The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Winter projects on a 41 big bolt

Well the holidays are finally gone, and now I can get back to playing with my truck. Its a 1941 1.5 ton stakebody, it was a barn find from vermont with only a little over 26,000 miles on it. I got it from the second owner who lived next door to the original owner, both farmers in vermont. The truck is all original except for the paint that the second owner did when he bought it back in the early 80's. Since the truck was all there and in amazingly good condition I decided to get it going just the way it was. I bought the truck in august of 2010 and had it running and on the road by October. I rebuilt the brakes front and back, all new brake lines, rebuilt master cylinder, new fuel lines, and I swapped out a leaking fuel pump for a fuel/vacuum pump. I have since done a lot of little things, reupholstered the seat, replaced the cab windlace, replaced the windshield gasket, etc. Anyway I got to drive the truck for a few months, and I love it. I got it to all work just as it did in 41, and I'm very proud of that. However I think its time for some upgrades for safety and convenience. I like the drum brake, they are huge, I have all new shoes for them, and I'll never put that much weight in the bed so I don't see a need to change them (yet). The single master cylinder though it is fine and working, I think I would feel more comfortable with a newer style double master to separate the front and back brakes. Does anybody have any suggestions for a master that will easily fit and retain the original brake pedal. The second question is the truck has 6.17 gears in the back, original 216 and 4 speed. I'd like to be able to drive at closer to highway speeds (I'd really like to drive the truck on more of a daily basis, but I am ALWAYS late, so 50 or 55 mph doesn't work for me). Would a simple gear change help me get to 60 or 65 mph? If so does anybody have a gear setup that would fit in the original rear end, or any suggestions to get my speed up without blowing up the 216 or the 4spd? Thank you for any help you can give me!
Rob

Hey ...Hotrod A,

Your details above sound very famillar. Went through the same process with my last three '54's, 3100,4400, & now with the 3800.

I replaced mine with the dual master/mounting bracket from Jim Carter...works well but would do it different now. Bought it 2 years ago and was sitting on the shelve. They use a '70 Impala drum/drum with a 1-1/8 bore...can get it at NAPA. The bracket is made by CCP in Tolland, CT. Whole system works great & JC has always been good to deal with.

If I had it do over...I would use the Tilton dual master (still under floor)but with the remote reservoirs mounted on the firewall. Just make sure to stay with the 1-1/8 bore. Also move the battery to frame mount behind the cab. I don't want to deal with lifting mat/carpet to service master or battery.

As far as the rear gear, their is a RARE 5.43 out their...like hens teeth...50's schoolbuses...that will fit our big trucks. The other option could be modern '90's and above Chevy/GMC 3500HD with 4.63 & 5.13 or Dana 80 from Dodge 3500's and I think F-450/F-550. These modern complete rear axles also have better brakes and lots of wheel/tire choices. All that is good for higher speeds.

You will have to do some research and get measurements.

Thanks for the info, now I have a place to start.