Feature Car Story Oct. 1 - Nov. 2/01
1931 Model A Pick Up

1931 Model A Pick Up
Owned by Bill & Pauline Fleming
Okanagan Chapter 

This truck was acquired in 1987 from a fellow in Penticton.  I traded a 1928 Model A Tudor body and parts for what could only be described as a pathetic example of a truck.  I learned the truck had spent most of its life in Omak, Washington.

Essentially, it was a basket case, but I couldn’t see that at the time as I had found my dream truck!  Once I started to disassemble it, I began to realize it was in very tough shape.  I ended up using the frame, car, box, front end, and the rear end casing.  Everything else was beyond economical repair.

 The engine block was cracked and the transmission was a 4 speed.  I calculated that it would allow me to do about 35mph downhill, but it would climb a tree trunk.  Not my idea of a truck to tour around in. 

About the time I took the truck apart my job changed dramatically and I put the whole project on the back burner.  Finally, about 1997, I began the restoration process. 

One of the best things about belonging to a club such as the VCCC is the fact that there is a pool of technical knowledge available – as well a muscular assistance!  I have received advice and assistance from too many people to try and list them all – but I thank every one of them.  One thing we all have in common is great pride in what we have accomplished. 

After a lot of hard, but fun and rewarding work, the truck is on the road.  It still requires some fine-tuning but it has been a reliable driver and runs well.  So far it has not been on any really long trips but that will come in time.  And, keeping my fingers crossed, I haven’t had to be towed home, yet!