The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Tool Chest what have I forgotten...

I am going out to do a thurough inspection of my new old truck, and was putting together my tool list, and thought I would share and see what I am forgetting.

Gloves,
Socket set,
assorted wrenches and pliers,
10w40 motor oil,
wd-40,
camera,
bow saw (small tree is in front (not through) of grille)
Marine gas can,
6 volt car battery (any suggestions?)
jumper cables,
Flashlight,
notebook,
pens,
trash bags.

Ok, what am I forgetting.

the truck is a 44 1 1/2 ton that was converted to 2 ton sometime in the 50s, it has been sitting for 25 years, and I am going to see what I can get to work while I am visiting it in Ft. Stockton, tx, I intend to try and move it back to austin next trip out there (about a month after this one).

thanks in advance!

-Mike R.

P.S. I will post pictures when I get back!

What did y'all forget?

Wasp spray
BFH (big hammer)
Get some penetrating oil, such as PBBlaster
Brake fluid so you can find the leaks
Water for you and the truck
Handyman's secret weapon (duct tape)
Bandaids
Rags

If you're wife's going, take some earplugs for her, you might not want her to hear your profanity

And since you're in west Texas
Snake bite kit
And for after you're through working a six pack of something cold, wet and frosty.

Fred,
Isn't taking both duct tape AND bandaids redundant?

Well the only thing I can think of is an air tank or compressor for filling the tires. Maybe a tow strap if it is stuck? Cell phone if you got one just in case.

Good luck

I wish I had a good air tank or compresser... on my wish list right now, but I don't have one yet. besides, I know I will need new rubber, the poor beast has been in the sun for 25 years, I don't think the tires will ahve survived the west texas sun, I would be afraid to try and pump those up in there current state.

I think when I go out next month that will be the first order of buisness... new tires. this time, I need to find out important stuff like, what size rims does it have what bolt pattern, what tires were on it before... that sort of thing.

(I can't believe I forgot duct tape )

-Mike R.

Fahr, DISCLAIMER I know someone will think this is a bad idea DISCLAIMER/

I have a couple of old 5 gallon propane bottles that I unscrewed the valves out of and installed a ball valve and pneumatic coupler onto. Charge from the air compressor and then use to air up tires. I learned this trick from another bolter here in Washington. Haven't blown one up yet - even at 125 psi charge pressure.

Ken

If this has been sitting outside for 25 years, you should bring a comealong or tow chain to break it free of the earth. If you think it's going to run, you're dreaming. Squirt some oil in each plug hole and try to turn the crankshaft by hand. Whatever fluids you find in it, you'll want to get rid of; bring a drain pan.

Got goggles?
Skip the WD-40 and pick up a can of PB blaster.
A wire brush to excavate for casting numbers.
I have a mirror on a stick that sees plenty of use.
Fred is right, the BFH is the MVP of my toolbox.

edit: You're right, Ken, I do think that's a bad idea, especially if it has two-piece rims. I wouldn't even bother with the tires, just drag it on a trailer and go find new skins.

Those old tires should be 20" and have 10-lug wheels, using five in front. They won't be cheap and not much else fits. I used 19.5" on mine from late model trucks, but 54 and up have bigger center hole on hub. They will still fit the older ones, just don't ride on hub correctly. Bolt pattern is same.
My reccomendation is remove the front bumper at the frame rail ends. Make angle or flat stock (thick) adapters. Use the same bolt holes as bumper brackets used or there are others there to bolt them on. Use a tow bar to pull home. Tow bar works good, truck steers itself. Need a decent size p/up or bigger to pull. Needs good tires or at least air in them for that. Brakes may be froze, have to release them or remove hubs and take out to roll. The rear outer wheels will have to come off to fit any trailer. You will need good sockets, long pipe for lever to remove those. I'm sure brakes won't be usualble, make sure you have a workable park brake. Should be on trans rear. You sure you want a big truck? They are slow, harder to find parts for, and have little resale value. I like my 54, sometimes, but rather drive other vehicles regualar.
Was wondering what someone "changes" to make a two-ton from a 1-1/2 ton truck?? Bigger axles,springs, and maybe tire width are only changes I know of.
If you move it and have water hose, take out seat and pick-up junk and let rip with hose inside cab. Spray top to bottom, a little less on dash area to clean out years of dust, mice poop, and other junk. Window cleaner might be needed also, if real bad. Good Luck. Don't try to drive this home!

you are right hedge - I missed that it was a big truck. :o

I am back from Ft. Stockton, here is what I learned...

built in Norwood Oh, Feb 1944 1.5 ton originally,

engine is not original, and I am not sure where it came from, casting number was 307499 (as far as I can tell) description matches the 216s, according to Inliners, may be from 39?? anyway, it has a broken rocker arm on the #3 Exhaust, likely from a stuck vavle, so will take some work before it does anything.

rims are in good shape, master cylinder is frozen (no big surprise there) the emergency brake is not functional.

shifts easily in 3 and 4, and somtimes 2, did not try to force it into 1 or R, all of the glass is broken, but bolts were easy to remove, and no major rust anywhere (bless the west texas desert) had oil in the pan, and radiator empty (good) gear oil in the tranny too.

cleaned off the stakebed, and could probably use it as a template for a replacement. has arrow blinkers front and back off of a later model vehicle...

clutch seems to be in working order.

rear tranny is from a 53, 2 speed vacum shifted, added from a donor wreck, as well as beefed up rear springs, (thus making it 2 ton) there might have been a brake upgrade at the same time, but I couldn't tell this time out.

pictures forthcoming (got to get them developed and scanned)... should prolly be posting this somewhere else...

-Mike R,

P.S. I want the truck because I am starting an organic farm, I will be growing Olives, and veggies, selling the veggies at local farmers markets... big old farm truck == good marketing, besides it is a family heirloom and kinda rare at that (being a 44 and all)

bring along a nail file or emery board in case of pitted points in distributor.good luck