The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Newbie question

I am hoping to purchase a 1942 Chevy 1.5 ton flatbed (duals, long wheelbase) soon (if my wife doesn't kill me first). I haven't decide whether to rod or restore but I already know that the brakes need work before I take it for a ride(they leak). I am a little concerned about the original engine not having enough power and am thinking about dropping in a 350 if I rod it. I figure I can drive it with the current engine for awhile.

Any sage advice as I contemplate working on this big boy?

Power is a relative term. With the gearing, you'll have enough power to pull something, but so much gearing you won't run 60 mph. Most people are referring to top speed when they are referring to power. Increased speed means you need to increase your stopping power, too. If you change the engine, a gearing change is probably in order, lots of guys here are using the the Dana 70.

I think my deal on a 39 1.5 is going down today, so we'll work through it together. I'll be doing the brakes, too. I'm not a purist, if you want a small block, more power to you (pun intended).

Chris

The old big trucks are geared LOW, man.. they got plenty of power, but won't get you anywhere fast.

I'm into old trucks not just because I like the look, but I like the experience. I often say my old trucks are my time machine.. just hop in, hit the stomp starter and you're instantly transported back to (in my case) 1946 or 1950.

The sound of the engine, that big wheel.. the smells, the sounds, the feel.. when you keep 'em stock, it's just like you were back in that time.. toolin' down a country road.. big cigar hangin' out of my mouth, and a [censored] eatin' grin on my face you could see a country mile away.

Dropping a 350 in there, changing out the suspension, putting a modern steering column in, adding air conditioning and power windows.. the way I see it, if you're going to go thru all that hassle, you might as well buy a newer truck in the first place.

I've never done it.. but from all that i've read, a 350 isn't a "drop in" replacement. Not only do you have the steering column/box in the way, but there seems to be a good deal of chopping to get a radiator big enough to cool off a 350 to fit under the hood.

My '46 2 ton tops out at about 55MPH, and can pull anything i've chained to the back (with or without a bed full of junk)

It may not run low 9's at the track, or smoke the tires off when I dump the clutch, but it's a truck. It's meant to lug heavy stuff around and work.

But at the end of the day, it's your truck, and you should do with it what makes YOU happy and suits YOUR needs.

Hey, someone who works on old trucks because it's the EXPERIENCE of an old truck!

I'm new here, but I've got a Scout that I am also working on for the same reason. Something about the old designs, simpler and rugged!

Welcome Farmdog,
What parts of Iowa do you hail from?
Scott

Just my opinion,but if the stock negine isn't enough to flip your trigger,why not try a 270 or 302 GMC six,or a Chevy 292. Granted,those aren't fire-breathers out of the box,but you can still get enough accessories (intake set ups,headers,cams,electronic ignitions etc.) to help them run with the small block Chevies,especially when it gets down to the loooonnnng grades with a good load on. By nature,the six pulls best in the 1,800 to 2,500 rpm range,and they hold their mud when lugged steady in this range,where most all smallblocks start losing ground as soon as you load them like that.
Plus,the six will be a lot easier to install and cool.

Thanks
I'm in SW Iowa, near Red Oak. I'm about an hour from Omaha.

BTW, what's a cylinder index?

Farmdog CI is the accumalated number of Cylinders that you own in old trucks before the wife makes you sleep in the Farm's Dog House

I 'repowered' my 1956 two ton dump, replacing the 235 with a 350 and it made a HUGE difference. It is like driving a different truck. Of course it was a fairly easy replacement, since that truck was available with a 265 V8.
I also own a '46 two ton flat bed. It is a project, but the previous writeres are correct. It is alot of work. Brake pedals have to be remounted or use a later swing arm, steering concerns, radiators are available to fit, but have to be big and are expensive. I agree for a first time project, use the 270 or 370 GMC six which will fit with modifications to waterpump/radiator.

Good Luck,
Capp

----------------------------------------
'39 one ton
'41 half ton
'46 two ton
'56 two ton
'71 C20

Farmdog
Go down to the Greasy Spoon, and scroll back a few days, if necessary. There is a rather lengthy thread on the cylinder index--explains what it is, and how to figure yours, etc. Good Luck!

It may be easier to check the June news page. Midway down, there's the explanation AND original links to the CI question and discussion.

Peg