1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

Found this on the ol' craigslist today...the wife is going to kill me! I wasn't looking for a big dumper, but the price was right. I'd really like a '59 4x4, but I haven't come across that one yet. The guy I bought it from swears he has driven it, but it hasn't been started recently. The battery was dead (imagine that) and we couldn't get it to fire up with the crank either. I could turn the engine though and could hear it trying to suck in air, which I took as a good sign. I offered the guy $150 under his asking price since it wouldn't start and he took another $50 off and handed me the keys, title, and original owner's manual! I'm amazed at the sheet metal on this thing. Based on the price, I was expecting a pile of crumpled metal with lots of cancer, but I was pleasantly surprised! Sure it's not perfect, but it's a lot better than what a lot of people have to start with. Not even a rusted cab corner! I want to get her into usable condition and use her for a driver. I know it won't be the most economical ride, but you don't buy something like this for fuel economy. Luckily, the commute to work has a max speed limit of 50 mph. List of things to do:

1) Drink a beer
2) Clean out the mouse infestation
3) Clean up interior.
4) Get the motor running
5) New side windows, door panels (custom stainless or aluminum?)
6) Tires and/or rims.
7) Cut the bed narrower so it will fit on the road and into parking spots better.
8) Disc brakes.

Somewhere down the road I might throw a diesel in there, but I won't have to worry about that for a long time. I just need to be able to paint my business name on the side and drive around.

I am now taking suggestions on where to begin. The numbered list was just the first few things that popped into my head.

http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/p...523_155359.jpg

http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/p...523_155353.jpg

http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/p...523_135724.jpg

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http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/p...523_135205.jpg

http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/p...523_135106.jpg

Re: 1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

The interior:

http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/p...523_135442.jpg

http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/p...523_135418.jpg

http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/p...523_135409.jpg

http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/p...523_135325.jpg

http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/p...523_135301.jpg

http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/p...523_135251.jpg

http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/p...523_135246.jpg

Re: 1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

Other random shots:

http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/p...523_135503.jpg

http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/p...523_135511.jpg

http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/p...523_135550.jpg

http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/p...523_135602.jpg

http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/p...523_135627.jpg

http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/p...523_135637.jpg

Re: 1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

That's almost a twin to my 51. Deluxe heater and is that knob for a two speed rear axle or a pto?

When you get it running and driving you can haul a load of stuff off to the dump and she will be a happy camper but it is all too well capable of hauling stuff like loads of gravel and bark home too.

Re: 1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

I'm admitting right now that I am clueless on trucks this old. i'll be asking a lot of stupid questions about things like, "where are my windshield wipers?"

Already found a cool resource: http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com...to/48index.htm

checked the weights and dimensions...looks like uhaul doesn't have a trailer it will fit on.

with regards to the knob for a two speed axle vs PTO...your guess is as good as mine! i will have to check the owner's manual!

Re: 1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

Trucks that nice: once in a lifetime
Wife: you'll find another.... they're a dime a dozen

Re: 1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

I wouldnt paint it right away that patina is awesome:canada:

Re: 1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

Oh there will be no paint for this one for a loooooooong time.

Re: 1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

Nice truck!!! Those mirrors are crazy lookin'.

Re: 1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

Nice, good luck with that project and welcome to the forum:welcoem:

Re: 1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

Yah, I know that they're functional and all, but that is one reason I want to make the bed narrower. I want to be able to see behind me without those weird lookin' things sticking out!

Re: 1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

Did some checking around online and judging from pictures, she's got the single speed axle so the knob is for the hydraulic dump. At least that's how they worked on the 63 that I drove while growing up. One of my friends has already volunteered her to haul a load of rocks.

After I get this project wrapped up in a few weeks :lol: I am going to try to get this truck up to Denver from Amarillo to put some work into it.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=430850

http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/p...113_103836.jpg

http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/p...113_103825.jpg

This is me biting off more than I can chew.

