Vehicle Description
1946 Chevrolet Fleetmaster
The Series DK Fleetmaster was introduced as the top trim level
model in the 1946 Chevrolet range, along with the lower level
Series DJ Chevrolet Stylemaster. The Fleetmaster, which replaced
the "pre war" Chevrolet Special Deluxe, was powered by a 216.5 cu
in (3.5 L) straight-six engine driving through a 3 speed manual
transmission. It was offered in 2-door Town Sedan, 4-door Sport
Sedan, 2-door Sports Coupe, 2-door Convertible and 4-door Station
Wagon models. A Fleetline sub-series was available as the 2-door
Aero Sedan and 4-door Sport Master Sedan, both of which featured
"fastback" styling and additional triple moldings on all
fenders.
For this consignment, our consignor and builder took this example
of a 1946 Chevrolet Fleetmaster and totally rebuilt it repairing
damaged sheet metal, adding a new 350ci engine circa 1978, and a
1970's-eaque interior, as was the theme for this hot rod. All the
heavy lifting is done save for the paint, which our consignor did
not attempt due to lack of knowledge to do so. Be creative.
Exterior
A high bulbous hood and pontoon style front fenders with a curved
grille, lead the way on this rod. The grille is courtesy a '42
Chevy, and the belt line trim has been shaved. The suspension gives
the car a bit of a lowered, (slammed), look which is befitting to
the style of this large piece of classic Detroit iron. Stainless
shiny rocker trim can be seen flanking on either side, and for the
back of the car smaller and more compact to the body pontoon
fenders are original to the car. A beautifully curved rear roofline
seamlessly melts into the trunk lid, that slowly cascades downward
to the rear bumper and a large trunk lid handle in the center. All
this metal, some original and some NOS, is painted in primer and is
ready for the color of your choice. Noted are just a few areas of
slight rust bubbles, mostly at the rocker trim and door jambs.
15-inch Torque thrust wheels are on and looking great. The fronts
are wrapped in 195/75R15s and own back larger 275/60R15s are on.
Smoke 'em if ya got 'em, and it's got 'em!
Interior
Black vinyl panels, some smooth and a tuck in roll insert create a
classic rod look for the doors. Shiny chromed cranks and handles
have a small wood insert in the otherwise chromed knobs of these
levers. A big curved bench seat with tuck and roll inserts and some
smooth surrounding bolsters, also in black, stretch from door to
door. This bench has a split back so one can access the rear bench
which is also like new and in back with the same pattern, only with
some snappy armrests built in. Upfront the dash has a combination
of classic original looks with its circular speedo in front of the
driver, and clock in front of the passenger. Plenty of chromed
ribbed, (vertical and horizontal), make up the dash front, and the
full metal jacket painted black dash top is there as well. On top
is a tachometer aimed at the driver. Mounted to a tilt chromed
steering column is an aftermarket water gauge, and below this
classic dash is a trio of aftermarket gauges to monitor the totals
of the V8 under the hood. A large wood rimmed with drilled shiny
spokes tops the tilt column and this wonderful shiny art deco
styled dash. Black carpeting floods the floors and shows a B&M
shifter reaching for the driver's hand. Above is a black headliner
showing some slight creases.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is a beautifully painted in GM orange/red blocked
350ci V8 circa 1978. This mill sports TRW GM .100 domed pistons, GM
Pink rods with ARP bolts, Speed Pro rings, and a GM standard steel
crank. Heads are iron angle plug style with with dual spring
retainers that have had some mild pocket port work performed on
them. These are topped by shiny cast ribbed valve coverings, which
show off white powder coated Patriot headers coming from the deep
red/orange block. On top beneath an original looking air cleaner
covering is an Edelbrock 4-barrel carb with an Edelbrock intake
manifold. On back is a TH350 3-speed automatic complete with a
3000rpm stall converter. The rear axle is a 10-bolt 3.73 posi
setup. This mill has been dyno tested at 391.3hp!
Undercarriage
Obviously with the previously described parts to this car it was
undertaken by a passionate and talented builder, and underneath is
no exception. Solid framing and floor pans, all painted black with
nice rockers and body hangers. Independent coil over front and leaf
spring rear suspension is on and disc brakes are on front, and
drums for the rear. A turbo muffler system is mounted on and
looking pristine.
Drive-Ability
Not only a looker, but on the test track it can be deemed a cooker
too! Great smooth acceleration, effortless automatic shifting, and
good handling for a large rod. All functions were in working order,
and I'd have to say A plus for the drive-ability section.
A very nice and meticulous build with a full list of nearly every
part that went onto this car which reads like a who's who of
quality automotive manufacturing. Plenty of attention to detail,
and a very nice interior. All you need to do is turn the key and go
to the paint shop where you can go hog wild!
VIN DECODE
14DKG3930
14-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
D-1946
K-Fleetmaster
G-November Build
3930-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
STYLE NO 46 1027-1946 Fleetmaster 2 Door Coupe
BODY NO M338-Baltimore Body #
TRIM NO 130-Gray Striped Pile Fabric
PAINT NO 336-Mayland Black
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.