

 

I'd make it safe and drive that damn thing everyday. That truck is awesome. No BS.

 

Glad to hear you're gonna keep it. After seeing it I decided to play with my work truck. Last night I pulled out, washed it and showed the boys how the hydraulic bed works. Lumping around in granny gear.. Have fun.


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You know what they say, it's just a "fish story" without pictures!

 

Fish on!


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It's a 44k original mile rig that was the backup truck for a local small town feed and seed store that closed in '79. The old 228 purrs like a kitten and can hit 60 mph on a top end charge. Unlike most that I see it was painted red from new, not the default forest green.


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That's a good looking old wrecker. And that it works sure helps it earn it's keep. If it were Me I'd be happy to get the brakes fixed and be able to drive it in the local parade once a year with the grandkids along to wave at the folks on the sidewalks. In my case I'd have to borrow a few grandkids as I only have grand dogs but they like to ride too.

 

That's been my plan for years, it just never gets to the top of the pile to get done. Maybe when the Grandkids are big enough to help me do it! It needs a few more things than the brakes to really make it "road worthy". The old cloth wire has long since failed so the only circuits still powered up are the ignition and dash lights. I even had to by-pass the generator about 10 years ago "for just one quick job". The driver's window was broke when I bought it but I've always parked it under cover so that hasn't been a problem except to keep the neighbors cat out of the cab. New tin for those bed sides would be nice too. I just know I'm glad I didn't pull the trigger and advertise it.

 

Well, the time has come, my Wrecker is for sale. Check the classifieds here on the HAMB, price is OBO. Let me know if you are serious and I can get some fresh pictures.