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Owner: Raymond Geweke
Where do you live?
Sherwood WI
Vehicle: 1938 3/4 Ton Pickup
How long have you owned this vehicle?
Since 1982
Where did you get this vehicle? I purchased it from an elderly farmer, Mr. Johnson, who lived near Detroit Lakes, MN.
What was the story behind the vehicle? I had agreed with Mr. Johnson to buy four Model A Ford rims. On returning two days later to his farm to pay for and pick them up, he quickly told me that his grandson was upset with our agreement as he planned to use the rims on his Model A Ford. After I gave up my rights to the rims, I noticed his ’38 Chev pick up in his grove of trees. After a long conversation I finally found the courage to ask him the price of his Chev pick up. After a long pause, he said, “60”.
I didn’t know what meant! Was it $60? $600? or $6,000? Knowing that he and his wife were married 65 years and made most of their decisions together, I suggested he ask her opinion. After what seemed an hour, he returned to his farm yard and told me that his wife felt they should have more money for the truck. He questioned me, “ Would you give me $70?.” Having just $30 in my pocket, I told him Yes. We agreed that I’d return two days later with the rest of the money, and with my brother-in-law who drove a newer pickup to tow the ’38.
What condition was it in when you got it? The pickup was complete but the rear fenders were in tough shape. The front and tailgate of the pickup box were badly out of shape. The pickup box’s front bed panel and tailgate are readily available, and I bought fiberglass rear fenders. The front fenders had many small dents and minor rust through on their rear, bottom edges. While the cab, doors, hood, running boards and pick up box sides had faded paint, they had no damage. The grill had just three broken, but straight bars.
What kind of work have you done to this vehicle? I installed a ’55 Chev six cylinder engine. I also changed the rear end gears. My pu will now do 70 mph, though I keep an extra eye on surrounding traffic as I still had ’38 steering, brakes and suspension. I use radial tires for a smoother ride, and changed to a 12 volt system for brighter headlights & taillights. I use an electric windshield wiper as I did not want to use the undependable vacuum powered wipers.
What was the hardest part to find? A year ago, my son found a rare 1937 GMC Trailabout trailer. It will be restored and pulled by my ’38 Chev pick up. While it has a GMC embossed logo on its tailgate, its box and fenders are exact copies of Chevrolet’s.
Do you have any advice for people thinking about starting a restoration? I’d advise every person who is thinking of restoring a vehicle to take photos of its parts and their locations as you disassemble your vehicle, and label each part! I didn’t do that! The skilled fellow who painted and reassembled my pick up repeatedly told me that I gave him a “giant jig-saw puzzle.”
Are there any interesting stories you can share with us about your experiences with this vehicle? I have a special interest in acquiring publications by the Chevrolet Division on my pick-up and have found twenty technical books and sales brochures, and nine magazine ads.
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