The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Hello Everyone, Stovebolt Newbie here

I recently had a 1948 3800 Flat-Bed donated to me by my aunt and uncle. It is definitely a project but not in terrible shape overall. Where is a good place to find parts for these bigger trucks (right now I know I need a back window, tail lights, and a brake master cylinder)? I have used LMC Truck for my F-100 but that's the only one I have much experience with that isn't Ford specific. How compatible are things from smaller trucks (3/4-ton, etc.)? What would be a modern replacement for the split-rim wheels and bias-ply tires on these? What is the bolt pattern on the wheels?

Here are a few pictures:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzXHTUJx2QYoTjY4LUFYSVkwdmM/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzXHTUJx2QYoNmlGUF9ZTURFeXc/view?usp=sharing

That looks like a 48 model 3800 series 1 ton to me. A 4100 series 1 1/2 ton would have 20"in. wheels, & a channel type bumper, instead of the pickup style bumper your truck has. What info. is on the ID plate, in the driver door jamb. I've used Jim Carter Antique Truck Parts for over 30 yrs.

Aaron, That is a good looking truck. Welcome to the SB. Lots of great people and very good information.

Jim Carter and American Classic Truck Parts are decent to get parts from.

You should read the first to post in the Big Bolts forum about wheels and tires and brakes. Grig has done a wonderful job of gathering information and sharing his knowledge.

I'm sure lots of things going through your mind about what and were to start.

I would put things in this order...

-Make it stop. Doesn't matter if it runs, if it can't stop you really shouldn't go any further
-Tires. Make sure you look at the wheel article and don't do any work to the RH-5 wheels.
-Go through the fuel system. Clean tank, new fuel lines (metal and rubber), new fuel pump, carb kit, etc.
-Change all fluids. It would be a good time to have the radiator checked by a shop. Maybe a new water pump if it's been sitting for many years
-Electrical. Look into a new harness if it has the original. You could spend years fighting an old harness or put a new one in and be done. Maybe upgrade to 12 volt.

Then you can work on the other things.

If your 48 is anything like my 46 some of the parts are compatible. Cab, doors, grill are the same, but running boards and fenders are different. Engine is close to the same, but axles, brakes, etc. are bigger.

Good luck and take your time!

Your back window would be the same as any other size of truck, because they all used the same cab. Fenders, grilles etc. would be different for the larger trucks.

You are correct, I just got the chance to check the 'vin' and it is, in fact a 3800. I said 4100 based on what was told to me and the fact that it had the DRW (not the first time I've been wrong, thanks for the identification tidbits!)


That pretty much sounds like my list, hauling it home ended up using the far left pedal instead of the middle one in loading/unloading so that is certainly going to be step 1.

Thanks for all the tips and information so far, I am looking forward to getting working on this!

It looks like 18" wheels, 8 on 6.5" bolt pattern, there are some 18" tires(China I believe) out there. 17" tubeless tires and wheels off a modern dually would be an option.

I have a 250 GMC which also has the 18" wheels. I recently found a set of NOS Nylon Bias 700x18 by doing a search on this site.

http://www.adhuntr.com/

All kinds of weird stuff can be found all over the US on that site. And since I have been in the trucking business for over 51 years, I can usually figure out on how to get stuff moved. And nylon tires don't blow out with age like radials. As long as they are either not mounted in a warehouse or mounted and kept inflated, they are still fine.