Hey all. My wife's stepdad is giving her his '46 2 ton. He just asked her to come get it at the end of spring. We have known she would be getting this truck for many years, but didn't realize we would be getting it this soon so we have not spent any time yet learning about the truck or coming up with a plan for it. I saw it years ago, but don't remember much about it. I do know that he used to be a farrier and had used it for that business. Knowing him, he took great care of it while he was using it, but it has not been used for quite a while. I'm guessing he kept it very close to stock. It has been outside, but it is in a fairly dry climate. Really all I know about it at this time is that has a 12' flat bed and is black with yellow pinstripe. He also said he has a ton of new in box stuff for it that we will be getting. We will need to trailer it about 800 miles.
We are both excited to get it back on the road, but like I said, we aren't sure which direction we will take it. We are kind of torn between a basic resto or something more complicated. The idea of keeping it as close to original as possible is attractive, but making it more useful in a modern context has its merits, too. I haven't owned a two wheel drive vehicle since high school, so naturally I am curious about 4wd conversions. We live in the mountains of North Idaho, so 4wd is kind of important, but we just don't know enough about these big old trucks yet to say we want to commit to a conversion or how needed it is. We've had a '73 Blazer and a '78 Ford stepside years ago, so this will be by far the oldest vehicle we've owned (aside from an old Willys that we never did anything with). Definitely will be the first vehicle we've had were you can't just run down to the parts store for most needs. We aren't going to have a ton of budget for it, and I haven't done much more than standard truck maintenance and bolt on mods, but I love teaching myself how to do things and have actually been craving something old to wrench on lately.
In terms of forum etiquette, would it be appropriate to start a thread about the project and post all the various questions we have there, or make individual posts in the proper sub forums?
That sounds exciting to be getting a truck that’s been in the family and a one-owner one at that.
We’re looking forward to seeing pics when you get it.
As far as posting a journal that would be appropriate to document your progress, but general questions in the various forums (driveline, paint and body, etc.) with specific titles would get more notice. You might also check in with the guys in the big bolt forum and the regional group for your locale.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
Very cool news to hear of another truck staying in the family and being brought back to life.
Also looking forward to any pictures you can share. If you need help posting, ask away and we will help out with that process.
As Kevin mentioned, best to ask questions one at a time in the tech forum category nearest to what you are working on. Easiest to keep conversations on topic and help with answering your questions. If you are stumped on where a question may fit, ask it in the General Truck Talk (GTT) and if it needs to move someplace specific, we can help with that.
You also may want to check out The Rocky Mountain Bolters forum. You have many fellow 'Bolters in the region and it may help you connect up with folks nearby.
Catch you in the forums.
Dan
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100 Follow this story in the DITY Gallery "My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine" 1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
A very good write up on your story. Thanks for taking the time to get it down in writing.
I like your question:
"In terms of forum etiquette, would it be appropriate to start a thread about the project and post all the various questions we have there, or make individual posts in the proper sub forums?"
Yes.
One of the groups Kevin mentioned was the Big Bolts forum. That group would enjoy watching your truck journey unfold and they can add input specific to Big Bolts. In there, you can post at your own pace, asking questions that arise. So, I'm going to move your post over there.
All the individual areas in THE SHOPS will be good for the general questions as Dan stated.
The nice part, once you get some traction in here, readers can drop down under your screen name of the left, and see all the posts you have made and follow what you are doing on the 2-ton!
This group is going to hound you about seeing pictures. Naturally! There is a link at the top of this forum (called a sticky) that explains (in various ways) how to post images in here. Even with that, if you have questions, just ask in the IT Shortbus. As we say, "Someone will be along to help you."
Welcome to the site. We'll be watching to "approve" your posts until you get to #5 and then ... yeeha ... posts away!
Last edited by Peggy M; 06/15/202311:25 PM.
~ Peggy M 1949 Chevrolet 3804 "Charlie" - The Stovebolt Flagship In the Gallery || In the Gallery Forum "I didn't see this one coming. I don't see much of anything coming. :-O"
Welcome! I've always liked the look of the '46 trucks. Being it's a 2 ton truck, I wouldn't think a 4 wheel drive conversion would be very practical. But there is a guy on the Big Bolts forum who sells a kit to put disc brakes on it. You may want to look in on that. Keep us posted on your progress and post some pictures when you get a chance.
