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Slide Show: Cruise Night car of the week Q & A

Billy Knoernschild, 68, of Cutchogue owns the News-Review Cruise Night car of the week for September 1. Scroll down to see what he had to say about his 1946 Chevy Cabover.

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1) When did you get the car?
I bought it two years ago. Believe it or not I was driving on Indian Neck Lane in Peconic looking for another truck when I saw it in Bob Simon’s driveway. He lives across the street from my son. We went and took a look at it and decided to get it.

2) What shape was it in?
It was in terrible shape. The only thing original is the cab. It was rusted away from age. It came from New Hampshire. They call it a rust bucket.

3) What was the biggest challenge in restoring it, and did you do the work yourself?
Probably the body work. I couldn’t do the body work. I didn’t have the experience.
It is basically three trucks put together. It is part of an ’86, ’97 and a ’05 GMC. I did all the mechanical, all the fittings, drive shafts, shock absorbers and steering. Me and my friend Dave Orth of Wading River did all the fabrications and welding. We’ve been friends since sixth grade in Port Jefferson.

4) What’s your favorite thing/feature on the car?
The way it came out! It’s an eye catcher. It’s old and it is still eye candy. Realistically I have about $60,000 in it without labor. It is worth in the $100,000 range.

5) What was the first car you owned, make and model?
A 1931 Chevy four door sedan I got in 1959 when I got my license at age 16. I purchased it from a lady who worked for McNamara Pontiac in Port Jefferson. I paid $100. It was rusted when I got it and then I painted it candy apple red.

BARBARAELLEN KOCH PHOTO | Billy Knoernschild, 68 of Cutchogue and his 1946 Chevy Cabover.