[Hardly Davidson]

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!”