As in most of our Feature Truck of the Month series that specializes in more unusual vehicles, the following is certainly in this “one of a kind” category.
This 1941 Chevrolet ½ Ton pickup has been transformed into a World War II truck from the US Navy. Exact in most ways, many look at it as a copy of the real thing. Wherever it goes, people stop and say “Where has it been stored during the past 60 or 70 years?”
The creator is Jim Hughes of Overgaard, Arizona. He is often asked, “Why did you make this as a pickup used by the Navy during the World War II years?” His answer is more understandable when he explains for most of his eleven years in the US NAVY, he was based on the ship USS Vincennes (CG49). This is a special designed ship for detecting under water submarines and guided missiles of foreign enemies (Thus, Jim has visited most coastal cities around the globe). This very high tech ship AND Jim Hughes’s pickup were both named USS Vincennes (CG49) after the original warship with this name. It sank in the battle of the Guadalcanal Campaign in the South Pacific during World War II. To Jim Hughes, this pickup was a tribute to the over 340 sailors that died that day in August 1942. NOTE: This ship, on the ocean floor, was not found until the year 2015.
Just to give an idea if this ½ ton was truly taken down to the frame rails, look at these photos. To most, this would be almost beyond restoration once these items were laid out for evaluation!
The cab was removed after 74 years when it came off the assembly line.
Here is what is seen after sheet metal is removed.
The engine with loose parts that caused the pickup to be set aside.
Behind the dirt and grease is the 4 speed transmission.
The back side of the dash after removal.
Mechanical Restoration
After Jim Hughes retirement from the Navy in 1993, he began to think about the rebuilding of an older vehicle that represented WWII. It would be a fun project to build and then maybe even use daily. He thought about creating a 1940’s truck that would represent his years in the Navy. However, he was not in a hurry to fulfil his developing dream as he signed up eight more years in the US National Guard! After this, there was more time and Jim really got interested. The hunt developed quickly. Let’s find a truck! An ad in a local newspaper in 2006 led him to a 1941Chevrolet 1/2 ton pickup. It had been sitting several years beside a back fence in the Arizona desert. No body rust and only $1200.00. He had to own it.
Though not ever doing a vehicle restoration, he still knew he could do it, learning while he disassembled it to the bare frame and then building it back. It was the mechanical work that was his concern. Getting into the “workings” of a 65 year old pickup would be the challenge of his life! It was not Jim’s specialty. So much planning and research occurred until he got brave in about 2020 and all went forward. Step by step this “over-sized model kit” came together, May 2023!
This really became a concern when the oil pan was removed and part of a piston dropped to the ground. Now he understood why it had been left far away from the owner’s home several years ago! We also assume the owner wanted no part of selling it to a young beginner that thought he could get it running again over a weekend. It’s low price was based on an old saying, “If it breaks in half, you own both ends.” No returns!
Almost as if it had been planned; now enters Eric Current, also an Arizona resident. Surprise! He had been one of Jim’s best friends aboard the USS Vincennes. From a young age, Eric has been interested in auto mechanics. This really got Eric’s interest. It can’t be as difficult as today’s ½ ton pickups! The two did the pickup’s restoration as a team! See the photo with both their names stenciled on the pickup door.
First Place car show. Jim in truck and shipmate Eric Current standing.
The owner and the mechanic that gave the pickup life.
Mechanical Changes are Not Noticeable
The “broken” 216 six cylinder engine has been replaced with this, drop-in, full oil pressure higher horsepower 235.
Differential ring and pinion have been changed from 4.11 ratio to 3.55. Adds about a 20% improved highway speed at lower engine R.P.M.
The original 4 speed non-synchronized transmission remains. It requires double clutching as most all older vehicles. Once you get used to the little extra in shifting, it becomes “second nature”.
Jim decided to change to a 12 volt electrical system. Thus, an alternator, instead of the generator, as seen in engine photo.
Little space in the cab.
Great Compliment
At this truck’s first recent local show in 2003, this US Navy pickup received First Place in the all original class! Jim and Eric could not have been prouder!
Jim Hughes can be contacted at: jim.hughes31@yahoo.com
