Is it common for a 48 to have the 8BA engine? Most reading I see is they didn’t start that engine till 49. Later model 48?

 

The 8BA/8RT engine was introduced in trucks in '48, in cars in '49. Many catalogs and such say they came out in '49 because they only look at Car production.

What is interesting about your engine is that it is an 8BA vs an 8RT (the truck version). Many people swear trucks only ever came with 8RT's, and that any with 8BA heads have been replaced over the years. All parts between the two are interchangeable, and 8BA parts were more common. Do you know the history of your truck's engine?

 

Ya my uncle bought the truck in the 50s or early 60s and it was sold to a neighbor in 88 where it has sat till I bought it. So I doubt it was ever opened up. Not positive though.

 

I did notice that the head has some mismatched bolts. Is that normal? Maybe the heads have been switched out.

 

Got a little work done this morning, as you can see the weather changed a little. Decided to take the box off. With a little help from the torch it’s off! Didn’t like what I see on back of cab. Frame looks good though.

 

Welcome.from a fellow ND bonus built owner

 

 

Its a great place to practice your welding and grinding as bed will hide the outcome. Flat surfaces are the best. Take it slow and watch the heat!!

 

Thanks guys! I’m working on it again today, the temp showed -5 when I started. I got the front clip off, man what a pain with all the rusty bolts. I worked on the fresh air intake for a couple hrs alone. One bolt would just spin where it attaches to the kick panel and the screw that holds on the air intake in the front was froze. Surprisingly the whole intake is in great shape!
Well back out to the shop, will post some pics at end of day.

 

Pics of today’s progress.