The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs Picture of my 48 ambulance

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/864/48panelt.jpg/
This is my 48 Burb that was built with a set of suicide doors. It was used as a plant ambulance and was kept until 1995 when it was sold to the public. I have all the service records since new and the original bill of sale. All the original medical and emergency equipment came with it. The hub caps are like new and packed in boxes in the back. With only 50,000 original miles it's a great runner, body and underside are really rust free and the only repair work will be on the bottom of the suicide doors. Looking forward to doing some cruising this summer. I thought I would share this as they are still out there, not often you get a great barn find

I like it, sure looks like its in great shape share as many pictures as you want
Mike

Welcome to Stovebolt.com

Thanks for posting the photo.

Does it have one or two rear doors? If it has two rear doors, is the stop/tail light on the passenger-side or driver's side rear door.

Please let us know when you post more photos (inside and outside photos).

Where in Canada are you?

Mark

Here are some more photos as it came out of the barn, the boxes in the back contain the service records, siren, and emerg lights. I live in BC, Canada. It has one light on the rear..

http://profile.imageshack.us/user/fraser88/

That is a unique truck. I hope you plan to keep it stock.

Just some minor changes, like two tail lights and I'm rebuilding a 261 to replace the 216 as we like to do some long distance touring. Anyone that has changed the rear end to a Patrick 3:55 and the stock four speed, I would like to know if it works well for more top end and if there is a lot of engine and transmission noise. I really don't want to go to a 700R automatic. Thanks for your help...

yes, a 3.55 gearset would give you reasonable highway speeds, regardless of trans - if you're around Vancouver, give these guys a call, they may have or be able to get the gear set here .... an alternative would be to go to an open driveline and the later OD 3 speed trans, 55.2 on

Bill

Thanks, Bill. I live in Deroche (just past Mission) I'll give IWE a call on Monday. I have a 700R that I can put in but I would rather keep the stock look with the 4 speed and change the gearing. I see you have an old Vancouver Island Coach, I have a 72 Prevost from them that I motorhomed. I'm 29 years as a paramedic so I have a few ambulances. www.oldambulance.com
Thanks again... Fraser

Fraser, yes I found your collection interesting - the 57 panel on my site was originally a logging camp ambulance, still had some traces when I got it, and I ran into an old guy pumping gas who remembered it coming to a disaster in the small Island town were he lived around 1960, when it was still shiney yellow .... it got frame rot from the years on logging roads and needing a total rebuild, I passed it on .... the Flxible will be my retirement home

if you can't do anything else, drop me a note about a NOS 3.90:1 center section that could convert your rear to an open driveline, and the OD trans I have here - you'd have to find a few other bits, but it'd be a workable solution to staying more original, and easier than adapting the 700R to a closed driveline

Bill

Bill email me fraser(at)oldambulance.com I'm interested in the 3.90. Cell six0four five,five,six 99two,two

Wow, that is something else. Even the chrome strips on the fenders are rare.

I think it may be a 1 Ton as it has the full floating hubs in the back. In that is the case it would be an open driveline.

Fred, it is a 1 ton, as I have an old ambulance collection that I use for emergency vehicle shows and charity events this 48 fits right in. The beauty is I can use it right away and fix the little things as I go along, I don't want another five year project, I've done a few of those. I enjoyed it but now as I retire I prefer to enjoy the cars and do some cruising. I was in Ontario with the old car tour (www.coasters2010.com) last year, we traveled from Newfoundland to BC with a hundred classic and vintage vehicles. Had a blast, and will do it in 2017 with the 48. This 48 was at the neighbour of a friend and he bugged me to have a look but I thought 'just another rusted out old body and frame' What a pleasant surprise, I'm truly fortunate and hope to preserve the history of the truck. Thanks everyone for your helpful and positive feedback.

Patrick's 3.55 ring/pinion will not work in a 1-ton (if I am wrong, we'll hear about it). Check with Bill about the 3.90 rear end.

oops - I hadn't noticed the hubs, as Tim points out the 3.55 gear set is for the 1/2T, and my 3.90 set also is 1/2T - the 1T will have a 5.14 ratio, even with OD of any flavor you'll be poking along or flogging the engine, even a 261

IWE may still be some help, but check the Big Bolt threads where you may find some info on rear gears or axles that could improve the gearing

Bill

Well that is pretty amazing, a collection of these specialized vehicles. I can't imagine finding one of that age in such fine shape.

Wow,it has the stainless fender trims.
I have never seen the stop/taillight mounted on the passenger barn door,is that a Canadian thing.

Thanks for the pictures,that door on the side is cool.

Tim

The 3.9 gear set you speak of is under discussion in The 1-ton forum. Perhaps a new supplier for these gears in the larger trucks?