Thanks!
Surface rust is all she has, and the body and frame are both solid as a rock.
I was a bit afraid of what the floorboards might look like once I got the debris cleaned out, but I was happy to discover the floorpans solid, as well.
Now comes my confusion with what exactly the truck is:
I was under the impression that it was a 1 1/2 ton, but after looking on the web, the chassis number of 5PWG suggests that this truck is a 2 ton. 5 meaning Kansas City KS, PW meaning late 1946 2 Ton, and the G indicating the truck was built in July.
Now to the engine confusion.. I found a website that states these trucks had the following engines:
The THRIFT-MASTER- 216. It's features were: In-line, OHV, Six Cylinder, Bore and Stroke: 3 ½" X 3 ¾", Displacement: 216.5 cu. in, Compression ratio: 6.5:1, Gross Horsepower: 90 @ 3300 RPM, Four Main Bearings, Mechanical Valve Lifters, Carburetor: Downdraft One-Barrel, model W1-575-S.
The LOAD-MASTER – 235. It's features were: In-line, OHV, Six Cylinder, Bore and Stroke: 3-9/16" X 3-15/16", Displacement: 235.5 cu. in, Compression ratio: 6.62:1, Gross Horsepower: 93 @ 3100 RPM, Four Main Bearings, Mechanical Valve Lifters, Carburetor: Downdraft One-Barrel, model W1-575-S.
My plate says 83.5 @ 3000 RPM .. seems weird that they'd spec engine HP at different RPM's than what they used on the plate.. but maybe the 'official specs' were rated that way so the smaller 216 didn't sound as whimpy?
I dunno.. I suppose i'll be tickled if I can just get it running and moving, regardless of what the engine size is!
On a quasi-related note, I happened to stumble across an old Chevy truck today on my way back home just sitting behind the neighbors barn. It's got alot of weeds sticking up around it, but it looks like a 1927. I might have to knock on the door and see if he wants to get rid of it!
Being new to this part of the country, it blows my mind how many super cool old trucks are just sitting out in fields rotting away. The low humidity here must be the only thing keeping these beautiful trucks from turning to dust years ago.
