Thought I'd introduce myself, since I just acquired a Canadian-made 1950 1/2 ton. Had a break in the weather and drove it home on Thursday when it was 60F (it's now about -5F with wind chill of -20F).
My wife said that I could have any truck I wanted as long as it was older than I was, so this is my project.
The truck is pretty much original. It's been repainted, but retains its 6V electricals, drivetrain, suspension and brakes. Interior's been restored, but it seems to be reasonably correct for the period. The wood in the bed is in black, and nothing seems out of place underneath.
This also translates to a few expected issues - the rear main "seal" doesn't, the transmission seals don't, and the fuel line flex hose at the tank drain leaks. Ho-hum...
I'm looking forward to learning from the folks on this board - it really is a great resource. Thanks to jockbolter50 and Big Chevy 3600 for their kind words.
I hate when people leave their brains at home. Seriously when did critical thinking and customer service go out the window? How about common sense and striving to go the extra mile? Idiots, surrounded by idiots it tell you.
You're 'better half' sounds like a great lady too.
Hang on to them both!
1950 Chevy Advance Design 3100 in Scotland In the Stovebolt Gallery More pix on Flickr. I've definately got this truck thing in my blood ... my DNA sequence has torque settings "Of all the small nations of this earth,perhaps only the ancient Greeks surpass the Scots in their contribution to mankind" Winston Churchill.
Welcome from up the road. If you get a need for speed and want to upgrade the ring and pinion Canadian trucks are a little different and require additional machining of the carrier. PM me if you want details.
What is different on a 1950 Canadian Chevrolet truck that requires machining when doing a swap to (presumably ?) a 3.55 R&P (it is always interesting to hear what oddities you northerners have to deal with)?
The bolt hole circle on a Canadian carrier/ring gear is 3/16" larger than that found on U.S trucks so the options are:
1. Obtain a carrier from the U.S. (Patrick Dykes will suggest this as he has probably never seen a Canadian carrier and would not have had a comparison opportunity.)
2. Machine the correct bolt circle which will elongate the holes 3/32" towards the center. ( A BC bolter took his to a machine shop and paid an outrageous amount to have it done)
3. As the existing spotface diameter is acceptable carefully elongating the holes with a rat tail file would probably work and I was told by Scott's Super Trucks that some customers have done it that way succesfully.
I've not done a restoration before, but I think the disassembly/reassembly process may be a little more difficult than how these Canadians get er done with a Willys jeep:
