Hi Guys, I am looking for a 1/2 ton jailbar pickup, and a question arises someone here can surely answer. The goal is a flathead v8 with the original 4 speed. I want the truck to act and drive exactly as I remember. If there is a good 6cyl 3 speed truck is it interchangeable to switch it to a v8 4 speed? Is just changing the motor and keeping the 3 speed easy? Is it practical or insanely expensive? (I do all my own work so it's just parts) Is the old 6 motor and 3 speed worth anything? I ordered the "green bible" today, but picking an experienced brain is probably more helpful. Thanks!

 

I've done a 6 to V8 swap, and it's pretty much all bolt ons.
You'll need the V8, plus the trans from the 8. You'll need to move the radiator back, and will need to source the upper grille panel that the hood latches to, also need the lower gravel pan behind the grille. Don't forget the radiator will need extra outlets on the tanks The throttle linkage is different, the battery tray moves to the other side of the frame, and iirc the tray is different for 8 and 6.
Good luck in your search. Might I ask, what is the reason for the 8 and 4 speed requirements?

 

Thanks for the detailed info Gary, that's perfect. It sounds a lot simpler to just find a v8. When I was a kid, I worked at a Sinclair station in Dover, Delaware and the owner had a green 1947 with a 4 speed and the v8. He said it had the "towing gears" also. That's probably the 411 rear, because he started out in second gear usually. So, a 3 speed would be ok. We loved that old truck and I'd like one just like it--non-syncro trans and all. It's purely sentimental--that's why it might not make sense to you. Thanks again for the detailed answer.

 

A lot of the 1/2 ton pickups with four speed non-synchro transmissions have had the transmission swapped to the synchronized three speed over the years. Most people prefer the easier shifting of the three. I recommend looking for a V8 pickup with either transmission. 1942 through 1947 are basically the same truck and will provide the sentimental feel you are looking for, so you don't have to limit your search to just 1947.

 

Interesting that people swap in the syncro 3 speed, so it should be that 4 speeds are available. The non-syncro, feathering the manual choke, and all that is just part of it, and it's really no problem, but fun to master. I'm stuck on the "jailbar" trucks, so 45-47 are all fine. Ironically, personally I think they are one of the most homely of the early Ford trucks, especially vs the '40, but we can't help what we love. From you guys, seems like try to be patient, find a v8, and then maybe convert to a 4 speed later if at all. Interesting story, the 16 wheel tractor trailer tanker truck that delivered fuel to the Sinclair station way back then conked out half way through one of the busiest intersections in Dover back then, and the guy called for help. There was no larger truck available, so we went with the little 1947 and a chain. First a guy tried with a new Chevy v8 (about 1967), with a stick shift. He billowed smoke from his tires and clutch and gave up. Archie hooked up the chain, and as God is my witness, walked that tanker truck out of the intersection with absolutely no fuss. He MUST have had the 411 rear mated to his 4 speed.

 

My truck is a 52, but it does have the four speed non-synchro transmission you are wanting. In 52, a three speed synchro was standard, but the Coast Guard opted for the four speed. My rear axle ratio is 3.92, and like you remember, I almost always start out in second. In first gear (creeper), I believe pulling a locomotive might be possible. My truck has the, new for 52, over head valve straight 6 rated at 101 hp.

The non-synchro four speed has that very distinctive whine that you no doubt remember (and would miss) if you went with a three speed. Then there is the double clutching--so necessary for an authentic driving experience. LOL.

Good luck with your search!

Jim

 

Thanks Jim, I got the "green bible" today and sure enough, the 4 speed is the only one with stronger straight cut gears that produce that characteristic gear whine when accelerating. All these idiosyncrasies are what makes these old trucks so neat.

 

24 Bolt, I completely agree, and like you, I am a sentimentalist. My truck and I go way back, and as repairs have been needed, I've tried to keep how it drives and feels and sounds true to my dad's experience with his truck and my memory of it.

