The Stovebolt Site Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre 49 1ton owner in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Evening all

Just joined the site as I am finally getting started on my 1949 Chevrolet 1ton single wheel pickup (3804)

I've got tons of experience working on vehicles (used to be in biz as well as raced cars for 15years and built experimental engines)so the nuts and bolts are no issue but will likely need some advise on "tricks of the breed".

Sure seems like the expertice here will be a huge help.

Truck is intended to be a "close to resto" with modifications to make it driving and use friendly but not outwardly visible.

Things like
- 12V
- Electric wipers
- Power steering
- Power boosted stock brakes
- 16" plain steel rims with modern tires.

As executive director of the Alberta Aviation Museum I want to keep it appearing and close to stock, but I want to be able to drive it regualrly.

The truck itself is in excellent shape, 81,000 original miles, no rust, few small dents, still on original tires, original interior except for headliner in good condition and most importantly it was my Grandfather's last new truck and was passed to me by my Uncle who recently passed away.

Look forward to being on the site

Tom

Hey Tom, nice to have you join us. Cool that the truck has been in the family for 60 years. By the sounds of your plan, you intend to add to the 81,000 miles. You'll likely want to change the rear end gearing a bit too. Good luck!

Leo

Thanks for the welcome Leo

I am trying to wrap my head around what to do about the rear gears but one step at a time, first brakes.

Yes I do hope to drive it a fair amount and use it too! THInking of a vintage Lightweight Camper in the long term and making some miles from time to time.

Tom

hey tom, i am also an edmontonite and just bought a 50' 1ton from a one owner owner(er)it has a 9' bed in mint condition.keep in touch maybe we can swap parts/ ideas.
tyler

Hi Tom,Welcome to the 'bolt.
Sounds like you have a 'plan', all your Ideas are do-able,just ask in the relevant sections and the answers will be forthcoming!
There's a wealth of knowledge here.
Jock

Hey Tyler

When she warms a little (not much cause I want to start this winter)I'll get in touch, being in the same city only makes sense to get together when time permits.

Thanks for the welcome Jock

I do think things are pretty much do able with my 3804, only rela questions right now are rear axle ratio and engine/mods/swap. Whatever I do I want the engine bay to look period but still be able to go down the hiway at 60mph (100km/hr)

but those two I'll figure out in the next bit.

Thanks everyone for the welcome.

Tom

Zag, I just want to say Welcome... to the best truck site on the web. Keep us posted.

Zag,
I want to add my welcome to the growing list! I say 1 Tons are the best! I have the 410 rear gears in mine from a 71 3/4 and my RPM at 60 mph is about 2700. I have the original 216 in it but I have rebuilt it. If I was going to pull something I would probably put a newer 235 in and use the old valve cover for looks.

I hope you can post some pictures for us. We are all picture junkies here!

Welcome! I, as well, am a '49 1-ton express owner/driver (the truck in the homepage flag is mine). You may not have to do all that much to your truck to achieve your goals.

I found that replacing the king pins, rebuilding the steering box and redoing all the drag link joints was nearly as good as power steering (notice the word "nearly"... ). On the engine, like the guys said, a '54 or later 235 or even a 261 will give you a lot more power than the babbitted 216. My truck has it's original babbitted 235 (optional at the time), original wheels and tires and I can cruise comfortably at 50-55 and can dash to 60 mph now and then.

A few simple upgrades to your truck will make 60 mph cruise a reality without getting crazy about it.

Truckernix -- did those 4:10 gears form the '71 go into the original housing or did you replace the whole shebang back there?

1-tons are great. Just enough different (longer and taller) than the 1/2-tons to stick out in a line up. And you can actually do stuff with them (1/2-tons are great if all you want to do is haul a cooler and a couple of folding chairs to the wine tasting party ... JUST KIDDING 1/2-ton guys)

not

Welcome to the hobby and welcome to the 'Bolt!

Regards,
John

Hi John,
my rear end gear change was accomplished by changing only the pumpkin. I wouldn't tackle anything more complicated!

Fred

hey guys

thanks for the great welcome and all the great tips.

Love hearing about the rear end gear swap (high in my thoughts)and the engine swap info.

Look forward to tapping many minds

Thanks again Tom

Hey! I'm in Edmonton, you know about the Red Deer swap meet on 30Apr/1May