It’s been awhile since I’ve seen a 348 Chevy engine. A school class mate bought a ‘58 Chevrolet coupe in about 1960 with factory 348 with 3x2 carburetors and four on the floorthe floor. He still has it and drives it on nice days.

That was a cool story with the truck, glad the brother made it back home. Looking forward to the next test rip with the boat.

That is a great looking old chevy truck.

I absolutely love the shape of the valve covers on those old Chevy 348/409 blocks. Dang they are GOOD looking!

I have to say knowing the history of the truck adds more value to it

Recently seen videos like this have given me an insight into Amercan "truck" culture. Thru work in old building restorations where much value is attached to renovating without destroying the history, the "story", of a building, I can appreciate that similar ethos in automobiles. And your ute, sorry, truck (I'm Australian) is a stunning instance; and its story no less so. What really blew my mind was the FluidLogics valve body tester; and the realization how poorly I understand the amazingly complexity and engineering of auto transimissions.

Definitely a cool story on the truck! I have a story for you too! I have a 1908 IH that’s been in my fam since 1912, never restored and runs/drives! I’d be more than happy to show her to ya!

Although I'm a little late to the game, I want to thank you for this video post. First, that's just about one cool truck, the body style and patina say it all. Then add in the 348 and four speed, disc brakes, etc. and that's one very nice rig. The back story only helps. The transmission valve body dyno was completely new to me and was an education in itself. Well done.

Very sweet looking truck. The story behind is even better. How cool was it that the original owner got to see it running like it should be and know the new owner (you) loves it as much as he did when he gave it to his brother.

Wow, just great hearing the history of your 40. I was amazed that a valve body testing machine even existed.

One thing I remember from the days of 348 and 409’s is one way to tell them apart quick if the valve covers where changed is the 348 had the dipstick on the drivers side and the 409 had it on the passenger side.

I never knew that much is involved with properly testing a valve body. I really learn something every time I watch your channel. I hope you do some video lectures on what ever you want to. I'll watch every one...

Beautiful truck, still loved and why not. It can't be replaced.

Great story on the truck, you took me to lunch in it when you installed a rack and pinion in my 64 Ranchero.

Awesome job Merlin, I love to hear stories about old cars, trucks, that belonged to other people and that they noticed their own truck. I'm sure it warmed his heart to see it driving around with a little less paint on it. Great story, great video, great job, hopefully that transmission will work for your boat. Take care and stay safe my friend.

The old 348 sounds pretty stout in that old truck and a truly an amazing story about its history. Good news about the transmission and looking forward to seeing you back on the water again.

Did the same with my '40 Deluxe Coupe before I shipped out in '68. I asked that it not be sold. It was. Life lesson.

Nuttin like an ol' Chevy or Ford or Dodge Truck......i love em all Thats a Fantastic Story of that Truck....awesome 👍🤠👍

Great story about your truck. I am glad the guy was able to come home from war. I'm sure glad that he was able to see his old truck and you were able to get it to play around with it and make it yours.

That's neat that you have found out so much about the Ol' Girl. Great story, thanks for sharing.

dude have you ever tried king bearings i like them alot my prefered choice for my builds , i threw together 350 sbc in a 66 pickup truck tubro 400 , old small valve heads it would spin 10000 ,wouldnt hold there for too long it would spit oil out the front seal, and dipstick would pop up about 3/8 and spit a little oil , on a cold morning in wa state it would blow smoke rings the funniest thing i ever seen ... really like your channel ,,,, no bs here

I think that's a fantastic deal and when you get done with it and be amazing

That little story brought a tears to my eyes, thanks Merlin.

Bro, that truck story is the exact reason hot ridding should never die. Thanks for sharing!

And now that story rocks .sweet deal 👍👍👍👍👍✌️✌️✌️✌️

They really did know how to make a beautiful looking truck back in the day. Very cool 😎.👍👍👏🇺🇲👍🇬🇧

You left us hanging with the 360° oiling of the rods. Can you do a video on that and what the new bearings look like and what you did to the cabs. I have a 39 Chevy truck myself. Glad you kept the original straight axle beautiful truck.

That is a beautiful truck... Wish I could find a deal like that.. Especially now a days... I've always like the old school truck.. Much better looking then modern!!

Wow, that's a great story on your beautiful old truck. I can't thank you enough for sharing. I grew up during the Viet Nam war and the draft ended just before I turned 18. As a kid I heard the daily numbers of Servicemen lost on the evening news. I assumed that after high school I'd be heading there too... So glad the previous owner made it home.

Merlin you have the coolest collection of trucks and such. From the "40" to the one and only bad ass wrecker. Sorry for the language. My friend, you have done it right. Thank you Merlin.

Iv been waiting for this one I was hoping maybe we’d hear more about the drive train what he used for axles front/rear and brakes but hey I’m happy that is probably my favorite of the fleet hard to choose one but that 348 and 4 speed is just old school cool don’t see builds like that everyday them guys are all gone almost 😎

That 40 chevys a great old truck love that beauty.

