If your 1947-53 truck has the harmonic balancer that has the fittings on the front for the crank-rod, you should be able to hand crank it. Some 1953 models and all 1954 and later models had a flat "face" on the front of the harmonic balancer and the crank would not work. Also, the 1954 and later grills would not allow the crank-rod to reach the balancer, even if an older-style balancer was/is used.
