VIN & engine numbers would certainly help in determining exactly what you
have. Then, VINs were located on plates on the driver's side front door
pillar. The engine serial numbers are stamped in a flat just behind the
distributor & the casting number is located ahead of the starter (something
like 383####). I don't know much about the trucks over 3/4 ton, but I have
a lot of reference material & others on the list do work on the big trucks &
can tell you more details from experience. Send us your numbers.
Regards,
Doug Pewterbaugh
dpewter@msn.com
Denton, TX
49 3104 216 5-window
----- Original Message -----
From: Justin C. Earl <porkchopzz4@netzero.net>
To: Truck List <oletrucks@autox.team.net>
Sent: Tuesday, February 20, 2001 7:40 AM
Subject: [oletrucks] 1951 1 Ton (1 1/4 Ton?)
> Hi all:
> I have just joined this list after selling a MGB and taking a 1951 Chevy
> truck in partial trade. This truck isn't just a basketcase, it could
teach
> basketcases a thing or two. =)
>
> It is all rusted out with nearly no floor pan left, the head is off the
> motor and it is fairly scorched, there are no "soft" interior parts left,
> and there is no bed on it. It was used, up until a couple of years ago
for
> logging. Wow, it was still a workhorse after nearly 50 years.
>
> I want to restore this truck to mostly original condition, although I'm
not
> opposed to making improvements and modernizations where it will greatly
> improve drivability. I would like to use this as a work/road service
truck
> once it is complete.
>
> I guess my question is: Where to start?
>
> I've never done a total frame off restoration although I have been doing
all
> my own mechanic work for several years (see cars below). I'm guessing I
> need an assembly manual and a shop manual.
>
> So far, the plan is to remove the cab and weld in new floor pans. After
> that, what should be next?
>
> How do I find out what motor I have? Will the numbers and all be in a
shop
> manual? How do I determine if the engine numbers match the VIN? Come to
> think of it, is there a VIN on a vehicle this old? =) I was told the
motor
> may be a Babbitt type, and I'm told I don't want a Babbitt motor. I was
> also told a V-8 swap will not work because of the steering linkage being
in
> the way and the clutch pedal would hit the back of such a large motor...
is
> this true? Any sort of retrofit reference guide I can consult on what
> motors would work in this truck?
>
> It has the dually rear axle and so I figured it was a 1 Ton but a truck
> buddy says they were actually 1 1/4 Ton. Any truth to this? Are there a
> lot of these trucks around? All the restored pics I find on the web are
> standard single axle trucks.
>
> Maybe this isn't the best truck to try and restore, but since I'm
> essentially acquiring it for nothing and am going to do all the labor
> myself, I think I can complete the project for something less than a
king's
> ransom. I hope. So does my fiance. ;-)
>
> Any advice is GREATLY APPRECIATED.
>
> -Justin Earl
> Cartersville, GA
> '51 Chevy Truck
> '79 Corvette ZZ4 (355 hp, black on black , Hooker headers with chrome side
> pipes)
> '69 Volkswagen Squareback (daily driver)
> '78 MGB Roadster (leaving the stable...... *sniffle*)
> oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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