Congratulations! Sounds exciting. What kind of truck? ie: Stakebed, wrecker, etc.
If I recall correctly from my Salesman's Fact book, the GVW is determined by the suspension and the tire size. My '41 firetruck also is missing the id tag, but it seems most likely that it should be a 2-ton (a 500 gallon water tank is flippin' heavy!), and I've got 7.50x20s all around, and extra helper springs in the back suspension.
I'm pretty sure the id tag was on the passenger side cowl, just under the hood. It mounted with two rivets or bolts, I think, though I can't remember if it was vertical or horizontal. If there are two holes there, then that's where it was.
As for parts, Jim Carter and Chevs of the '40s will still have a fair number of things, like brake cylinders and even wheel bearings. I haven't done brake shoes yet, but those and the tranny are probably best found at a truck repair shop.
Send photos! Hope this helps,
-Michael