Re: 1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

Great truck, love the patina and semaphore signals! The big knob is probably for the dump bed, two speed rear end levers are usually on the shift lever so you can push pull with your pinky and other finger, drove one for a couple of years in the 70's. Interesting because when fully loaded you had a pretty complicated pattern combination to sequentially go thru the 8 gear combinations.

Re: 1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

Any recommendations on the best way to clean up that dash? I don't want to use the wrong kind of cleaner and mess it up.

The interior has got to be the first thing that I tackle. There has got to be a whole herd of field mice in there. Ripping out that headliner is going to be disgusting.

Re: 1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

Great looking truck. I am a fan of the bigger trucks.

Re: 1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

You should get a the Factory Assembly Manual and Service Manuals to help with your project. They have them for the light trucks at http://www.fillingstation.com

Re: 1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

Hey, Awesome Truck!!!

I would use CLR on the dash. It will remove the rust staining but leave the paint. I've seen it used on exterior body panels with great results.

Good luck,
Greg

Re: 1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

The FAM covers the big trucks too.

Re: 1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

I need to narrow the flatbed on my 54 1-ton too, the mirrors on it look something like a jungle gym.

Re: 1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

Thanks Greg. I'll be sure and get some pictures up after I give her a good once over.

Re: 1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

It even has the hood orniment.

Re: 1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

It's kind of funny...the chrome on the outside of the truck looks much better than the chrome on the inside. I would have thought it to be the other way around.

I'm going to get the truck tomorrow and it will either be driven or towed home. It was running less than a year ago and all of the tires are holding air. It's a 55 mile trip to where the truck is parked. I will be taking: lots of water for the radiator, gas, oil, air compressor, tow strap, brake fluid, AAA card...

Any other suggestions?

I'm kinda worried about towing this beast behind a pickup and the pickup needing to stop suddenly, because I know the truck won't!

Re: 1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

Just had an interesting adventure...my buddy and I went to go bring the truck home. It's about 60 miles so we figured that we'd either tow it or drive it. Drive it was option #1 but we didn't think that ol' green would be too road worthy, and we were right! First thing we did was topped off all the fluids: gas, oil, water, brake, windshield washer (just kidding). Anyways, about the time we decided to fire her up I realized I had left the keys in the cup holder of my car - 60 miles away! Such an idiot. They key had been removed in the "on" position so I was pretty sure we could pull start it. 3 or 4 tries and the engine fired up and was running. I had to keep feathering the gas pedal to keep her running though so we had a few moments of panic on the highway. I forgot to mention that we couldn't get the brakes working, but the hand brake worked so we figured that was good enough. My friend definitely did not want to tow this thing the whole way.

I had swept out most of the mouse turds from the cab, but there was still some headliner that I didn't rip out, so every time I hit a bump I had mouse turds falling on my head. I got the rig up to 35 mph a couple of times. I only blew through one 4 way stop sign and 1 red light due to the lack of brakes, but I got lots of thumbs up and smiles.

60 miles, multiple traffic infractions, an uncountable number of mouse turds, and a lot of stress got us the 60 miles from ft collins to denver. I probably should have added the truck to my insurance before I drove it...

But now she's home and I didn't die.

Step #1 - get rid of the turds and mangled headliner
Step #2 - fix the brakes

http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/p...526_191517.jpg

Re: 1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

Well, glead you made it home safely...but NOT the smartest thing anyone ever did driving that with only an emergency brake.

Nevertheless, after you get those brakes working and a thorough vacumning done I'd be wanting to wash the hell outta her and use some CLR to get the surface rust off. Some 0000 steel wool in and out ought to have her looking like her old self again. Nice truck

Re: 1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

Thanks! There were a couple scary moments, but most of the time it was a nice easy cruise. She likes to run about 35 MPH. Got going a little faster once down a hill.

A thorough cleaning is in order for tomorrow.
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Re: 1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

Hey Jrdecat,

I have the same model, but without the tipper. Mine isn't in as nice condition as yours. It seems hard to find info on the 4400 all the way here in Australia.

Good Luck mate!!

Shane

Re: 1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

He said "tipper". Gotta love those Aussies! Thanks Shane!

