Are you sure it's not a 9/16-18 thread? There is not much difference in the diameter and if you used a tape measure on a rusted bolt, it would measure about 1/2 dia.

Just my thought as I looked in my 1940, seventh edition of the machinist handbook.
Don


1967 GMC 9500 Fire Ladder Truck
"The Flag Pole"
In the Stovebolt Gallery
1946 2-Ton grain truck
1946 3/4-ton pickup,
1953 1-ton pickup
1957 1-ton flatbed dually,
1954 Pontiac Straight Eight
Of all the things I've lost in my life, I miss my mind the most!