Justin,
The easiest way to tell tonnage is to count the lugs on the rear wheels.
6 lugs = 1/2 ton
8 lugs = 3/4 or 1 ton
10 lugs = 1-1/2 or 2 ton
This only works for AD (Advance Design 1947-55) and TF (Task Force
1955-59) Chevys. Earlier Chevys and Some GMCs are different.
--
John Dorsey
Wauchula, FL
'52 GMC 640 Firetruck http://www.strato.net/~jrdorsey/fire/fire
'49 Chevy 1 ton Panel http://www.strato.net/~jrdorsey/truck
'51 Chevy 'burb (by proxy) http://www.strato.net/~jrdorsey/burb
"Justin C. Earl" wrote:
>
> Hi all:
> I have just joined this list after selling a MGB and taking a 1951 Chevy
> truck in partial trade. This truck isn't just a basketcase, it could teach
> basketcases a thing or two. =)
>
> It is all rusted out with nearly no floor pan left, the head is off the
> motor and it is fairly scorched, there are no "soft" interior parts left,
> and there is no bed on it. It was used, up until a couple of years ago for
> logging. Wow, it was still a workhorse after nearly 50 years.
>
> I want to restore this truck to mostly original condition, although I'm not
> opposed to making improvements and modernizations where it will greatly
> improve drivability. I would like to use this as a work/road service truck
> once it is complete.
>
> I guess my question is: Where to start?
>
> I've never done a total frame off restoration although I have been doing all
> my own mechanic work for several years (see cars below). I'm guessing I
> need an assembly manual and a shop manual.
>
> So far, the plan is to remove the cab and weld in new floor pans. After
> that, what should be next?
>
> How do I find out what motor I have? Will the numbers and all be in a shop
> manual? How do I determine if the engine numbers match the VIN? Come to
> think of it, is there a VIN on a vehicle this old? =) I was told the motor
> may be a Babbitt type, and I'm told I don't want a Babbitt motor. I was
> also told a V-8 swap will not work because of the steering linkage being in
> the way and the clutch pedal would hit the back of such a large motor... is
> this true? Any sort of retrofit reference guide I can consult on what
> motors would work in this truck?
>
> It has the dually rear axle and so I figured it was a 1 Ton but a truck
> buddy says they were actually 1 1/4 Ton. Any truth to this? Are there a
> lot of these trucks around? All the restored pics I find on the web are
> standard single axle trucks.
>
> Maybe this isn't the best truck to try and restore, but since I'm
> essentially acquiring it for nothing and am going to do all the labor
> myself, I think I can complete the project for something less than a king's
> ransom. I hope. So does my fiance. ;-)
>
> Any advice is GREATLY APPRECIATED.
>
> -Justin Earl
> Cartersville, GA
> '51 Chevy Truck
> '79 Corvette ZZ4 (355 hp, black on black , Hooker headers with chrome side
> pipes)
> '69 Volkswagen Squareback (daily driver)
> '78 MGB Roadster (leaving the stable...... *sniffle*)
> oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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