My seats are a little bouncy, the ride a little stiff, and the transmission still makes that familiar whine and all the old grinding clashing sounds I remember from when I was a teenager. And accompanying it all are the rattles and squeaks and wind noise of a vehicle clearly from another time and place in my life. To me, it's what having an old truck is all about.

Jim

 

You guys musta read my mail..... I love the four speed Fords. It took me a long time as a young man to learn to shift them cleanly. But once I had it down, it never left me. Six years without one and I went to look at a '29 AA. Got in for a test drive and flew through the gears up and down. Seller was some yuppie guy and his wife had bought it for their bed and breakfast and were selling it because 'the transmission was shot'. I have one more covered space without a ford truck. Well, it Does have a truck in it with no engine or transmission. I have a very nice G six and a 4 speed trans . I have been busy lately building some creative ford mongrels, but that green tonner/six/T-9 4 speed is next. I have never owned or driven a ford flat six, but hear they are great engines. Good luck in your search and keep us posted.

 

It's really great to discover that there are guys willing and capable of restoring and driving these old trucks, and knowledgeable about them. This is our country's history, and these trucks were marvels of labor saving automation in their day. To know them is to love them. Can't wait to find one, already searching for 4 speeds just in case.

 

Good luck to you in your search! My truck was in my family, so I don't have any experience finding or purchasing one. Some of our members, however, always have their "antennas up" for a good deal on an old truck. One of them may come through with a lead for you. The 48-56 forum is more active, and you might let them know you are searching. They won't care that you are looking for an "older" truck.

One piece of advice that is often given about finding a truck is to look for one that is mostly rust free from the high desert states out West. The Canadian Prairie Provences might be another place to look. It is said that your shipping costs will be more than made up by the savings on rust repair.

My truck spent its life in the Great Lakes region and has serious rust issues as a result. I didn't have the skills, or the inclination when I started, to invest the money to fully deal with the problem. I realize now I would have been better off starting with a better truck. That wasn't an option, however, in my case, but for you it is. You can look for the best truck in the best condition that your budget will allow.

I hope you find just what you are looking for and look forward to reading all about it.

Jim

 

Agree 100%. The only rusty truck worth considering is the exact same one from childhood. You're lucky to have it, even though it will cost more in the end. It's actually far CHEAPER to find one with no rust and cough up the additional money. I learned that bitter lesson on an old Corvette that I did hundreds of hours of prep work on to achieve a show quality paint job, only to give away all that painstaking labor for nothing. Those hundreds of hours would have been better spent on a paper route! Even with me doing the job, licensed to teach auto body, I made no sweat equity. (I thought I'd keep it forever) The newest owner sent photos of it in a show looking beautiful 25 years later. Remediating rust is not at all interesting, and due to paint fade even repainting including the firewall, interior, etc, would be a massive job. There's always someone moving on in life, selling his baby to adoption.

The disadvantage of one say at 20k or more is that my estimate is that easily about 50% of the ads are scams. "I work on an oil rig, just send money here" and shipping is included", the photos are off the internet of someone else's truck, etc. Buyer beware. But, it's very doable.

 

...so 24 Bolt. There's been just crickets here for a long while. Here you are wanting to get into an old truck, and none of your forum friends, who probably look at CL and FB Marketplace everyday, are passing along any red hot deals for you. There must be some 46-47 Ford trucks for sale out there somewhere. Most FTE members pride themselves on being first class enablers. Who's going to step up with the just the perfect truck and deal for our friend here?

Jim

 

https://classics.autotrader.com/clas...ickup-for-sale

 

Hi Guys, I found a 1945, the owner knows the truck, and swears it's 50k odometer is accurate. It is very clean underneath, appears to have the original motor, is the 4 speed, and almost no rust. I'm going to get it tomorrow early AM. But, one problem is if it's too tall for an enclosed trailer. My Carmate's door opening is 6ft 6inches, or 76 inches tall. Does anyone know if the truck will fit? Thanks!