Hello to the Ford Truck community, thanks for being here. My wife and I stumbled into this project and now here I am....

I have started this project with the brake system and that seems pretty straightforward other than needing to machine a new outer race in the RH front. I see posts around dual masters and boosters but this rig seems to preclude all that with the pedal tower. It would be nice to know if there is a safe hack for a more reliable/powerful brake system. The folks where I am sourcing parts and drum turning have suggested replacing the single wheel cylinders with dual plunger units that will require some drilling and filing. The rear axle is the P400 Timken unit with a 4.86 ratio and the 13-2-1/2 shoes.

The unforeseen stumble issue was the odd bolt pattern of 6 X 7.25" with 6.00/7.50-17 widow maker rims. This is where the knowledge depth of this community has been well worth the $20.00 membership cost.

Tires and wheels are a real head scratcher since it isn't like I can run down to the tire store and swap out a wheel set. This is where i'd like to stay with a tall and narrow tire. It's looking like staying with 17's maybe the route but radials only seem to be made by Michelin in a 7.50r at $450 each, so Les Scwab tells me. So here is a link to bias ply tires that I am leaning towards STA Super Traxion® I Light Truck Tires I Specialty Tires of America . With the 4.86, I'd like to keep the tall tires but not have off road ballonies.

Here on the west coast, there are three sources for rebuilding the widow makers that I know of. Stockton Wheel at $285 plus delivery (the make a new wheel, the Power Wagon 24 at $250), American Wheel in Pasco at $245 plus shipping through Les Schwab's slow internal freight and a fellow in Fontana that reportedly will do them for $200 plus shipping(contact info tba) all these are painted or powder coated.

The next thing from a safety standpoint is the drivers seat... I am looking for solutions here as there is a trap,door to the tranny I'd like to keep accessible. Any ideas here?

The wipers are partially disassembled too but I have barely looked at them although the seller thought the motor ran.

Feedback desired...

More to come!

Michael
Pics in my album.

 

This is the wheel you want with a 8-19.5 tire for a P series van. Tall and skinny. There pricey unless you can find some on your own, but cheaper and faster than having them made.AKH Vintage Wheels - Ellensburg Washington

 

Thank you. I did inquire and these are $295 plus $35 shipping for each wheel. I am teetering towards the fellow in the Fontana/Bloomington area as he will reuse my centers with 17" rims and powder coat them for $200 plus shipping each way which would save $250, or the cost of one tire. It turns out a Bridgestone R187 8r-19.5 is about the same cost and diameter as a 7.50-17 or $250 per tire...

And then, American Wheel in Pasco will build a new 19.5 for $240 shipped through the Les Schawb network but that is a disc wheel like the power Wagon 24 from Stockton Wheel. I don't care for the aftermarket look so much though.

Oh the agony.

Michael

 

This info has been hard to decipher and I have seen NumberDummy interpret them. The trouble for me is that it has been painted over and only the stamped numbers are legible.

Anyone here that can make these out? Thanks for any help sorting this one out.

I am planning on attending the Turlock Swap this weekend and will be meeting mrcman, Jess if all goes well. Any other attendees?

Michael

 

While your picture isn't terrible, can you also retype the same information as you see it just so there is no confusion? If ND doesn't reply before I do then I should be able to decipher the info, just a little tough to make out the specifics in your picture. Love you Parcel Delivery, BTW.

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I wrote down the info in the approximate locations of the tag. It's the lower left numbers that I don't understand...mostly.

I am guessing this rig has a three speed on the floor but I am unsure as I've only driven it on and off the trailer and to the shop so far.

Thanks for any info you may have.

Michael

 

I have a request into Joblot for a catalog. I am uncertain what to ask for if I were to call as far as part numbers go.

I did find clutch master cylinders online but it might be nice not to have to pull either one, maybe, thus my thought that rebuild kits would be good.

Thanks again if anyone has a lead for me.

Michael

 

Is this titled as a 1963 or what indicates 1963? The 308855 portion of the VIN would mean June 1962 - a 1962 model year vehicle - to me at least.

The year built is used to decode some of the other items so it is important to get that detail correct before moving on to the other items.

Thoughts?

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As I recall, she is registered as a 62. The title is at the shop though.

 

OK, assuming this is a 1962 then.

P35 - P350(Gas)

J - 223 1V

H - Lorain, OH assembly plant

308855 - June 1962 - 1962 model year

122 - inch wheelbase

P - Silver Moss

P350 - P350 8,000 lbs G.V.W. Rating

8000 - Gross Vehicle Weight

114 - Net horsepower @

3600 - RPM

62 - Houston, TX district sales office

0560 - Domestic Special Order - not bought off the lot

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Thank you for the stats! The wife likes the idea of Silver Moss...many layers under.

I had a notion that the id numbers would reveal more drivetrain info such as tranny and differential specifics. I found the id tag on the diff and can guess about the tranny being three on the floor.

Thanks again.

 

Yes, Tranny and Axles would usually be on that second line after the P350 in the gap there. But, since this was a special order of some sort it might relate to the drivetrain if anything was not an RPO.

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The below is a quote from an old thread by member Kenjh who bought a set of the Stockton Power Wagon series 19.5s:

"don't try Stocton the wheels they make are not offset ..and stupid heavy .."

Ken described them having a 1/2" steel plate for the center disc that would look very non-original. Stu

 

Thanks for the note. I spoke to Stockton and they after a "lightweight" option with 3/8" centers...

I think my next move on wheels is to get the two from Jess at the Swap and then send one down to a fellow named Ray near Fontana to build one up and see how it turns out. He is planning on using new, drop center 7x17 tubeless outers with my widow maker centers. I wish I could find a reasonable 7.50r-17 radial...

Thank you,
Michael

 

I've ordered the master and slave from Chucks Trucks as my searches were fruitless.

IN doing research I find slaves for the P100 and masters appearing back ordered for the P350 at what appear to be half price (it's worth paying more if he can get the right parts in a timely manner). Anyone know if the slave was the same throughout the P series of this vintage?

Any reliable additional parts sources known?

Here's to hoping it all comes in correct.

Thanks,
Michael