47 Box Swap Question

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Dec 30, 2023 | 11:12 PM

Mater47

Thread Starter

3rd Gear

Joined: Dec 2023

Posts: 3

Likes: 1

47 Box Swap Question

Hi All,
Ive been searching the forums and other online resources and not having much luck so far.
My project is a 1947 3/4 tonne pickup, long box.
it will be a 1/2 tonne short box once complete. Presently collecting pieces. I don’t have access to the truck to take measurements for a couple of months.

I have access currently to a 1950 1/2 short box with almost no rust. (My original will require lots of work). Can anyone, with much more experience than myself, confirm if the box size of the 1950 1/2 tonne would fit the frame of my 1947 (width wise) once the frame is shortened of course.

Thank you in advance!

Last edited by Mater47; Dec 30, 2023 at 11:24 PM.

Dec 31, 2023 | 09:18 AM

Rust Wrangler

Tuned

Joined: Jan 2016

Posts: 332

Likes: 9

From: Oregon

The frames are nearly the same between the two. The '50 box should work just fine.

Jan 3, 2024 | 04:20 PM

52 Merc

Hotshot

Joined: Oct 2009

Posts: 16,160

Likes: 4,764

From: Burbank, WA

The boxes themselves are the same from 42-50. The difference is the fender bolt locations. Depending on how picky you are about the finished looks, that may or may not be an issue. You'd have to grind off all the '50 location bolts, then drill new holes and install new bolts for the '47 fenders. If you try to weld up all the extra holes, you'd likely warp the bedsides into oblivion. If you don't mind the exposed ground off bolts, or if you came up with some other way to hide them, it could work for you.

Jan 4, 2024 | 09:58 PM

GB SISSON

Lead Driver

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 6,104

Likes: 138

From: Orcas Island Wa.

The 3/4 and one ton teardrop rear fenders are huge compared to the ones on a half ton. They most likely will stick past the tailgate and rear bumper. You can try them and they might even cover all the old bolt heads on your 6 1/2' bed sides. If you use rear fenders from a half ton jailbar or the fenders already on the '50 bed you will probably want to cut the wheel openings larger to match the fronts. If you don't use the 3/4 ton rear fenders, truckdog here on the forum would probably like to have them as he is planing on rebuilding a set from scrappy originals. Sammy, who posts here often, has a '50 (3/4-one ton) bed on a jailbar tonner and the more squared off rear fenders match the fronts quite nicely. Hope you can get us some pics soon. Good luck and happy new year!

Jan 29, 2024 | 12:01 AM

Mater47

Thread Starter

3rd Gear

Joined: Dec 2023

Posts: 3

Likes: 1

Thanks so much all for your responses and advice! Attached a photo of my starting point lol. Project starts this March! Pretty excited to dive in.

Feb 4, 2024 | 11:12 AM

truckdog62563

Marmon-Herrington Man

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 11,984

Likes: 444

From: Central Illinois

Add my welcome. It’s clear that your Express bed has the 48-52 fender variety rather than 42-47, so while I appreciate GB’s mention I’m not needing that era fenders. These beds and fenders are sought after none-the-less so you should have no problem finding it a good new home. Stu

Mar 1, 2024 | 11:27 AM

sammywayne23

Mountain Pass

Joined: Aug 2014

Posts: 224

Likes: 62

Are you sure you don’t want to leave her be as a tonner?? Haha just teasing, Im a little partial to the tonners. What are your plans for the truck?

also as Stu said you wont have a problem selling that box so please don't cut it up if you can avoid it!!

- Sam

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Mar 2, 2024 | 09:47 AM

GB SISSON

Lead Driver

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 6,104

Likes: 138

From: Orcas Island Wa.

As Sammy noted, your truck is a 'tonner', one ton pickup, not a 3/4 ton. If you use typical 1/2 ton wheels and tires, the front fender openings will appear too big. If you run those new fangled low profile tires they will appear way too big. What is your proposed drive train? There will be precious few parts available to 'modernize' the heavy one ton running gear. I hate to be a downer, but maybe look around for a 1/2 ton and peddle that tonner. $ years ago I got rid of a decent 1/2 ton that I decided I'd never build. I would have traded it straight across (but for the shipping). Of course Sammy, Truckdog and I are in the minority prefering the heavier pickups. Just sayin' you have a big chore ahead that would be greatly minimized by starting with a half ton. Edit: that dollar sign was supposed to be a 4, but it's kinda funny as is, considering the cost of our affliction, I mean hobby.