Originally Posted by spanky
That looks like a 48 model 3800 series 1 ton to me. A 4100 series 1 1/2 ton would have 20"in. wheels, & a channel type bumper, instead of the pickup style bumper your truck has. What info. is on the ID plate, in the driver door jamb. I've used Jim Carter Antique Truck Parts for over 30 yrs.

You are correct, I just got the chance to check the 'vin' and it is, in fact a 3800. I said 4100 based on what was told to me and the fact that it had the DRW (not the first time I've been wrong, thanks for the identification tidbits!)

Originally Posted by RDomeck
Aaron, That is a good looking truck. Welcome to the SB. Lots of great people and very good information.

Jim Carter and American Classic Truck Parts are decent to get parts from.

You should read the first to post in the Big Bolts forum about wheels and tires and brakes. Grig has done a wonderful job of gathering information and sharing his knowledge.

I'm sure lots of things going through your mind about what and were to start.

I would put things in this order...

-Make it stop. Doesn't matter if it runs, if it can't stop you really shouldn't go any further
-Tires. Make sure you look at the wheel article and don't do any work to the RH-5 wheels.
-Go through the fuel system. Clean tank, new fuel lines (metal and rubber), new fuel pump, carb kit, etc.
-Change all fluids. It would be a good time to have the radiator checked by a shop. Maybe a new water pump if it's been sitting for many years
-Electrical. Look into a new harness if it has the original. You could spend years fighting an old harness or put a new one in and be done. Maybe upgrade to 12 volt.

Then you can work on the other things.

If your 48 is anything like my 46 some of the parts are compatible. Cab, doors, grill are the same, but running boards and fenders are different. Engine is close to the same, but axles, brakes, etc. are bigger.

Good luck and take your time!

That pretty much sounds like my list, hauling it home ended up using the far left pedal instead of the middle one in loading/unloading so that is certainly going to be step 1.

Thanks for all the tips and information so far, I am looking forward to getting working on this!


Aaron V.
1948 Chevrolet 3800 216/4-spd
1979 Chevrolet C30 Ramp Truck 454/TH-400
1995 Jeep Cherokee 4.0/5-spd
1970 Ford F100 390/4-spd
1973 Ford Maverick 302/C4
2004 Honda Shadow 1100

"While driving yesterday I saw a banana peel in the road and instinctively swerved to avoid it᠁thanks Mario Kart."