1946 GMC Half Ton

The moment we saw this 1946 GMC ½ ton, we knew this pickup had to be a feature truck of the month! This newly rebuilt pickup certainly needed to be brought to the attention of our many readers.

Jason Davis of Kansas City, Kansas inherited this special truck seven years ago from his grandfather. Because it was a GMC produced just after WWII, and then used as a work truck (why you bought a truck in the early years) it is extremely rare! This certainly added to Jason’s interest. He had not seen one before and knew if he added the personal touch in the building, it would stand out in any crowd as the “only one”.

The major part of the rebuilding began about five years ago. Prior to that Jason spent much time researching what was available to create a pickup would not only be a real eye-catcher but be road worthy to attend any vehicle shows or a distant vacation.

When you see Jason’s creation you know it is far from having the original inline six cylinder and 3 speed floor shift transmission. His two years of planning pointed him in the best direction to make this 75 year old pickup a comfortable driver that could cruise at highway speeds with a great stopping ability.

Here are some real attention getters that makes Jason’s 1946 really “pop”:

At a distance, even before you see all the following extras, one item stands out that quickly becomes a magnet to draw a person closer. You cannot overlook the color. Jason calls it “Ocean Blue”!

He has taken it to one major show since completion. Hundreds of older specialty vehicles displayed along two streets extending from the WWI Liberty Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri. The crowd size was amazing. Jason’s 46 just kept getting the same comment, “Wow”.

The focal point of the front is the very attractive GMC chrome grille. No flaws. One could hunt for years to replace one of this quality if it was hit in an accident or was just stolen. The price would be whatever the market would fare at any particular time. Most all surviving good 1941-46 GMC grilles are on trucks and not available.

Look at that instrument panel! The original dash gauge opening was filled with a metal plate and then a special opening was created.

This perfectly fits a new compact up to date cluster that says it all with limited space required. To some it might appear as a factory installation.

What a unique way to hide the gas tank and also eliminate a visible fuel spout. Only in a pickup can this be done! This photo may make you think, “Why did I not think of this idea”? No, the center bed plank is not missing. It is an open position to expose the gas tank and fill pipe. All is in black. How ingenious! This is definitely not a freight hauling pickup!

The letters on the hood side says it all.

The original position pin stripe certainly adds to the look.

This V-8 Chevy fits nicely in the small engine compartment. The modern updates include a 2007 Corvette LS3 V-8 with its transmission attached, Mustang II front suspension, and 9” Ford differentials. This great combination will allow the GMC to handle like a new vehicle. Jason will have no problem getting all the speeding tickets he wants. No, he did not forget an air conditioner. You will see in the photo an air compressor side by side in line with the alternator.

This is one of the best finds during the pickup’s rebuilding. A new Buick top of the line steering wheel from about 1940. Never installed. Discovered in a garage out of sight and day light all these years. Old gold is still occasionally discovered in the most unusual places.