Gotta love when the original owner comes and visits his old truck that's amaseing great vehicle history thanks for shareing it.

New Sub here , the boat brought me in . My Wife and I spent all the 70's and 80's jet boating , water skiing and camping , we sold the boat in 1991 as my Wife developed Rheumatoid Arthritis and we could no longer do those things , we both still talk about it and miss those day's , they were the best day's of our life .

Thanks for the story...cool truck!

Truck sounds great, that wheel/tire combo looks awesome. Great back story.

100 psi of oil pressure could be the reason for your failed bearings. Years ago, a machinist warned me about doing this and I didn't listen. I spent good money rebuilding a SBC and I wanted the best. I thought I was upgrading the oil pump by going to a high volume unit. Great oil pressure. A couple of months later, my beautiful engine has a rod knocking. All of that oil was up in the valve covers and couldn't drain down fast enough, so the bottom end starved. A stock pump with 30 psi would have been just fine. The lessons that cost money are lasting memories. I love the '40 Chevy. It reminds me of the one in the movie "The Last Picture Show". Check it out.

Beautiful truck! And pretty cool to see a valve body dyno. 💯🙌

Great video Merlin. Thanks for sharing it.

I have known you since I was a little boy....always been fascinated with everything you have built...I still remember the days when you turned up some of the golf carts at the T-bird...and having lunch with you and your aunt Pam in Nodak...I would love to come and visit and see all your cool toys...I am still driving trucks and it's been rough roads and lots of lonely nights...love these videos when I am on the road...please keep posting them

Very interesting video📸 did not expect the dyno test that was brilliant. 👍🇺🇲👍🇬🇧

That's a sweet truck. Thank you. The old title was notarized 2 years before I was even born. Glad the younger brother made it through Vietnam and was able to see it after your fine work on it.

Music to the ears. Old school loping 🥹

Awesome truck, thanks for showing, and sharing the story, glad the lad got to see his truck again, hope they sort your trans out for you, boat is very nice too, all the best to you and your loved ones

Now this 1940 Chevy truck story is the right kinda ol truck story , it brings tears the are real ol truck guys like me , its the unlimited barn/yard find and the story is amazing, thanks BigAl California.

Thanks for the story on the truck, it brings so much more to life to hear about the background and people's lives... appreciate you talking us along on the valve body dyno. Just had mine done by Dave Goerend and his crew in St Lucas, Iowa for my 06 ram 2500. I'm fortunate enough to live so close, just short drive really and i get to see a beautiful part of the state as well as visit with the friendly folks in St Lucas. Installing this week, so i can get back on the road before my son comes home from duty!

I always learn something watching your channel, Merlin. Thank you.

The new rims and tires look amazing.

Cool story Merlin ..I really enjoy watching you and Paul. You guys are very talented. Thanks for sharing this. 👍

Glad to hear your story on the 40...they are cool old trucks. I have one in my driveway, have been enjoying the heck out of it for 15+ years ( 383 ci stroker engine, 700R4 trans and 4x4!) I suspect you may have better luck with finding parts in your drier climate than I have on the west Coast of Canada. Enjoy! Thanks for sharing

Merlin great story on the th 40 Chevy, such a small world we live in. So interesting your valve body dino video so thanks for sharing and stay safe. Looking forward to the test drive on the lake. 👍

Just love your pickup the way you leave it the way it is the patina is awesome, the wheels and tires are perfect great job keep up the great videos!!

Beautiful truck brother! Awesome story. Really liked that dyno test machine for valve body’s. Sweet video dude! Best of luck on the boat. I’ll be waiting to see how it turns out

That is a cool story on the truck Merlin and im very glad the original owner made it home. Its safe to say its in good hands with all the older model trucks you give fresh life to , The wrecker The hauler and this one , The cruiser. Nice work for sure. 👍👍✌

Love old car and truck stories like the one about your old truck. Keep up the good work. Nice haul on the model a and t parts.

Very cool story on the shock that's an awesome looking truck Wish you luck on your vow body and transmission in the boat I hope everything works out for you so you can go for a good trip be safe have fun

Your pickup is awesome, with a great history ! Good luck with the trans in the boat

Such a cool storey, loved watching the video!! Thanks for sharing. What an awesome old truck!!

Merlin I drag race a 1963 Impala SS in nostalgia Super Stock .It's a 452 cubic inch 409. My best time with it is a 10.76 @125.+mph. I thought you might like to hear about another w head motor. Some of my friends with 409s have ran 9s. A 348 with a 4 and a half stroke and 60 over will go to 440 inches. After hearing the story when I was about to be drafted I enlisted for 2yrs. After basic I was sent to Aberdeen Proving grounds for training in armament on helicopters. Our instructor told us he wasn't going to BS is we were going to be door gunners in Vietnam. I had a 1970 SS Chevelle for my street machine that a friend wanted to buy. After the news the instructor gave us I sold my Chevelle. When I got my orders after my armament school was over I was sent to FT. Hood Texas. I called home and told my brother not to sell my car. He told me I was too late my friend got it last weekend.

