The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Best place to look for parts?

My '42 1.5 ton truck finally arrived and I am beginning my plans for rebuidling.

Any advice on where to find parts?

Also, does anyone know to what extent the smaller trucks share parts with their bigger brothers?

I don't know about the '42, but I am working on a 53' 2 ton. I can use almost all sheet metal from any of the smaller trucks. I have had good luck with Chevs of the 40s. I ordered a lot of sheet metal from them, and everything was of a good quality. They sometimes have two grades of the same part. I would recommend always ordering the one listed as superior. It costs more, but it will probably fit without any cutting, and that is worth a lot. I also ordered a few things from LMC Truck, and Jim Carter. Both were good. Parts for motors should not be much of a problem, but I did have a problem with brakes, seals, bearings etc. The bigger trucks naturally use bigger parts, and most of the suppliers I called only carry parts for the smaller ones. I found most of those parts through a local NAPA dealer, but only because he was willing to take the time to measure the parts, and then search for something that would work. The rear end on my truck has been replaced with an earlier one, and I could not find brake cylinders for it. I finally had the old ones sleeved, but that is a last resort because it is expensive. I have not checked, but I have since been told that Jim Carter stocks the cylinders. I think you will find everything you need, but it might take some searching. But then, if it was easy, anyone could do it. Good Luck, Allen

Another good place is the Filling Station. They have alot of parts as well.

Suggest you go to local NAPA store, ask for catalogs that cover bearings, seals, and Truck chassis parts. They can get no charge for you. With a little research you can find most parts in them. I also discovered that Chevrolet used the same king pins for LOTS of years. My '51 4400 now has spindles, brakes, and hubs from a 1980 c50 truck. Parts are easy for that.
Good luck

Don't forget to check our very own Links Page right here on the Stovebolt Page, gang! The Internet's largest and best collection of old truck-related links to parts vendors, service providers, etc.

In fact, it's always a good idea, especially for new guys, to check out the menu bar at the top of this page with special attention to the Tech Tips, FAQs, Gallery and Features pages (There's one in the Tech Tips about starting a restoration on a Big Bolt that may answer most of your questions).

To answer one of your questions, though -- Most of the pre-1960 Big Bolts only share the cab with their little brothers. They generally have different fenders, hoods and grilles (larger) to accommodate the larger wheels used on the Big Bolts. Grills on the '42-'46 may interchange, but you'd have to ask one of the experts in that year range for the answer.

Again, welcome to the 'Bolt!
Regards,
John