The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Got it home, 4400

Door plate number says it's a 49 4400 with 161 inch wheelbase 1-1/2 ton. Just like it should be. The engine number by the dizzy Starts with LAA, which I get as a 53 235 engine. LAA 567987 What you think, correct? This whole truck has been worked over at one time or other. Had a 12 volt battery in it, gotta check bulbs and stuff to seee if right. I drove it home, about 10 miles, and only going about 15 and in 3rd gear. Had to downshift to 2nd or even Low a few times for some hills. Can you say NO Power at all? Wouldn't even pull in 4th gear. I kept moving the dizzy, but only got better, but not really good. Didn't miss at all, just no revs! Carb kit on seat, looks like someone messed with that, and new float and all. When I got home, the starter wouldn't even kick in, so don't think it charges now.
There's NO hydrovac on this truck. Can't see where it could have mounted and no hole in floor for the air filter hose to behind seat. Did they really make these trucks w/out Hydro-vacs?? The brake plumbing was changed, newer lines, ran anywhere and sloppy. The clutch pedal hangs about half-way down, till you pull it up. Think it's rubbing on floor, spring looks good. All the joints haven't been greased in years, caked up with dirt. Found one front shackle half out.
Truck has an 8 x 24 heavy wood bed on it. 2ft sides and metal strap hooking rail down sides. I'm gonna take it off and make a 10ftr, maybe dumping. Old bed is all 2x lumber, tongue and groove bottom and sides. Make some one a good cheap deal on it??
Tires are fair, two fronts are only 6:50 width and sides rotten on one. Probly gonna find some 19.5" ones like my other truck had. Took ignition key out to see if I can get key made. Might just order new set. Still have to have locksmith pull the tumbler out, I have no key for it.

fun times again GL! sounds like you were lucky to make it home!!
yes the hydrovac was only optional up to 2ton, where it was standard

Bill

glad to hear another one back on the road to recovery.......waiting for pics. got to love the old big ones...happy times ahead..mike j

The LAA engine serial prefix is for the 1953 "regular" passenger car 235.

Check the spring that disengages the starter teeth. It was broke on mine and it chewed the teeth off the starter during my drive home on my 2 ton. Stuck a new starter in and replaced the spring and it was good as new.
MONGO