The Stovebolt Site Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre Do It Yourself (DITY) Gallery 1947 2nd-Series GMC FC152 3/4-ton "Safe, Serviceable, Nice"

Otto, John & Rich.

Thanks for all the input.

I guess when I wrote my description of my initial surveying of the truck's status, I wasn't too clear that I was "thinking out loud" about options, and not clear on my goals. I agree with what was said!

With regard to wheels, I was thinking about going from the later-model 16" wheels that are on the truck to what may be a more original 17" size given the truck's GVWR. Uncertain I will make any change.

With regard to 6V systems, I really have no concerns. As I wrote, my '53 Chevy still has its OE 6V system/components and runs/starts fine. But with a complete rewire needed for this truck, I am considering possible alternatives, that's all. FWIW, I've had good service from the NAPA "commercial" 6V battery (P/N 7244), which is made by East Penn industries, and is a store-branded DEKA P/N 901MF.

In addition to paying close attention to cleanliness of connections and adequately sized battery cable & ground strap(s), there are sometimes some helpful updates which can be found studying the later, overlapping-year Master Parts catalog/books. For example, on my '53, I run a '54 6V starter that I believe Chevy introduced for Powerglide cars to address customer complaints of slow cranking, Delco 1108035. It's a 4-field-coil starter vs the 2-field-coil units used on standard transmission cars and all prior to '54. Only problem is finding them for a reasonable price, since the '54 Corvettes used that starter, too. Anyway, I have 6V generator/regulators, a somewhat later 12V generator/regulator, and 3-wire 10SI alternators available. That's part of my indecision on which way to go. No shortage of parts in that regard.

Back to the subject at hand, I have research to do (well beyond the electrical system), including parts interchange with Chevy. I've already picked up a GMC shop manual reprint that covers '47-'50 light truck models and I'm pursuing a copy of the '39-'54 GMC master parts book. I have a good library of Chevy manuals of various vintage (Carter and some Stromberg, too), and I'm a fan of using the factory info to the max extent possible. Just now building my GMC resources (including connections in this Forum, of course)!

Thanks, again, all.

Doug