Anybody have any info on how to get the gauges working? When I switch the key on the fuel gauge pegs over to full (the tank is not full) and nothing else moves. The speedometer needle is also broken but moves although inaccurately. The dials for the odometer are also boogered up so they are unreadable and immobile.

Re: 1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

I could also use some help on troubleshooting the brake system...please?

Re: 1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

yay! it's cab cleaning day!:alky:

Re: 1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

Hey,

I saved these pictures from somewhere on this website... so they are not mine, and I thank whoever took them, they sure show the effect of CLR on rust stained body parts:

http://i646.photobucket.com/albums/u...eller/clr3.jpg

http://i646.photobucket.com/albums/u...eller/clr2.jpg

http://i646.photobucket.com/albums/u...eller/clr1.jpg

Gregger

Re: 1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

Thanks Gregger! That's pretty impressive. I got most of the rat turds cleaned out of the cab over the past few days. The leaf blower was the best tool for that job. I started using some CLR on the dash. I made a lot of mud....just getting to the metal is the hard part! I doubt I will have such dramatic results on my rig. The paint is pretty much gone in many areas. I'm beyond rust stains and just have rust!

Bad news after removing the rubber floor mat, I've got a rusted out transmission cover plate. Oh well, if that's the worst that I've got to patch up then I'm ok with that.

On to brakes!

Re: 1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

did a little cleaning...

http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/p...601_123438.jpg

http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/p...601_123442.jpg

http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/p...601_123448.jpg

http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/p...601_123459.jpg

http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/p...601_123520.jpg

Next step is to get the last bit of that sticky insulation junk off the floorboard / firewall area and coat the floor pan and firewall with POR15. Probably gonna do the area inside of the headliner as well, that had some good surface rust on it too. I'm right next door to a fab shop so I'm going to have a transmission cover built to replace the rusted out one. It won't be original equipment, but I can live with that. I'm in the market for a set of wheels as well. All the tire shops cringe when they hear the words "split rims".

Re: 1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

I would be interested in which wheels you find.

I have got the old ones sandblasted and powder coated.

Shane "tipper"

Re: 1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

They came off a thread over at HAMB on CLR.

Re: 1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

making progress on the interior. having a lot of fun using a flat screwdriver to remove all of those headliner retainer screws with the weird hourglass shaped head. gonna swing by home depot and sears on my way out today and see if they have anything that will fit. today i plan on ripping out the firewall insulation pad, removing the transmission cover, and continue prepping the floor pan for por-15. next i will be disassembling the dash and probably doing some rewiring.

Re: 1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

Those screws are clutch head screws. Your probably not find anything local but look on the web and you wull find screw drivers and socket bits for them. I do not think they were used on anything after the 50's.

Re: 1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

Thanks Buggy! Called the local NAPA and they have them at their warehouse. Will have the drivers this afternoon!

Re: 1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

FYI there are three sizes you need.

Re: 1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

Those clutch head screwdrivers are kind of expensive! Anyone know the purpose behind using those versus a phillips? Style points I guess?

Anyways, I'm making a little progress on the truck. Got a new battery installed yesterday. Turns over very strong, but won't kick off and start. I'm going to try spark plugs today. It was definitely missing when I drove it home so maybe a fresh set of sparkies will make things all better. Anybody know the proper gap? The owner's manual says .040" for '48 and .035" for 49-51, but the online parts stores that I've shopped show .035" for a '48. Who do I trust? BTW, I have the 235.

Re: 1948 1 1/2 Ton Loadmaster
 

I'm also going to have to rewire the truck as well. I have found a wiring diagram online and I think I can rewire the thing myself, It will just involve a lot of thinking. I've heard of the EZ wiring harnesses, but their website doesn't really have a lot of info. I doubt the wires are long enough to reach the tail lights on my dumper as well, but I could always just get a little more wire and use butt connectors. I was hoping that someone who has done this before could give me the lowdown on which was is best: building a kit from scratch or buying a pre made kit? I was considering a 12v conversion, but decided to keep the 6v because I'm really cheap and don't want to buy the conversion kit. Just going to do what's necessary to get it running consistently.