Re: Special Project Truck Question


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Posted by Brian in Oregon on September 05, 1999 at 13:01:52:

In Reply to: Special Project Truck Question posted by gordon maney, editor, power wagon advertiser on September 05, 1999 at 11:15:36:

After my M37 is running and nice looking, I'm to get back to work on my stalled out 1941 WC 1/2 ton closed cab pickup project. It is a real basketcase. However, the cab and front end sheetmetal is mostly in good shape. The bed is fairly good. Fenders are dinged and bent.

The frame is cracked nearly all the way through in four places. That's what held the project up. It is a winch frame, which is why I tried to have it repaired w/o gusset plates. Alas, the damage is too great. I have found plenty of other non-winch frames in good condition.

What I intend to do is repower with either a 360 or 440 with a short tailshaft 727. A two speed transfer case will be added with an emergency brake on the back, similar to the M37 case. Mid-sixties axles with Dana pumkins and five lug hubs will be used, and most likely I'll stick with whatever gears come with them. Have not thought about power steering yet or air conditioning yet (how decadant). Unfortunately a custom radiator will have to be made ($$$). Minor problems are adding a steel plate on top of the frame behind the present transfer case crossmember to move the transfer case back. I'll use later drivelines and have them cut to fit. The cab firewall will likely need to be notched for the valve covers. You can do this if you use a pattern and cut and weld very carefully. You swap the left and right pieces and turn them around. This makes them concave, not convex, then you weld them back in.

The bed will have an all metal floor - no wood. I have thought about hinging it and turning it into a dump bed for barkdust and gravel fetching. Low priority, will get the rest of the truck done first.

From the outside, except for the 9.00x16 NDT's on combat rims I intend to use, and the bed interior, the truck will look stock military. But underneath will beat a late model Power Wagon.

BTW, a buddy of mine is already underway with an identical project truck, though he has decided on a 440. (I'm still kicking over a 360 vs a 440). And for those who cry that we are 'hottrodding' trucks that ought to be restored, he also has a stock 41 WC pickup and a stock 41 WC Command Car.




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