May/June 2021 Vintage Truck

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The May/June 2021 issue of Vintage Truck magazine is available in our gift shop now and will be available on newsstands soon. Our cover story features Rob Seitz’s 1946 Chevrolet pickup. The article was written by Robert Gabrick and photographed by Brad Bowling.

Chevrolet’s AK-series truck design, which was produced from model years 1941 through 1946, has been described lovingly by some enthusiasts as the “Wurlitzer Chevy.” That is because the streamlined styling brings to mind the colorful, exuberant curves of Rudolph Wurlitzer Co.’s famous jukeboxes.

Chevrolet introduced its 1941 line of trucks against an ever-increasing national commitment to aid those nations fighting Nazi Germany. The company offered three pickup models:

  • Model 3104, the half-ton with 115-inch wheelbase

  • Model 3604, the 3/4-ton with 125-1/4-inch wheelbase

  • Model 4104, the 11/2-ton with 134-1/2-inch wheelbase

The AK featured a new, all-steel truck cab that was not cribbed from the company’s car line. Chevrolet touted its 11/2-inch greater overall length that provided more legroom so the bench seat could be set at a friendlier angle. According to Chevrolet, the full-width seat cushion was “formed of a latex-bound hair pad on resilient coil springs,” and genuine leather was an extra-cost option. Other features included an insulated floor mat, chromium window channel guards, and a lockable glove box in the dash.

Chevrolet’s valve-in-head 6-cylinder powered all of its 1941 pickups. However, with a redesigned combustion chamber and a slight increase in compression, the 216.5ci engine now developed 90 horsepower—a 12 horsepower increase from 1940. Chevrolet sales literature highlighted the half-ton’s standard 3-speed, synchro-mesh transmission; single-disc spring clutch; hypoid, semi-floating rear axle; hydraulic brakes; front and rear shock absorbers; and seven-leaf front and eight-leaf rear springs. The new styling brought a “stabilized front end” with the “radiator, front fenders, and hood rigidly supported by a massive framework of steel supported on a centered rubber mounting.”

In response to America’s entry into World War II following Japan’s Dec. 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor attack, American industry devoted its efforts to the production of goods needed to win the war. As a result, the rationing of trucks began on March 9, 1942, making new trucks relatively scarce for civilian purchases. General Conservation Order M-100 was issued by the War Production Board and administered by the Office of Defense Transportation. According to the Order, “The Office of Defense Transportation will administer the rationing through 79 field offices of the Bureau of Motor Carriers, Interstate Commerce commission. Each field office will be a Local Allocation Office. A total of 100,000 new light, medium, and heavy trucks and truck-tractors will be available for rationing this year [1942].”

To read more about the 1946 Chevrolet pick up a copy of the May/June 2021 issue of Vintage Truck magazine!

Articles in this issue include:

  • C-Line Discovery
    Tom Thayer’s 1961 C-100 stepside was a new truck for a new decade but with familiar, older bones.
    Story by B. Mitchell Carlson, Photos by Brad Bowling

  • The Neighbor’s Old Farm Truck
    Dave Gilcher’s 1950 Ford F-2 stake bed has gone from manure hauler to museum piece!
    Story by Bob Tomaine, Photos by Brad Bowling

  • Wurlitzer Chevy
    Rob Seitz’s 1946 Chevrolet pickup is his “after” truck!
    Story by Robert Gabrick, Photos by Brad Bowling

  • Truly “International” Scouts
    A pair of Swiss car builders turned Scout II 4X4s into luxury SUVs!
    Story by Bill Siuru

  • A 1949 Time Capsule
    Terry Bigam’s 1949 Dodge DE1 is a low-mile, Canadian-built dream!
    Story by Loren Hoekema, Photos by Tommy Kallgren

DEPARTMENTS

  • Letter from the Editor

  • Letters to the Editor

  • For Ford Fans: 1981 Ford F-150 Custom

  • Independent Trucks: 1974 Volkswagen Thing

  • Photos from the Attic

  • Books in the Bed: Reviews by Robert Gabrick

  • Hey Loren!

  • Classifieds

  • Show Guide

  • Granny Gear: Mulch Ado About Nothing

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