Hello all,

I have a 1946 Ford 1/2 Ton pickup that is largely in original (and quite good) condition. The main thing changes is that the original engine block cracked a few years ago. My father, who had this truck for 40+ years, was no longer able to drive by this time. I wanted to enjoy cruising around with him, so paid a fortune to have an old V8 flathead block from a '47 he had sitting around turned into a working replacement. That enabled it to sound and drive like the genuine article, but it proved difficult to keep running, and smoked pretty bad.

My father was not a fan of the hot rod, and thought it ruined the antiques to alter them - he was a sentimental guy, and so that's the side of the tracks he lived on. He's now gone (a few years now) and so here's my dilema, and where I'm hoping to solicite some guidance.

I have really no desire to have an original 1946 truck. I don't have the time or skills to keep it running, and don't have much use for a vehicle that can't be safely driven on a highway. I do however really like the looks of the truck, and would love to give it a nice paint job, chrome the trim, covert to 12 volt, upgrade brakes, suspension, etc - basically hot-rod it, although I'm not looking for a muscle car, but something that would cruise anywhere somewhat comfortably and safely.

My options, as I see them:

- 1 Restore this truck, essentially discarding much of the original qualities of the truck, and have a reliable pickup that can be used as a 3rd vehicle.
- 2 Sell this truck to someone who wants an original article, and find another '46 that has been altered.

Option 1 is likely the more expensive route, but I'd know what I had, and it would have the sentimental value of being 'dad's' truck.

Option 2 would likely be a cheaper route, but will be tough to find something close to what I would do in a remodel. But it would also give me the peace of mind that I didn't 'ruin' the truck for the antique entheusiasts. I don't know how rare original 46 1/2 tons are, so that's probably a factor - if there are still many, then it seems less of a concern. But I can't imagine there are that many around, particularly in this kind of shape.

I'm sure there's no right or wrong answer here, but would appreciate your opinions.

Thanks

Steve

 

Just one guy's opinion.....

Option 2 serves the historical AACA mindset and as a rodder myself, would not look to take a valuable "Indian Head Penny" and dip it in tarnish remover to make it shiny again. Although I would take a basket case (which I did) and rod it out.

Unless there is a strong connection to the vehicle (Option 1), and/or perhaps the wishes of your Dad (Option 2) I would go with Option 2, then any 42-47 Pickup that's been messed with, modded or rotted would satisfy your needs.

Good luck in your decision !

 

Hi,
I understand the problem. You need to ask yourself several questions first -

1. do you want a 30 mph truck or 70 for highway?
2. hauling anything or just drive around town?
3. what is the budget?
4. what is the timeframe?

you can mod an engine and trans separately, there are engine mount kits which require no welding, use original flathead mount points to add a 350 chevy or maybe a 289 ford for $150.00

chevy engines and trans are reasonable cost. - just buy a std, not a high performance, drivetrain wont handle more than 200 hp anyway.

you will need a complete new suspension overhaul if you want a highway truck, but not for city/weekend cruising. that is $2000-5,000.00 plus new driveshaft and differential, etc total mod cost could get up to 20,000.00! remember - AC, PB (4 wheel disc), PS, etc...... new wheels and tires.....

I have a 1940 one ton, will use this engine mount setup, keeping original flathead and trans (numbers matching on trans) for collector value. I am going to add a new low power modern engine and trans, keep most everything else original for starters, then mod later if need be. All I want is a 30 mph truck for local use, mostly cool factor.

There is something to be said for original owners and collector value - you can hand it down to your kids.... that is worth more than money to me. If this really has no sentimental value to you, then yes , sell it and buy a hot rod already done. just make sure you have a good mechanic check it out first. My only caution would be to check the weld points on the front suspension area!! very critical for safety.

have fun!

-mpr

 

Thanks for the replies, very helpful!

I'm leaning towards keeping the original and letting it sit in the barn where it currently resides, and get it running at some point when I have the space locally to do the 30 mph cruises. It's going to be a while - 5-10 years, so any advice on having it age minimally in the meantime? It's in Oregon, so a wet climate, but it's fully enclosed (not heated), and mainly has hay around it (which might help a little with moisture control). I don't have the option to turn it over priodically to keep the engine oil dispersed, so I'm expecting it will at least slightly slightly sieze over time.

As for finding a rod of sorts, I'm looking for something that looks like a slightly dressed up original (not trying to win awards though), can make home depot runs, etc, which requires it getting to highway speeds safely - but also make encourage the old-timers to stop and chat. Not being particulalry inclined at evaluating someone's work, it's fairly intimidating when evaluating a custom job. Any advice there? I was considering hiring someone to actually accompany me on viewing vehicles, or even comission someone find one based on some general specs. I don't know any local mechanics that would be suitable for this (I'm in the SF area).

Thanks!

 

First-off, what a great story and you're a good GS to do that for him. It's too bad you had to pay so much to have a flathead rebuilt, but I am not surprised. Labour aint cheap! I just swapped a 53 FH into my 46 MErc cause the original block split, but did it myself. I still love the sound, the old technology and the looks I get when I use it (and I USE it!).

Though I'm not a TOTAL keeper of the flame, I do appreciate original things. On that note - original things appreciate, whereas rods are generally money-pits.

Please keep it - it's only getting more valuable, both as a keep-sake to you and your kin and as a survivor. If you are gonna store it, pour oil into each cylinder, re-torque the plugs, stuff steel wool in the tail pipe, WD40 and wrap the carb in plastic and insert Dry-Z-Air packs and rat poison/traps in the interior and engine bay. Cover it with a cloth cover that can breathe.

I say b something you like that's already (mostly?) done. It'll be easier, cheaper and more fun! Hope that helps!