Re: Old 1950 "AIR FORCE" Truck (build)
 

Made the 'car-show' sign out of aircraft aluminum and rivets, plus plywood for strength. Siren and top light both work.

Re: Old 1950 "AIR FORCE" Truck (build)
 

More photos. Wheels are 'WELD' with Air Force roundel decals on center caps.

Re: Old 1950 "AIR FORCE" Truck (build)
 

Photo of cowboy is a partial sticker that was on rear bumper. It reflects back to original owner William "Dub" Wharry during his rodeo days in Hays, Kansas. I replaced the bumpers as they were almost flattened from pushing rigs or being pushed. I'm going to try and straighten the old ones enough to re-install.

Re: Old 1950 "AIR FORCE" Truck (build)
 

More photos. The lettering is off in a few places. Airman putting original signage on was not exactly precise where spacing and straightness was concerned. I elected to make things more uniform.

Re: Old 1950 "AIR FORCE" Truck (build)
 

More pictures, including those of paperwork helping me track down original owner (after the Air Force) William "Dub" Wharry. The stains you see on papers are courtesy of mice and rats. I sprayed this stuff with Clorox and let it bake in Arizona sun for a while. Boy did they stink before doing such.

Re: Old 1950 "AIR FORCE" Truck (build)
 

More photographs

Re: Old 1950 "AIR FORCE" Truck (build)
 

More photographs.

Re: Old 1950 "AIR FORCE" Truck (build)
 

This is the message printed on a car show sign I made:

Air Force Truck

1950 Chevrolet 3100 series pickup initially used as a United States Air Force “Command Air Readiness” vehicle. Later on it was placed into service as a “FOLLOW ME” rig. After that it became a yard dog. A true Cold War survivor with documented historical provenance, this truck saw extensive duty on the flight line at Wichita Air Force base in Wichita, Kansas from 1950 thru the early 1960’s. The base was renamed McConnell A.F.B. in 1954.

Vehicle would have been up close and personal with such nuclear-laden bombers as the propeller driven B-29 and B-36, jet propelled B-47, ending its hallowed career with the introduction of the mighty B-52.

The pickup at one time had a large “FOLLOW ME” sign bolted to bed. Embossed military issue aluminum data-plates still reside on dash and inside glove box. All Air Force signage on doors, hood, front fenders, and rear sheet metal are original to vehicle. Stenciled lettering was located and then replicated after lightly sanding away years of primer and rust. The 15 MPH / 35 MPH lettering on dash which includes tower call sign CAR 1 (Command Air Readiness 1) retains original paint. Vintage Federal Model 66 long-roll siren was located after extensive search. Red light is authentic 1950’s Federal BR-2 6-volt unit.

VIN number shows truck was completed July - 1950 in the Kansas City, Kansas factory. Ironically, the old Chevy was constructed in a huge building originally designed to build B-25 bombers during WWII. Eventually becoming surplus property in 1963 the truck was sold at public auction. Pickup became daily transportation for William Wharry of Hays, Kansas. The truck was appropriately named “Ol Blue” by the Wharry’s. Documents show it was assigned parking permits at Fort Hays College for several years. Records indicate the vehicle was last registered in 1975. After this time it was bought by Kenneth Kemp of Alta Vista, Kansas and put to pasture at his ranch.

Current owners Michael & Joleen Hankins purchased the vehicle in 2012. They left the relic in as found condition except for a few minor modifications. 'Rustoration' is the word best describing this project. The Hankins’ incorporated slight mechanical upgrades for drivability and performance purposes. Original 216 6-cylinder was replaced by a MDH Racing Engines 311 cubic inch small-block Chevrolet. B&M Turbo 400 transmission & Dana 60 rear-end compliment the added horsepower. Wheels, tires, and brakes have been updated as well. Ed Quay aluminum spoiler was added for stability at speed. Spoiler is also being used as a retro “FOLLOW ME” sign.

• Note: Should complete original restoration be considered, all removed OEM equipment (engine, transmission, rear end, springs, and wheels) have been retained and properly stored. Nothing was modified that can’t be returned to original.

