The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs 1951 Half-Ton Panel - How Fast?

Currently my panel only goes as fast as I can push it. How fast will it go once it runs again if I keep the entire original drivetrain? Is the maximum speed different for half ton and one ton panels(1947-1955)?

depends on the gearing. If original I would say 45 comfortably and 55 a bit on the fast side for any long durations of time... like down the interstate....but definitely not over 55.

A 1/2 ton would have a 4.11:1 rear end and a 1-ton would have a 5.14:1 rear end.

If 55 mph is the highest practical speed for a 1/2 ton, then about 45 mph would be the highest practical speed for a 1-ton.

Maybe someone with a 5.14:1 rear end will post an opinion?

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/chevyresto/4879.htm

my '54 1 ton had a 514 rear end and the engine was really singing at 48mph.

tony'n weatherford

I've seen my '51 1-ton panel going 70. But it was sitting on a trailer at the time and I was watching it in my rear view mirror...

If going fast is a priority you probably need to make some changes to the drivetrain. My GMC Suburban with a basically stock engine and transmission will easily do 75 with only a change to a 3.08 rear.

And yes it has upgraded brakes to go with the increased speed.

OldSub, My '50 1-ton panel just did the same speeds yesterday. In the same configuration. Amazing what a 1 ton dually and a 16 foot trailer can do for the speed of these things!!

I'm looking to improve the drivetrain on the panel, especially the brakes. I don't mind going fast, I just like to STOP if I need to.

Stopping is a priority!

When my Panel had the 216 in it, 50 was about tops, the thing started to protest and make all sorts of noises. Now with the hot-rodded 235, better breathing, radial tires, etc. it runs comfortably at 60-65, at which point it's revvin about 2800-3000 rpm ... but that's on smooth pavement on a calm day, no transports, cause these things are scary at speed on a windy day. I've buried the speedo but just to see what it would do and there was still more pedal left.
It is happiest at 55 though, just seems to hum along at that speed and gets the best mileage (18 mpg), anything faster just eats the gas.
I'd recommend finding someone who really knows how to set-up drum brakes (dual circuit for sure) and align the front-end to get the best handling out of your Panel.

Go to this thread in Stove Bolt.com.
http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/calculate_rpm_tire_axle.htm

It will tell you what changes you can make to the original drive line how they will will effect your set up.

In anycase 70 should be the best you can hope for.

My 1941 1 ton pick up has been set up with a small block 350, 700R4, 3.73 rearend and 17" tires. I expect 70 mph at 2,000 rpm.

My 1946 Suburban is getting a stock 235, 4 speed granny transmission out of my 1941 1 ton and a 3.43 rearend with 15" tires.

Both vehicles are getting disk brakes up front.

My first 46 1/2 ton got Patricks 3.55 rear end and it alone made a big difference, 60 mph became the comfortable speed.