This 1946 Chevy ¾-ton truck, affectionately known as “Buttercup,” belongs to Karee, a retired Phoenix firefighter. Already the owner of a 1946 Chevy panel truck, Karee set out to build a reliable daily driver—one she could restore with her own hands.
Having spent over a year as both a participant and mentor in our program, Karee brought Buttercup into the Garage as her personal project. After a thorough evaluation, it became clear that the truck was only salvageable as a body; the original engine and frame were beyond repair.
To bring her vision to life, a 1985 GMC ¾-ton truck was sourced, and its rolling chassis was carefully stripped down and repurposed. The frame will be modified to fit the 1946 body, and Karee has selected a 6.0-liter GM engine paired with a 6-speed transmission to power the build.
With guidance and support from the Guardian Garage team, Karee is leading every step of the transformation herself—turning Buttercup into a true reflection of her dedication, skill, and perseverance.
