The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Tons 'o Fun What do I need to know when I go to look at a 51 dually 3800

My family and I are looking at buying my father a 51 dually dum / stake bed for his 70th birthday.
From what I understand they are different enough from their little brothers that I could use some guidance in avoiding any potential pitfalls with difficult to find or replace pars such as brake parts.

Any guidance would be appreciated.

Rear brake drums are about as scarce as unicorns or honest politicians. The 18" tube type tires they came with originally are E$$PENSIVE also, so one with good brakes and tires will command a high price from anyone who knows what those parts are worth. You can justify making a lowball offer if it needs either brake work or tires! If you happen to luck into one with 19.5" tubeless tires and wheels, it's definitely a keeper!
Jerry

Drtheo,

Just chiming in until the other experts get here so you aren't left hanging There are a few folks on here (like Amtrak Joe) who are actively restoring 3800 duallies and can talk authoritatively about peculiarities and the most expensive/hard to find parts.

Drtheo,

I do have a pair of 1-ton dually's, 1947 AD

Jerry about sums up the complexity of tires, rims and brakes. The rear brake shoes are not available. One must have them re-lined. The drums are scarce. The spring between the shoes on the bottom is available from Carters. The retention hardware clips are scarce but you could use snap rings instead but you will have to hunt around. Master Cylinders are larger bore but available. Rear differential swaps out to a more drivable 4:10 vs. the 5:14 stock. Not much else to say. Most hardware is available, kingpins are out there too. The rest of the truck is similar to a 3100 or 3800. They are easier to work on, one could slide right under and change the oil and snoop around.

Leaf springs are not available through the typical vendors and you need to check the front lower leafs to make sure the bolt hole is not egged out. She will wander if it is. There are companies out there to bend new lower leafs if you find it worn.

I say buy it.

Joe

Drtheo, you and I are in the same boat. I have been asked, by a motivated seller to come and look at a 1949 3800 dually, (with a mostly intact Williamson stock rack). Doesn't run and hasn't for many many years. This truck is the 5 window model with those windows intact. It does have a full set of matching and proper 18" wheels, OLD tires.
Al