The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 41-46 truck Canada to US differences

So I finally got my truck a couple weeks ago and been tearing into it. Looking at parts from the vendors and used parts people have for sale I’m noticing some differences in parts from my “44” Canadian truck in the aftermarket as well as used parts. One being the door check straps aren’t 2 pieces of flat metal but a piece of round bar another is the exterior door handle design.
I know that the middle years are built with existing old stock as my motor number stamped on it matches the tag on the truck and the water pump has a single hole on the back so it is a pre 41 motor and the head is stamped 1940. So what I’m asking is there any info somewhere that lists the differences between the Canada models and the US? Or do you have any info? Mechanical, design, finishes or anything... as stupid as it sounds I’m trying to keep it correct and I know I’m gonna have a harder time finding certain parts.

Hy Bill39568, as far as I know true Canadian trucks did not have metal saving fenders until 1946 if at all, (front fenders that have larger wheel openings and are trimmed towards the grill) hope that helps.

Huh I didn’t notice that. Gonna have to look tomorrow when I go out to the garage.

For what it's worth, there were many odd parts on US pickups during war years to save metal etc. Had a couple of those with stamped tin door handles and other with plastic interior handles. Had a military cab that had a huge metal glove box vs cardboard. Best of luck

Did the Canadians ever add chrome trim to distinguish their trucks from US trucks? For cars in the 50s and maybe 60s, Canadians seemed to take pretty, well done US designs and add chrome here and there. The result wasn't so pretty. Not being snarky here but it seemed like the Canadian cars just had to be different.

War era trucks from about mid-1942 and later don't have a great deal of rubber parts as that material was scarce due to the Japanese occupying many of the rubber tree regions of the Pacific.

There was an engine difference too. I believe the Canadian 216s retained the domed piston design until 1946 . That includes of course the old style head. That is reflected in the Canadian and US parts manuals.

I did notice those trucks had the leather around the gas filler with the metal trim ring but mine never had that as it doesn't have any holes in the body. As I'm getting further into it I'm noticing it's basically a 1940 truck with the 41 and up body on it.

Well I’ll be pulling the motor soon to go thru it so I’ll see!
I don’t order or buy any parts for this truck unless I pull apart what I have first to visually figure out what year it matches up with, fun!