I picked up a awesome 46 chevy 1 ton dually . Cab , front fenders , hood and side panels, engine is a straight 6 235 from 55 and turns over . The big items I need are going to be bed and back fenders . Body will be a breeze to paint . What I want to know is what are my options for frame ? I just want to make this a daily driver fun and safe . Do I upgrade original suspension with other parts off a different year truck, SUV, etc ? Very excited about this truck and so is my 14 yr old son. I want this to be affordable and not afraid to refinish something. Thx for any help , will post pics when I figure it out on my phone
If the body is in good shape, go through the brake system and get them in reliable working order, then tinker with the engine to get it running, then I'd say drive it a little while like it is and see what you think of it. You may actually like it as is. You can change out frames, suspension, drivetrain, etc, it's all a matter of what you want from the truck. Do you want an original or close to original truck to drive around, or do you want a hot rod. It will be fun to drive and safe just the way it is.
Being a stock 1 ton, it will be a slow vehicle. You can change out the rear gears or axle for a little better cruising speeds if you'd like. You can change the suspension, but then you will be losing that old truck feel just my opinion. Post some pics when you get the chance!
I know there is another feller on here somewheres that put a bed and widened fenders on a dually and I think it looks real sharp.
Welcome aboard! Always fun to have a father and son team join us.
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Regards, John
~ John
A kid raised on Hotwheels, Matchbox and Tonka cannot be reasonably expected to own only one vehicle as an adult.
1949 Chevrolet 3804 In the Legacy Gallery | In the Gallery Forum 1973 IH 1310 Dump 1963 Kaiser M38A1 2001 International/AmTran RE3000 "Skoolie" 2014 Ford E-350 4x4 (Quigley)
As gumbi said, get it running and driving safely. Put a few miles on it before you decide to hack it up. If you are a skilled fabricator you can put the body on any frame you want to. There are also kits to upgrade suspension and drivetrain components. One ton stuff is a little harder to find but it’s out there. ðŸ›
Martin '62 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed (Restomod in progress) '47 Chevy 3100 5 Window (long term project) ‘65 Chevy Biscayne (Emily) ‘39 Dodge Business Coupe (Clarence) “I fought the law and the law won" now I are a retired one! Support those brave men/women who stand the "Thin Blue Line"! Hug a cop! USAF 1965-1969 Weather Observation Tech (I got paid to look at the clouds)
As gumbi said, get it running and driving safely. Put a few miles on it before you decide to hack it up. If you are a skilled fabricator you can put the body on any frame you want to. There are also kits to upgrade suspension and drivetrain components. One ton stuff is a little harder to find but it’s out there. ðŸ›
I know I want to get a truck bed and rear fenders , not sure how much difference there is in the frame of a 1 ton v 1/2 & 3/4 ton
Not too sure about the Wurlitzers, but the AD trucks 1/2, 3/4 and 1 ton frames were all different underneath the box. 1/2 had a big kick up, 3/4 a little one (I think) and the 1 tons had no kick up at all.
Bed sides for the trucks were the same from 40-53 (different lengths of course). I read that in a book called Chevrolet Trucks by John Gunnell. The mounting holes were in different spots for the fenders. but if you couldn’t find 41-46 box sides the later ones could be used if the holes were filled and redrilled.
1970 Chevrolet C10 Grandpa's -- My first truck -- In progress to shiny Follow the build in the Project Journal 1950 Chevrolet 1-Ton Dually "Ole Red Girl" In the Stovebolt Gallery More pictures here 1951 GMC 9430 1 ton dually--Shiny! | 1972 Chevrolet C20- Rusty- the puzzle box lid for the C10 | 1962 AMC Rambler American- my wife's Parts trucks- 1951 GMC 9300 | 1951-GMC 9430 | 1951- Chevrolet 1300
Basically you can't unless you are a techno whiz. There are ways to do it but way beyond my pay grade.
Martin '62 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed (Restomod in progress) '47 Chevy 3100 5 Window (long term project) ‘65 Chevy Biscayne (Emily) ‘39 Dodge Business Coupe (Clarence) “I fought the law and the law won" now I are a retired one! Support those brave men/women who stand the "Thin Blue Line"! Hug a cop! USAF 1965-1969 Weather Observation Tech (I got paid to look at the clouds)
I know that a pickup bed was available for the Art Deco one tons because I've seen at least a couple of them in my travels. I believe Jim Carter may have a restored example in his personal collection. Matter of fact, I've also seen literature showing a pickup bed for a short (134 1/2") wheelbase 1 1/2 ton.
Welcome to the Stovebolt.
John
~ J Lucas 2006 GMC Envoy 4.2 I6 2023 Ram 2500/Cumins 6.7 I6 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Wife’s) 2002 Silverado 2500 Gas 6.0 1941 Chevy 1/2-Ton 1942 Chevy 1.5-Ton SWB In the Gallery My Flicker Photos!
To do a photo from phone, you must be able to reduce its filesize to under 300kb. Easiest way I found was to download app for photo and picture resizer and use it directly on phone that took the picture, then just use the " use full editor" button to reply.
I did a one ton gmc. I swapped rearends for gearing. Swapped wheels for bolt pattern. Swapped front end for ride. Swapped wheels again. Now I cut off the frame and built a rear section and suspension and bought a long box and fenders and long running boards. It can all be done and eventually I hope I quit changing things but it's all okay if your happy working on it driving it. https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/tmp/3462.jpg https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/tmp/3463.jpg
