The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Tons 'o Fun Couple pics

Just two pics to start off just you guys know what I got. Truck is in fairly good condition.

Nice. Looks like you will be wheel shopping soon

Yup. Just want to get one that looks original but is tubeless and fits the bolt pattern.

I like the front bumper ,if a tree falls across the road you are all set

I know right. It has to come off but it is almost a shame as it adds to the character of the truck. Soon to be replaced with a new chrome one.

That's a good lookin truck! Yeah a stock front bumper would look better imo

Welcome Rick
Nice truck, I’m sure you’re aware of Bluewater or Can Am shipping in Port Huron to order parts delivered there to save brokerage fees? I live up the road in Komoka and will start making more trips soon. Just getting back at my project again.

Working on the same truck I assume? How far along are you?

Unfortunately not as far as I’d like to be, not in any hurry. This is purely a hobby project.
Hopefully starting onto body panels this spring.

Speaking of bumpers, and not that it matters much in the grand scheme of the universe, but were you aware that the 1-ton bumpers are different from the 1/2-ton and 3/4 ton bumpers? They are thicker steel, for one. And the bolt holes may not be exactly the same, either. I had a really hard time getting bumpers on my truck until I figured this out (I had 1/2-ton bumpers). Once I was able to trade for some real 1-ton bumpers, they went on without any fuss. Just more to ponder ...

If it helps, here's a picture of my rear bumper. Hopefully you can see how thick it is. The 1/2 and 3/4-ton trucks' bumpers are noticeably thinner.

John

I second John’s info. Same with my one ton. 1 ton bumpers are heavier.

That's a nice truck! I love the color.

Nice truck. Have you considered putting "super singles" on the rear?

I have a 51 1-ton and put a half-ton bumper in place of the rusty 1-ton unit for about ten years until I got some extra money and had the 1-ton bumper rechromed. Either one fit the same holes in the brackets, though IIRC they are slotted on mine.

About the Wheels:
It will drive a whole lot better with the factory offset (or close to it) on the front wheels. There are 0 offset trailer wheels that work well enough, though they are a little more offset outboard than stock wheels. I'm presently running those. I have used 16" Ford steel wheels and they steer OK. Later Chev 16" wheels will not work as the edge of the rim hits the steering arm so the wheel will not turn freely until it wears a groove in the steering arm. Not good. Factory 17" wheels are the best but your choice of tires is very limited.

Question?? When you say factory 17" wheels, what year wheel are you referring to?

I'm referring to the 51 wheels. There are at least two offsets. I have two of them. One set came from my 51 1-ton, the other I bought loose just for the tires and they are identical to the 51 wheels except for the offset. They are offset two far inboard and won't fit. I don't know when they changed design. My long-ago landlord had a 58 1-ton with 17-inch wheels but they l looked different than mine as I recall.

The originals had an inboard offset of 9/16 as close as I can measure. This offset produced "center-point steering," which was easier on the arms. The zero-offset trailer wheels work pretty well but the steering is still heavier than stock but the radial tires probably contribute to that.