We just had to make an exception! Normally our monthly feature is to help show our readers what the new truck was when they first left the dealers showroom. However, this unrestored 1936 Chevrolet low cab ½ ton changed our direction. In our 35 years in business we have never seen an 80 year old work truck so unaltered. Yes, used, but almost all parts have remained without later changes.
What a reference vehicle for the restorer! There is almost no trucks of this age that can be used as a restoration example and the owner be so sure everything is right!
It arrived at our shop one morning on a trailer from its prior life’s location near Monument, Colorado. The new proud owners, Bryan and Beth Frogue were taking it to their home in Elkton, Kentucky. They found it on eBay and were very surprised that so many high bids came before they owned it. Others recognized the purity of this old truck. It would require almost no body work and what came with it was correct as installed by General Motors eighty years ago.
Bryan and Beth and their children Van, Madison and Emily are great examples of the old saying, “If you want to get something done, give it to a busy person”. They are avid antique vehicle collectors and enjoy originality so they quickly recognized the unique qualities of this little 1936. Their vehicle collection they have and still display, are at least 5 very early John Deere tractors plus a 1940 Chevrolet ¾ ton pickup and a 1950 Chevrolet 1 ton pickup with a 9’ ft. bed.
Pictured ’46 John Deere H, ’46 JD LI, ’41 JD LA, ’53 John Deere G, ’37 Unstyled John Deere B (Not Pictured)
They own 70 acres that support a stocker feeder cattle operation which they run approx. 150 cattle thru on a yearly basis and raise 40 ac of alfalfa and grass hay. Bryan has a regular day job as a crop consultant and Beth is a Kentucky Tech Area Technology Center school principal. She even drives the 1950 pickup to school!
Their plans for the 1936 is to give it a ground up restoration as time and money permits. At least now they own it and there will be no doubt on what is correct.
During the time Bryan and Beth were at our shop, we took various photos to emphasis the untouched qualities of their 1936. For the perfectionist, these relate to items that will be very important during a full restoration. Check the text under each picture.
You can contact Bryan & Beth at bryan.frogue@att.net
Still shows its Expert Blue. No repaints
Splash apron under grill. Dent free?
Rubber gas grommet still behind right rear fender
Black windshield frame. Saves time on assembly line with just one color.
Left rear fender with some black remaining.
Yes, hole for wiper motor. Drivers side only.
Unbelievable! The 80 year old headliner still in original position.
Spare tire pins to better secure tire in fender well.
Spare tire removed for the long journey home.
Tailgate (dent free?) with its Export Blue paint
Original Taillight bracket (left side only) with 44 year old license.
Slight bend has occurred in taillight bracket
NOTE: Correct metal loom held with clip to non-original taillight.
Wood floor has protective canvas on edges. (See lower left corner for loose piece)
207 engine and 4 speed in pickup bed. Prior owner went no further.
80 year old paint still shines in places.
Only one dash knob has been changed.
Yes, the seat was once recovered.
Hood – All is just right.
Correct 17’ wire wheels wait in towing pickup.
Door rubber bumpers in place.
Crank hole cover still attached. “Amazing”