“Thank you for your service to our country!”

Re: Old 1950 "AIR FORCE" Truck (build)
 

A big thanks to Gary Reynolds in Van Nuys, California for sending me this photo from the movie "Strategic Air Command" starring Jimmy Stewart and June Allyson.

I looked in my DVD archive and found that I have that movie. I'll be watching it again this weekend. Thanks Gary!

Re: Old 1950 "AIR FORCE" Truck (build)
 

Late 1950's photo showing B-47 bombers at a base in Florida. One of the trucks in this photo is a 1950's era Chevrolet with top light. To the left of photograph. The red light on my truck was originally on a rack directly behind cab window. I opted to place it on roof because of my covering bed with aluminum. The original military wiring is still present, coming out of door mirror area running upwards through rain gutter to top back side before being cut off. I had to blow this vintage photo up 200% for details. It was quite grainy at that point for reproducing!

Re: Old 1950 "AIR FORCE" Truck (build)
 

Great build and love the story. I remember my Dad having a very similar truck in 1968. He was Canadian Air Force 1957-64. But this really hit me when I saw the color still from the movie, the original blue really put a lump in my throat.

Nice job sir!

Re: Old 1950 "AIR FORCE" Truck (build)
 

I have lived in wichita long enough to remember the bombers doing touch and goes endlessly on a saturday. forget watching tv, or taking a gnap, or anything else you would do in peace on a sunny weekend. every 2 minutes the house would be shaking from a B-1B at 1600 feet in full afterburner.

now its KC135 tankers, interesting because when you see them taking off in long lines with short separation, you know something is going on in the world. no more low level afterburner passes with them thank goodness.

your truck would have been there for the stratojet bombers. how I wish inanimate objects could somehow display the things they have "seen"

Re: Old 1950 "AIR FORCE" Truck (build)
 

Photos taken in Chapman, Kansas at their 'Labor Day' car show. First time the truck's been back to the Sunflower State in 4 1/2 years.

Re: Old 1950 "AIR FORCE" Truck (build)
 

In Chapman, Kansas for their 'Labor Day' car show (2017).

Re: Old 1950 "AIR FORCE" Truck (build)
 

More photos from Chapman, Kansas 'Labor Day' car show put on by Rod Riffel.

Re: Old 1950 "AIR FORCE" Truck (build)
 

Chapman, Kansas car show

Re: Old 1950 "AIR FORCE" Truck (build)
 

Chapman, Kansas 'Labor Day' car show

Re: Old 1950 "AIR FORCE" Truck (build)
 

More photos from Chapman, Kansas car show (2017).

Re: Old 1950 "AIR FORCE" Truck (build)
 

Chapman, Kansas 'Labor Day' car show (2017).

Re: Old 1950 "AIR FORCE" Truck (build)
 

Chapman, Kansas

Re: Old 1950 "AIR FORCE" Truck (build)
 

Looks like you got some interest. that's cool.

Re: Old 1950 "AIR FORCE" Truck (build)
 

What is the glass jar for?

Just guessing that it's an on board still to make alcohol for the engine?


Fun threat, I'm following.

Nut Case

Re: Old 1950 "AIR FORCE" Truck (build)
 

I'm guessing Marvel Mystery Oil in the jar. Nice truck and good story behind it. It's great that you found all that documentation so you know the truck's history.

Re: Old 1950 "AIR FORCE" Truck (build)
 

Very nice truck and cool story!!! Is that a MOPAR I see on the lift in the background?!?

Re: Old 1950 "AIR FORCE" Truck (build)
 

Good job of documenting. Glad to see someone else with the passion to keep these old vets alive. After seeing yours i wish I had the opportunity to retain my original markings. Mine had several thick coats of paint on it inside and out and eventually had to be sandblasted to bare metal. I think the experience with 3 window cabs help inspire them to get 5 window one for safety alone. I found the flightline is an always will be a dangerous place with lots of expensive things to run into. I admire your tenacity in tracking down former owners and painstakenly restoring the markings especially on the dash.