The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Tons 'o Fun What to buy??

After reading the "Tons 'o fun" forum threads I'm thinking about buying a 1 ton '50's Chevy.

Besides fixing this truck up, I want to put it to work. It would fill a need to haul cord wood, gravel, saw dust, etc.

I would like this truck to be a 4 speed manual. Other wise, any recommendations from you big bolters??

Given what you want to haul I'd suggest the flat bed and maybe duals rather than a box.

There aren't a lot of options that are likely to make a big difference for your application. If fixing the truck up includes making modifications I'd make more suggestions, but just stock, limited to a Chevy, there just aren't that many options that will make a whole lot of difference.

I will say that you might look for one that already has a 261 or a GMC 270 or 302. You're likely to want more power then a 216 or 235 are going to offer. Those bigger motors won't be in a Chevy unless someone modified it.

Well, I was thinking of a 235. However, if it's too under powered I'm not above replacing it with a larger six. I would like to stick with a six though. I just like these engine's. I would even think about a 292 even though they suck so much fuel.

Thanks for the suggestions. I could make a flat bed look really cool.

If you don't mind taking your time a pretty much stock truck will get the job done. A 235 or better yet a 261 would be good.

If that plan suits, then a pickup will have plenty of bed space for firewood or gravel. You can fit a whole lot of firewood in a 9' bed, even without side boards, I know I have on occasion. Probably can fit more gravel than you'd want to haul. A pickup bed full of mulch is quite a load, again no side boards but just piled high.

Grigg

Thanks Grigg for the info.

Before I purchase a 1 ton, I'm going to slightly modify my '60 Chevy to ready it for a 1600 mile round trip to Yellowstone.

I plan to add headers with dual exhaust going from 1 3/4" to 2 1/4" exhaust pipes to add a little more HP and torque. Also, I'm going to change the intake manifold or add an adapter so I can bolt on a 2 barrel carb.

Then, I will start looking for a 1 ton truck.

with what you have in mind look for something that has a dump bed on it. youll find it more versatile and wont need to shovel it off the back.

Thanks for the advice. I like your flatbed Bruce!

A hydrolic dump bed would be nice. Better than throwing the wood off the back of the truck only to restack it again.

Okay, so far..... A flat bed, duel wheels, dump bed, larger six, four speed tranny. This is good stuff!

Oh, what about a two speed rear end. Are these common in 1 tons?

2-speed rears are not common in 1-tons.

GM didn't offer one that I am aware of, and if there is an aftermarket one I don't know about it.

I can't say they don't exist at all because proving a negative like that is nearly impossible, but I would not waste any time looking for one if you really want to buy a truck.

That's what I got...!
And if we ever do get it running, we're gonna swap in a 261.

I know that this is the one ton forum, but if you're looking for a work truck, you may want to include the short wheel base 1.5 tons in your search. It seems that they are somewhat scarce, but just another option to widen your search. If you check out one tons only, you may not find many to look at. Either way, I would look for one with the least amount of major work.

Besides, the shorty "Big Bolts" are cool.

John

Thanks John. I never considered a 1.5 ton. I will keep my eye out for one as well. I didn't know they produced a 1.5 shorty!
I like the looks of your '42 1.5 ton SWB.

My problem is I don't know a lot about the larger trucks, but I'm learning!!

A 1-1/2 ton might have a 2-speed rear, though I doubt that is common in a 4100 which has a 137 inch wheel base and the same frame basically as a 1-ton.

Good luck finding the right truck! You've sure got a bunch of opinions on just what it will be...

Well, a 1 to 1.5 ton flat bed or with a standard 9' box bed either one with dual wheels seems common enough to be found isn't it?? Other things can be modified after the fact, such as the engine.

It doesn't need to have a 2 speed rear. I just didn't know if they even made such a truck in a 1 ton.

You won't find a 1-ton with a box AND duals that is original. The flatbeds seem easier to find either single wheel or dual. In the 50's GM didn't put a box on anything bigger than a 1-ton.

I like the thought of a flatbed anyway. However if a decent 1 ton with a box comes up I would have to consider it.

Thanks for the info OldSub. This thread has been an education.

The 1-ton box isn't real common and finding a good one would be a great thing. Grab it if you find it!

Will do!! Now that I think about it, I don't remember seeing one for sale anywhere around here. I have seen 1 ton flatbeds a few times though.

I like a challenge.... When I complete the few modifications on my '60 the search will be on!!