When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I’m hoping Bill or others can help a new gentleman (Robert) sort out his new bread van. Its VIN is G50kbs12467, and according to the Oregon DMV has a 1973 Ford chassis registration. Robert says it needs brakes, and I’m helping with wheels. I might be able to help with brake cross referencing too once we know more about it. It’s an interesting truck. He says it has a 300 six and is propane powered. Runs great. So I’ll leave it there and hope the VIN can be found. I will assume Robert will join the forum and pick things up from here. Thx. Stu
Hi folks I'm the owner of it. I figured I would sign up to answer any questions you might have. The felaws that I have been chatting with have been a great help. It good to know people will reach out with new info even after a few months...He's correct fully propane powered 300 6, 4 speed tranny, 50 gal propane fuel tank. Hadn't ran since 2006ish
I replaced the ignition control module and it started as if it was running the day before. It's got what I believe are either 1.5 ton or 2 ton axles on it with 5 lug hubs. The two fellas I have been in communication with are helping me get the wheels sorted. Again thanks for any info. I'll be sure to share the build I'm doing on here.
I think your data plates, Robert, are not the Ford VIN plates. I find no G Series models in the Ford line. My references for these box truck chassis list this as probably a P Series. Maybe the plates you found are for the box itself. There will be a stamped VIN on the chassis, probably visible near the engine mounting location. Maybe also somewhere in the engine bay. The fact of your DMV showing it being a Ford, and it having the Ford 300 engine support the fact of it having a Ford chassis. Also, from my references, Ford is the only manufacturer using the 18” wheels with 5 x 8” pattern. The 19.5s were an optional wheel. Stu
I’m hoping Bill or others can help a new gentleman (Robert) sort out his new bread van. Its VIN is G50KBS12467, and according to the Oregon DMV has a 1973 Ford chassis registration. Robert says it needs brakes, and I’m helping with wheels. I might be able to help with brake cross referencing too once we know more about it. It’s an interesting truck. He says it has a 300 six and is propane powered. Runs great. So I’ll leave it there and hope the VIN can be found. I will assume Robert will join the forum and pick things up from here. Thx. Stu
I read this post last night, but had just finished decoding two other Warranty Plates, so decided to wait until today.
The above is the Warranty Plate, but it has little info stamped on it. There's no TRANS or AXLE codes, because both were Domestic Special Orders.
Plus, the engine was swapped, it was originally a "Domestic Special Order" diesel.
G50 = P500 Parcel Delivery Rolling Chassis.
K = Detroit model 353-N 159 cid 3 Cylinder Diesel.
B = Oakville Ontario Canada Truck Assembly Plant.
S12467 = 1973.
154" Wheelbase.
G500 = P500 Parcel Delivery Rolling Chassis, 12,000 lbs. GVWR
12,000 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
470598:
47 = Cincinnati OH Ford District Sales Office, where the original selling dealer ordered the truck from.
0598 = Domestic Special Order number, truck ordered special by the original purchaser, not "bought off the lot."
Truck has front/rear drum brakes. Fronts are 13" x 2 1/4" .. Rears are 14 1/8" x 3 1/2."
Thanks for the info. This helps a lot. Super excited to have some of the original info on this truck. I'm curious about the original engine now though. I briefly tried looking up info and tried to decode it myself but I believe I was looking at an f series decoder thing and stated it was originally a inline 6. Still im really happy that it has the 6 in it. My plan is to do a a sorta of multi functional Rv slash cargo truck. The RV module unit will be able to be rolled out and the legs extended like a truck camper and then the truck will be empty for what ever. I'm going to change the roll up door and weld up some doors that can fold completely open like for transit style. So I can get every inch of space. I'm a manufacture engineer by trade so you can imagine I'll probably over build most of it.
Thanks Bill, I was hoping you’d comment. Only you would know that the “G” crosses to the “P”. Do you have access to the parts schematics for this truck? Finding brake parts is Robert’s next challenge. I’ve gone through all that I have and found only the NWRA cross codes X-25002 for the front drums and X-25003 for the rears. Stu
Yes I have to pump the brakes till I have the brakes. (That sounded funnier in my my head). Obviously drum brakes are not ideal but I'm curious as to how they will perform with this truck and what I'm doing with it. Or should I donate the wheels to Truckdog and find some newer axles with at least disc in the front.
Guys commonly ask about front and rear axle swaps for the bigger trucks, but I don’t recall any instances where alternative front axles have been found. You’re an engineer so it might be in your “wheelhouse”, but issues like steering geometry and connections tend to slow down most guys. Rear axles aren’t so hard. I have a set of motor home 5 x 8” pattern front discs (hubs, calipers, discs, spindles, and all) you’re welcome to if you want them in the deal. Stu
Do you think they will bolt or mount correctly. I dont mind making a calipers bracket or two for adaption just dont want to reinvent the wheel on it. And if your tossing them in ill take them for sure. If not maybe we swip/swap for something else I have.
For years my son and I had a relationship with a yard operator in Portland (now shut down). We bought all the 19.5” wheels off salvaged Dodge and Ford based Class A motor homes. On one newer one I had him torch the axle leaving the whole wheel ends intact. My idea was to learn if the spindles were similar enough to allow the whole units to be adapted at the king pins, or moved to the spindles of a project. I never have bought a big truck and followed though, so if you want to pick up where I dropped it you’re welcome to them. They are heavy. We need to work off line on the logistics of this deal. Stu
