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Thanks for checking out this1927 Checker Cab pickup conversion. Note: Earlier, I had said this vehicle is a 1926 but I have been corrected by members of the Checker Club that production on trucks did not start until 1928. During the years prior to 1928, it was common practice to take a taxi and convert it into other vehicle types, like pickups or tow trucks. Checker made the F model in 1926 - serial numbers ran from 6020-8018 . Checker made F and G models in 1927 ... neither of these were trucks. Serial numbers in 1927 started at 8019 . This G4 is a 27 model, as comfirmed by the serial # on this vehicle (11475), which indicates production in 1927. The truck is 95% complete and there are only one or two rust holes on the body. The numbers on the identification plate all match, and the original engine still turns over using the hand crank ! The bed sides, tailgate and floor is in decent shape, but the wood in the cab and the roof will need to be replaced. The fenders and running boards are in excellent shape, and will support the weight of an adult. Some distinguishing features of this Checker Truck to other vehicles of the era include a heavy-duty frame (suitable for big block engine), 20x7 steel wheels, a simple body line around the front fenders, and integrated turn signals on top of the headlight buckets. There is a small door on each side of the bed, and there are slots in the bed floor that suggest the truck was fitted for passenger seats (similar to those in today's minivans). The door handles, window cranks and split windshield opener still work, and all glass is complete. If you look closely, you can still make out a checker board pattern in the paint right below the passenger window. Also note the checker emblem on the front wheel cap and checkerboard on the rear wheel cap. The truck is in great condition for its age, and could be moving under it's own power soon! Some questions relating to the history and condition of the vehicle: What items appear to be missing? Roof, passenger side mirror glass. It is very complete!!! Spare wheel/tire there? Yes, there are a few extra rims, they're kind of rusty. Any extra parts with it? Yes, there is a transmission and center section for the rear end. Any papers, manuals, etc? Only paperwork is for transferral of ownership Title shows it to be a 26? Yes, but I have learned from serial numbers that it may be a 27. I have been corrected by members of the Checker Club that production on trucks did not start until 1928. During the years prior to 1928, it was common practice to take a taxi and convert it into other vehicle types, like pickups or tow trucks. Checker made the F model cab in 1926 - serial numbers ran from 6020-8018 . Checker made F and G models in 1927 ... neither of these were trucks. Serial numbers in 1927 started at 8019. This G4 is a 27 model, as comfirmed by the serial # on this vehicle (11475), which indicates production in 1927. Here is what I could find out about the number of Checkers known to be around in the enthusiast circle: As far as G4's ,,, there are NO other 26,27,28,29, known to exist. There is a 22 in L.A. a 23 @ Checker , then we get to the 30 models. Any history, such as previous owners or origin? Yes... I bought the truck last month from a guy that advertized in a hardcopy auto trading magazine. He cleaned out his barn this spring and the truck had to go. He had it since 1985, and it was last known to run in 1995. Stored indoors part of its life? For sure, since 1985 Where are the rust-outs? I will look again, but the one or two I remember were not bad at all. Any serious body or other damage? The roof is gone, the tires need to be replaced. Body has no crumples or bad damage. The back of the cab is understandably weak because of no roof and high wood content, so the driver's side door has to be handled carefully. I opened it only once. What does the left side look like? If it is accessible, could you send a few jpg photos of the left side? It looks comparable to the passenger side...I will have to borrow a camera, will do what I can to get an image for you. When do you think it was last running? 1995 per prevoius owner. He says his grandfather was the expert and knew how to get it started, I have not attempted to energize with new battery, etc, but did turn over the hand crank by hand and can verify the motor is not frozen. Can it be rolled onto a trailer? Kinda... I used a winch to pull it on a u-haul trailer. It was heaver than I expected!! I hauled it about 30 miles in the rain with a Dodge Dakota 1/2 ton and it was squirly over 40 mph. You will need a bigger tow vehicle if you need to haul it any great distance. Since I have compassion for this potentially rare find, I have not made any modifications to this vehicle...yet. It sure would make a nice street rod... or a woodie wagon... but it could be restored to original condition just as easy. Notice the body line on the outer edge of the front fenders. This is rather unique for the period, as most of the Ford and Chevy's have a rounded bead on the fenders. Here are detail shots of the identification plate found on the firewall and engine. The ID plate has the following numbers: Model : G4 Chassis : 11475 Engine : 160586 Body : GL2603 The interior is worn, but there is enough of the original leather upholstry to see how it was made. Very plush instead of stark metal. Here are three shots of the leather interior, dash and door panel. The window rolls up, and the door latches work too! I found this interesting: Checker used the same door on both sides of the truck - therefore, the drivers side door is a "suicide" door. Time for tires and a tune-up, then it willl be going ... going ... gone !! Here are a couple of photos showing how the hood opens and how the Buda 4 cylinder engine looks. Here are some links to what I could find out about Checker Motorcars: From: http://carsinamerica.com/html/facts/facts601.html: "In 1923, the first Checker cab was produced by the Checker Cab Manufacturing Company in Kalamazoo, Michigan. By 1925, Checker had a production of over one thousand cabs per year and was the largest exclusive cab maker in the country." Checker Car Club of America, Inc.e-mail address is: carclub@gte.net A history of the Checker Motorcar Company is at: http://www.checkercabs.org/club/checker.htm Another view is athttp://vintagecars.about.com/library/weekly/aa031899.htm Please e-mail me if you have any additional information you may have about the history of The Checker Cab Manufacturing Company of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Thanks for checkin' out my Checker !