This month our feature truck article could be called a “three in one”. We don’t usually put several together but in this case they all are from the same era.
Their proud owner is Jim Foltz of Long Beach, California. A true older car and truck enthusiast over many years. He has owned vehicles such as a restored WWII military jeep, several late 1950’s fleetside pickups, a very low mileage 1950 Suburban, etc.
He has loved them all but his interests have gradually changed. Most have been sold.
Jim has recently decided to consolidate his vehicle interests into what has become his most favorites - mid 1930 Chevrolet trucks. This has become his nitch. They look great, parts can usually be found, easy to work on, and certainly part of our country’s history during the “Great Depression” of the 1930’s.
Our main feature is his 1935 Chevy ½ ton pickup, Jim’s pride and joy! He found it several years ago partially restored but has since done so many improvements.
It now looks to the average person like an almost new 87 year old.
It has become so dependable Jim drives it almost daily in Long Beach, CA. and surrounding towns. Of course, only hauling light merchandise to keep the bed from from looking too worn. Its inline 207 cubic inch low oil pressure engine runs great. It’s what was used in over a million Chevy trucks and cars at that time.
The three speed transmission is synchronized in 2nd and 3rd gear so there is no double clutching like the optional 4 speed. It is perfect for today’s pleasure driving instead of hauling.
This little half ton is so pure it still uses the factory cable brakes. (The hydraulic system was introduced for the first time the next year in 1936) Jim’s comment is why the worry by some owners about not having a hydraulic brake system. All four wheels instantly stop turning in an emergency stop. What more can you ask for?
The exterior color is the same Brewster green as almost all pre WWII Chevy trucks had originally. Of course, the wire wheels and fenders were always black. Spare tire in the right wheel well is easily accessible when needed.
The 1935 electrical system is powered by the correct 6 volt battery secure, under the wood cab floor. It is more than adequate for turning the starter with the floor pedal switch plus the lighting system. (Of course, to get the most from a 6 volt vehicles they required one heavy positive cable plus two grounds; negative post to frame rail and starter ear to frame rail.) Yes, Chevrolet designers were well aware of 12 volt systems but early vehicles with less voltage requirements were not given this un- necessary extra cost.
Four small dash gauges. They are all you need to know what is going on under the hood!
Air conditioning was always available by lowering the door windows or swinging out the one- piece windshield held in place by two to hinges.
Most original Black still in place.
The six board oak beds were always painted black from the factory. After all, pickups were for work duties like hauling dirt, manure, farm equipment, crops, etc. It was parked behind the barn after hours and the work horse tractor was kept in the barn from the bad weather. If a farmer or town business ever sanded and varnished the pickup bed, it probably would have made a place in the “news hungry” local paper!
Yes, the 6 foot bed was just right for hauling the amount of freight with the horsepower the engine provided. Comment: Most all pickups today have gone back to 6’ beds!
A New Family Member
As mentioned earlier; when you really love older vehicles, most find it difficult to stop with just one! The limitation is usually the number of garage stalls available.
Therefore, less than a year ago, Jim found an all original 1936 Panel truck! It has so many similarities to his 1935 daily driver. Same engines, same 3 speed transmissions, rear fenders, gas tanks, leaf springs, etc. What is left of the original paint is Boatswain Blue. This will, for now, be his side line hobby. There are no plans to go as far as doing a body off the frame restoration but so many areas have been allowed to deteriorate. This will be right up his ally. Jim knows what needs to be done!
1935
1936
Note the steering column mounted defroster fan.
The unrestored 1936.
What goes along with owning any vehicle over 85 years old is to maybe know its early beginnings. As luck would have it, some of this information is found on the panel truck exterior side panels. Jim has been able to make out the large words, Holm & Johansen, Benton Lake, Minnesota. This town is currently shown to have 670 people. He just made contact with some town officials! They have offered to research this company in their town’s stored history records. As panel trucks were usually used by delivery companies, it will be interesting what this truck carried in its beginning days. Stay tuned!
Note: As panel trucks were used by companies making deliveries, very few came with a passenger seat or any place for other passengers. This really dropped their value to a second owner. Some found a different type seat and bolted it to the floor. See Jim’s 1936 with later installed right side seat.
Jim Foltz and his recently acquired 1936 Chevy Panel truck.
An Older Family Member
1935 Harley-Davidson! How unusual. Very few exist.
Look what else Jim owns! A 1935 Harley Davidson Motorcycle! Because it is his, of course it runs like new and is also a regular driver.
Now you know why the hand painted letters are on the door of his pickup. The two 1935’s sure look good together! Oops, they almost fit together. The tailgate must be open!
Photo of Harley-Davidson in his 1935 1/2 Ton Pickup.
Miscellaneous view of his Harley and the other two mid 1930's trucks.