Thank you for sharing the history of your Truck, great info for an awesome Truck.

what a great lovely story Merlin .Gee that is so touching and fantastic ,does you proud mate Cheers Glenn from New Zealand

Great Story Merlin and thanks for sharing !

Just came in from wrenching on my 39 and there is your video on the 40 . Sweet truck awesome that you got the history behind it.

I love that old Truck. And the Story is priceless. So AWESOME..Cant wait to see the 2nd test run of the Boat.Great Video....

love the truck story and explanation. I came over from Fab Rats and am really enjoying myself. Thanks Merlin

that's a very cool truck and great story behind it well done sir Merlin

Beautiful pickup, Great video, Thanks!

Great story!!! You deserve that reward for treating people as you would like to be treated

Always a pleasure Merlin, thanking you

Tires look awesome,love that throaty sound coming from the exhaust.👍😃 Great story about the truck , people know when others will take care of their treasures.

Great back story on the truck. Very rare.

Glade to see your truck I owned a 40 chevy pu for 30 years. Thanks for sharing the story. Mine was also a hotrod in the later years I had it. Like your channel.

Very interesting watching the valve body go through the different gears and pressures. I never knew so much fluid passed through the pressure bypass. Yes sometimes when you start to dig through an old rebuild you find things that need service or you check and find issues that need attention right away. Back in 69 when I first got married I found a 40 Ford Coupe sitting in a garage with original paint and a great body. It had a small block Chevy in it at one time and the motor and trans was gone and the guy wanted it gone out of his garage, he said he would take $200 for it. My wife said NO, not another car, I already had three. I had 55 and a 54 Chevy and a 57 Chrysler. I still think about what I could of done with that 40.

Thanks...for doing this video... 😎✌👍

Thanks for sharing. You nailed those tires, great choice.👍👋✌

Wow i never seen a valve body dyno, that was bad ass saves you a lot of time an no guessing

, I love how you and Paul fab stuff up

The 1940 chey truck is such a fricken cool truck you paid $500 for body but when Dr Frankenstein works on a creations & when it comes alive there beautiful peices of art. TRUCK $ 500 but with your knowledge & story on it made it a million dollars & a tear in my eye. Love your videos Merlin with the art you create & the knowledge. Cool getting the boat fixed. Thank you for the entertainment

Nice old Skool Hot Rod ! Thanks for sharing ! Wow ! I was in Nam in 1969. Looking forward to the next Boat run !

Merlin I love this 40 Chevy truck and the 348 is awesome! I really like the new wheels and tires they look great! Waiting on Paul to get to work on his 42 Chevy! Good job Merlin!

I was watching from the boat you went and picked up with Fab Rats - I was seeing the old 40 Truck in the back in - LOVE the Truck So Cool!!

A 348??? Man, I’m jealous!!! I had one of these trucks in high school (a thousand years ago) and I wish I had it now!

It's nice when you know the history of a vehicle that you purchase especially like this one.. That is a great story and that the younger brother got to see his old truck. That is a nice looking Ute.

Great story. Beautiful truck.

Wow Marlin that a heart wrenching story with your truck and his brother that went to Vietnam I’m so glad he got to see his Truck I born in 1959 I currently have 4 or 5 Willys I’ve been watching Paul for quite some time and that’s how I came apon you keep up the great work Dave Willys Florida

That 348 looks perfect for a old hotrod truck very cool 👍

Great to hear the history of it some many stories no one will never know of most old trucks

THANK YOU SO MUCH. A BADASS BUILD AND A BADASS DAILY DRIVER. GREAT VIDEO AND A GREAT STORY. THANKS FOR SHARING!!!

That is one super cool old Chevy!! Awesome back story on the Chev. truck. Glad the younger brother got to see his old truck! I understood nothing about the dyno tester for the valve body but I'm not a mechanic either 😁 I'm looking forward to seeing you back out on the lake for the next drive test!!

Wow what a truck and story! I got some education today, which makes it a good day, thanks!...

Ya don't hafta thank me. I usually jus scan over most of this u tube crap, but you really put the hook in me with this one. I thank you.

Great vid, really enjoyed!! 👍👍

What a great story to have about your truck

Great story! Sweet truck and love the wheel upgrade. Classy.

Marlin you put the perfect motor in that truck love them valve covers

Another lovely old truck merlin love it

Great truck great story great video👏👏👏

Really enjoy your channel and the truck story keep up the great content

What a Cool Truck ! I do like the look of the 348 and the 409. the wheels turned out nice. Good Vid, Thanks Merlin. I migrated in from the Fab Rats crowd, now I have to catch up on your doings....

Love the old story ah I went to that hot dog stand when I was visiting my sisters in Phoenix a few years back and the part on the valve body was cool. NICE old truck!!!