1942 Ford/SMITHCO ?
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From: Central IL
1942 Ford/SMITHCO ?
I have a 1942 Ford dump truck. It has the Ford hood opener, but on each side of the hood where I would expect the Ford emblems are SMITHCO emblems. Can anyone explain this? This truck also has a two-speed Eaton rear end and all I can find listed are Columbia two-speeds. Thanks for any help.
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From: Oregon
First of all, Columbias were for the cars, and since the axles were the same for cars and 1/2 tons, the axle could conceivably be under a pickup as well. The Eatons were for heavier trucks such as yours.
As far as the Smithco name plates, I believe that to be a company that put the two speed Eaton, probably larger tires and frame reinforcements essentially making your 1.5 ton into a 2 ton. Ford offered the above add-ons from the factory starting in 1946. Ford probably figured since people were turning to the aftermarket for additions to make the trucks beefier, might as well get in on the action and offer it themselves = $$$.
As far as the Smithco name plates, I believe that to be a company that put the two speed Eaton, probably larger tires and frame reinforcements essentially making your 1.5 ton into a 2 ton. Ford offered the above add-ons from the factory starting in 1946. Ford probably figured since people were turning to the aftermarket for additions to make the trucks beefier, might as well get in on the action and offer it themselves = $$$.
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From: Central IL
Thank you for the information - the mystery is solved!! The truck does have large 20" tires, so this makes sense. Am now rebuilding the carb in hopes that the old girl will run - turns over fine.
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DON"T buy a carburetor kit locally unless they can tell you for sure that it has a leather accelerator pump. Also, before installing the carb, leave the cast iron base off, fill the bowl with gas, and leave on a piece of paper overnight, just to make sure the power valve gasket will seal. If your throttle shaft is wiggly in the base, you may want to build it up with silver solder. Finally, make sure the mating surfaces are flat! Some careful work with a flat file can fix this.
