Rick,

You should start your own thread here, titled something like "1946 Fire Truck, getting it running". That fire truck is in great shape.

I'm about 4 hours north of you near Salem and would like to visit at some point. I'm a volunteer at the Yamhill County museum.

Do you know about Bob Drake, an early Ford parts business located in Grants Pass? They have the green bible on CD. That probably won't be the only thing you purchase from them.

As I mentioned on Ford Barn I will scan the V8 times article for you. I can also scan the 47 truck owners manual. It will pretty much apply to your 46 too.

Tom

 

I'm familiar with the Green Bible. It's a great parts manual, but it doesn't cover any service issues. They're getting expensive, too.

We're not planning to repaint it in the near future. Way out of our limited budget.

Rick

 

I am very interested in this thread as I own a German (Cologne) built Ford truck 1944, I don't at all understand the American designations all I know is the my vehicle is what we Brits call a three tonner meaning it has a 3 ton payload this is borne out buy the typpenschild (data plate). So what is the correct American designation? It has the same rear axle setup mentioned earlier in this thread.

 

Tire (tyre) size looks equivalent to a 1 1/2 ton here. That is a cool truck, wish I had a hood like that on my 40

 

Agree, five lug wheels with 6.50", or 7.00" at most, tires say 1.5 ton by US standards. But how the capacity descriptions are arrived at is a mystery to me. Stu

 

Our 1946 Truck has 7.50 x 20 tires at both ends.
1946 Ford Fire Truck

Rick in Medford Oregon

 

A 7.50-20" tire at each position generally signifies a 4.33" or 5.00" wide wheel set (measured across the inner rim base). Thus a 1.5 ton rating I think if none of the other heavier duty features (springs, etc) are present. The 5.00" rim could be fitted with 8.25" tires, but generally they would be mounted on 5.50" or 6.00" rims. The 6.00" rims, two speed axle, and heavier springs would suggest the 2 ton rating to me. Stu

 

Good to know. I didn't mention that our Fire Engine has a 134" wheelbase and 5-lug wheels. And wow, are those 1.5" lug nuts hard to take off!

Rick

 

The torque setting for Budd nuts is 450-500 lb/ft. Dry torque, no oil, no anti-cease, etc. Both left and right hand treads. Look for the "L" and "R" markings on the ends of the studs. Stu

 

My 43 Ford has the 1 1/2 ton designation stated on a plate on the dash as well as the weight raitings.

 

I'm a newbie here and not sure how to "start a thread".
If you're ever down this way, give me a shout. I'd be happy to give you a tour of our project.

Rick

 

Nice to see so many of these old trucks are being saved and brought back to life. Thanks for sharing guys.

 

Could you please post some detailed photos of your truck, interior, engine,etc.?

 

Starting a new thread is easy once you know where to look. Just go back to the list of threads for this 1947 and older forum. At the top you will see a New Thread button:

 

I think I figured it out. Thanks.