The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts 1951 Chevrolet 1 1/2 ton

Here is the first set of photos. 1951 Chevy 1 1/2 ton pics

I'm going to take pictures of the underside next and add them to the same URL. Then I'll write about the trip, which, due to my poor planning, was pretty exciting.

good luck, thats a good project

Thanks, Mike. Having my wife's support is very important. Especially since I haven't told her that she's going to re-upholster the seat.

Now I have some questions.

1. If you look through the photos you'll notice that both the front and rear of the differential are bolted on. That's new to me. There's also a plug in the front of the differential pretty close to where I've seen the diaphragm housing mounted for Eaton 2-speed rear axles. Boy would I love for this to turn out to be a 2-speed in disguise. Can anyone identify the axle?

2. Another puzzler is the large cannister mounted to the passenger side frame rail just below the fuel tank outlet. There is a metal fitting and tubing/pipe running from a hole in the intake manifold below the carburetor that looks like it runs back to the cannister, but it also looks like it has brake lines attached to it. Could it be a vacuum assisted braking system of some kind? That 'reservoir' looks a little large to be just for the windshield wipers.

3. A minor point. I thought that the 1951s had the seat adjuster coming out of the front of the seat instead of the side. ??

4. I finally noticed that the oil filter is attached to the intake manifold instead of the exhaust. I didn't look around very carefully, but it is obvious from underneath that the oil filter has a hose running out of the bottom center, and it isn't currently connected to anything. I would assume that this is the return line for the oil back into the pan. I could take a flashlight out and find out, but do any of you know whether that line connects to the block or the pan? I suspect that it connects to the block.

Thanks for your help.

The canister is part of the HydroVac system for better braking. The oil line on my 54 from the bottom of the canister to the block. On my 38 it goes to a T then to the block.

51 seat adjuster is out the side. If you look at my webphotos, you see examples that might help you. I suggest a shop manual and an IPB book. They help a lot! Welcome.

I have a very nice seat for a 51 ...plus many more parts

kb3csw, thanks for the info. Do you know any more about that setup? I'm sure I can find something in the on-line service manual but was hoping to pick your brain. Is it mainly for the rear brakes? Frankly I just haven't taken the time to trace the plumbing runs.

Virginiafiretruck, that resto on the Thalia fire truck is awesome! The body you started with was a lot nicer than mine, but I really think I struck paydirt in the engine compartment. I'll add some pics to the WebPhotos site as soon as I find my camera, but I was afraid that, after 10 years, there would be a wasp's nest in the oil pan, or the valve gear would look like yours did, or they had run it out of oil because of that return line from the filter to the block that is no longer connected to the block.

Not so. The valve gear still has oil beaded on it, and the oil pan was full. The engine seems really clean, top and bottom. I'm going to do leakdown tests and Plastigage the main and con rod bearings tomorrow or the next day because I want to sell the engine. Since the body isn't restorable to new condition without buying a new cab I'm not going to do a resto. Maybe something like a 'rat rod' and I want to put a late model 292 in it. I actually obey the speed limit whenever possible, so I don't think I need a 'mountain motor' in it. I thought about a Ford flathead for a few minutes but that has about as much appeal as incest.

Anyway, thanks for your comments. Every little bit helps more than you know.

oldmason, what parts do you have? If you want to contact me directly: [email protected]

I think you have the makings of a great project. I think you will be surprised how strong and durable these old trucks are. There is much to learn and everyone here seems to want to help. That is the best part(driving the truck is really) of being a member of the stovbolt site.

Most fire trucks are normally kept inside for the majority of thier lives so they are normally in good shape to begin with. Our was only left outside for about four years before I found it in North Carolina and brought it home to be restored. It was pink and weathered on the right side from sitting in the sun and weather beside the building for several years. But it could have set for 20 years or more so, I figure we were just lucky somebody cared about that old truck.

anyway, pictures help alot!!!

I'm curious about my engine. It looks just like the engine in VirginiaFireTruck's Thalia resto, and I don't think it is a 216, but I can't find any information about any other engine being used in trucks in 1951.

As close as I can tell the engine serial number is: IOI8359 F54X. The truck has the 0 - 30 psi oil pressure gauge. There should be a couple of pictures of the engine in the set I posted on Webphotos. (link above.)

Does anyone have any ideas?

It looks like a 235. Match your serial number here:
http://www.inliners.org/casting/numbers.html

BTW: SN# is normally located forward of the distributor on the right side of the block. II(captain's bars as they are called) looking things on the block are idications of a 261 motor.

I left out an important piece of information. The block casting number is covered by a nice aluminum plate that says "Rogers Remanufactured Engine" on it.

Sorry...

Starkweatherr,

Good luck on your project. I'm putting a 49 1.5t (dump, grain truck) on the road next week. My son purchased it a couple years ago from a guy in NW Arkansas and worked it over. The truck was last used on a farm in Oklahoma in 1976. I now have new tires, good brakes and I'm looking forward to driving it on a regular basis.

Cartman

Starkweatherr, that F54X code tells you it was manufactured in Flint, MI, it is a 1954, which means it's a full pressure motor. The X is throwing me however and I think I might know why. You just might have a highly desirable and rare 261. I wouldn't sell it if that's the case, I'd go ahead and use it.

Does anyone have any idea about that IOI prefix? I've looked through a couple of listings from 1950 to 1957 and can't find it.

New pics posted at: 1951 Chevy 4400 Pics

I smell a stovebolt 'saga' in the works.

http://www.stovebolt.com/features/


-W

I've been thinking about it. So far the only place I show up on the web is Doug's Heavy Metal Gallery in Area 4a.

Pics 88 thru 99 at the links above show the beginning of the tear down of the 1966 292 that I hope to put in the truck.

Ok, guys, just a mild slap on the hand, but PLEASE don't discuss items you may have for sale or trade here. I don't want to delete your post, but I will if the practice continues.

Instead of telling someone what you got, just send 'em an email, or tell us to look for you in the SWAPS forum.

Oldmason, I know you are new to the 'Bolt, so please take this for what it is, just a mild rebuke. I hope the thoughts I have presented will be helpful in the future.

Stark,

Well, we can fix that. Once you get the story written up, just send it in with the pictures. We are ready for another saga.

Peggy

Would the 1950 big truck 6400 seat adjuster be on the side also ?
Thanks !!
By the way .......how hard is the headliner 2 piece thing, to install ? Any tips, or hints, as the better way to do it ? I am gonna need help !! LOL

Thanks you all !!

MJD,
I didn't have too much trouble with my headliner. I think the secret is to put a little rubbing alcohol in a spritzer bottle with some water and mist the back of the headliner just enough to make it softer and more flexible. Seems to work pretty well. A few trial fits and a lot of dictionary and it'll be OK.

Truly sorry, Mr. Foster. I didn't know the rules then.

Thanks for your vigilance.