doodle bug

[Lester Warner]

While still in High School (1950) I traded a 1937 Chev coupe with a cracked head ( a big thing at the time for a kid that was broke) for a 1938 Buick that was made in to a tractor,and a 1937 Packard sedan that was all there,but just wouldn't run. The buick had the original 3 speed, and a 4 speed behind it. The lowest gear was really slow, but there was not enough weight on the rear do do much good. I boasted that I had the only tractor with front coil springs,and a glove box. The Chevy would be worth much now,and the Packard which was sold for junk would be a real prize. The doodle bug also ended up at the scrap yard. Les Warner,Eugene,Oregon

 

[37 chief]

I remember things like what you described with the two transmissions, don't know what they were used for. We all had some things we should have kept, but back then about all they were worth is scrap iron. Some of my things I should have kept were a 48 Chrylser New Yorker with a straight 8, then there was my dodge with the flyuid drive trans, don't remember the year. My 50's something bullet nose studebaker. stan

 

[Herbert Johnson]

I wish I had kept my 63 Corvette with both tops.

 

[Oldmax]

I have a friend that still hase his DAD's homemade tractor. Is a Chev 2 ton truck With two speed rear I think the low gear is about "8.5 to 1" made into a tractor. He used it to pull trees out of the woods back in the early 50's. Will try to get pictures and post some time. The thing will still run.

 

[Brian G. NY]

Model A Fords made the best Doodlebugs.
My wife"s uncle built this one. Just a truck 4-speed and a real low geared worm gear truck rear. He was a Ford mechanic for years since the 20s and could really make her purrr!!
The Chevy belonged to a friend of mine, had two 3-speed trannys and would go real slow.
He used it to pull a set of "drags" one day and the second tranny really "heated up" from all the torque being put thru it. He used it mostly for transportation until the State troopers got after him. That"s my friend driving and me in the passenger seat. We sure did have good times in the old days!! Both pics taken in "58 or "59.

 

[Paul from MI]

Just foun d the bill of sale for my wifes first car. 1957 Chevy she bought in '64 for $500. Sure wish we had it back!