W.G. Reeves was the proprietor of the Stockbridge City Garage, which was located on Clinton St. in downtown Stockbridge, Michigan, a small town located midway between Lansing and Ann Arbor in Ingham County.

Founded in 1911, the Garage was Stockbridge's first authorized Ford distributor advertising that they dealt in both "new and second-hand automobiles". The State Bureau of Labor census of 1913-1914  reported 6 male and one female full-time employees.

Business increased to the point where Reeves built a new all-brick structure for his Ford dealership in 1916. In addition to selling automobiles, Reeves also operated a machine shop out of his Ford garage, and enjoyed a substantial side business in converting Ford Model T's into commercial vehicles, often installing frame extensions that were constructed in his own machine works.

When the Ford Model A went into production during 1928, Reeves designed a frame extension kit for the new vehicles and began distributing it to other Ford dealers. Reeves first offering was a cut-frame extension which required the chassis of the donor vehicle to be cut in two parts. The Reeves extensions were bolted in between the two halves and secured by heavy-duty bolts.

When Ford introduced their 157" Model AA chassis, Reeves began offering cut-frame extensions for the Model AA in sizes from 18” to 108". A cross frame member with an integral driveshaft carrier bearing was included with longer kits and Reeves also offered custom-built driveshafts built to length for an additional charge.

An early 1930 issue of the Commercial Car Journal carried the following small item:

"Frame Extensions for Fords

"WG Reeves, Stockbridge, Mich., is supplying cut frame and slip-on frame extensions for Ford trucks. Cut frame types come in lengths from 18in. to 108in. in length."

1931 Ad Copy:

“Reeves is ahead again … presenting an exclusive frame extension for the Model AA Ford truck with 157-inch wheelbase. This new products reveals the same high standards of engineering and manufacturing which have given previous Reeves extensions such widespread approval. Alloy steels, of course … simplified in design and easy to install … especially adapted to 14-foot bodies … does not change the Ford cantilever spring suspension or the customary Ford service methods on springs or rear end .. in brief, an economical substitute for larger trucks – a wide avenue of approach to new sales.

“This new extension by Reeves retains all the superiorities for which the company’s previous designs are famous. It avoids complicated construction and is installed with minimum labor and time.

“157” W.B. 24-inch extension $70.00 F.O.B. Factory

“Reeves frame extensions for Ford AA Trucks are also made in four other sizes.

“W.G. Reeves, Manufacturer, Stockbridge, Michigan”

Although most Reeves extensions were destined for use with Ford's AA and BB heavy-duty chassis, they began offering a purpose-built extension for the new V-8 equipped Ford Model 40/46 commercial car chassis in 1933. Available in two lengths, 18" and 36", Reeves supplied their cut-frame extensions to all three of the firms known to have built professional cars on Ford's commercial car chassis; A.J. Miller, Siebert and the lesser-known Automobile Coach Co. of Kansas City, Missouri.

Soon afterward Reeves developed a similar line of products for the Chevrolet truck which would extend its wheelbase from 137 to 199 inches. Reeves also offered their 18" and 36" extensions for Chevrolet's commercial car chassis, many of which made their to professional car builders (hearse, ambulance and airport bus) who specialized in Chevrolet conversions.

Starting in 1936 Reeves began offering a line of slip-on frame extensions for both Ford and Chevrolet chassis which were available in lengths from 18” to 72”. The slip-on extensions were popular with commercial vehicle owners who needed extra cargo space behind the rear axles. 

1940 Ad Copy:

“CUT-FRAME and SLIP-ON EXTENSIONS for TRUCKS

“Cut Frame Extensions for the 133 ½” Commercial and Passenger Car Chassis

“Frame Extensions for all models of Chevrolet, including the 113 ½”; three-quarters tone; one and one-half ton (133”); 158 ½” and 193 5/8” – where bulky loads are concerned, you can give to the Chevrolet Pick-up the same wheelbase as a small truck and to the truck the carrying capacity of a tractor and trailer.

“Slip-On and CUT-FRAME EXTENSIONS for conventional truck chassis 133”; 158 ½”; 193 5/8”; and for the cab-over engine – CUT-FRAME type range in sizes from 18" to 108" lengths – SLIP-ON type come in 18” to 72”  lengths and for the 1936-38-39 and 1940 trucks – there are CUT-FRAME EXTENSIONS FOR ALL MODELS AND YEARS.

“In this way a large body can be put on the lighter chassis for hauling bulky loads for the dry cleaner, laundry, bakery, department store, florist, etc. – it is practical to increase the cubic content of the body several times without disfiguring the original fine lines and maneuverability of the Chevrolet truck and commercial vehicle – it eliminates the necessity of any expensive front end conversion and shapeless packing box-on-wheels body construction to get the added cubic content required by these vocations.

“On a 113 ½” commercial car chassis with a 36” REEVES EXTENSION providing for a nine foot body.

“On a 113 ½” wheelbase with a 36” REEVES EXTENSIONS giving a 9 ½ foot body – ideal for plumbers, furniture or electric appliance dealers, undertakers, etc.

“W.G. Reeves, Manufacturer, Stockbridge, Michigan U.S.A.”

Reeves advertisements disappeared at the start of WWII, and it's assumed they went out of business at that time, a date more-or less in agreement with a local history publication that states "W.G. Reeves operated a machine shop for 35 years". The Ford showroom is still in used today although the building that housed Reeves' Machine Works was demolished in 1964.

© 2004 Mark Theobald - Coachbuilt.com

© 2004-2012 Coachbuilt.com, Inc.|books|disclaimer|index|privacy