Re: Progress on 46
 

Agree, thot about doing it to the fiberglass fenders but I do not have the expertise. I will have to wait until someone repops them.

Re: Progress on 46
 

I thought the same with my 40, the fenders on it are glass and I wanted the filler door in the left one but didn't try it. If I was doing your project I would actually consider splitting the fenders, glassing in a metal strip and finishing them. I have never done much with glass but I would try it once just to see if I could make it look right.

Re: Progress on 46
 

Running boards are complete and installed. I used Duplicolor bedliner as the final topcoat because I needed the texture and durability. The truck has everything installed and when I get in the mood I will disassemble the bed for prep and painting. The kerosene road flares are original to the truck. The original case was rusted dust and I wanted them seen so I mounted them open. They are fastened in place and cannot move or be taken out. They were produced by K-D Lighting company in Cincinnati.

Re: Progress on 46
 

looks tough!

Re: Progress on 46,,, another '46
 

Here is a '46 truck with a 12 cylinder engine. Worst of both worlds.
https://oregoncoast.craigslist.org/c...820212442.html

Re: Progress on 46
 

Tomorrrow I start changing out the 4 speed crashbox to a sm420. Then I will remove the bed to prep for painting.

Re: Progress on 46
 

SM420 is in and bed is red and fenders are black. Tis ready to put back on frame. I do have some bolt heads to paint red. It will have singles on back for a while.

Re: Progress on 46
 

Hi all, been a while. I put a one piece drive shaft on it last week. 69.5 inches I eliminiated everything associated with the carrier bearing. Next up is improving the steering. I have adjusted it but would like better, Does anyone know of another steering box and columnn besides the 47-55 conversion kits for a stock straight axle and links?

Van column and short shaft? To what box? can fabricate....

Late To This Party
 

Hi Dennis ;

I just found this thread and I like what you're doing here .

I missed the engine part, is it a 235 / 261 ? .

I miss my '46 3100 from my youth long long ago .

Re: Progress on 46
 

It is a 1953 235 powerglide engine with a 261 head -- got a reworked head free -- and electronic ignition.

Re: Progress on 46
 

Sounds good to me ~

I didn't realize the 261 head would fit on a Babbit Pounder .

Re: Progress on 46
 

yea, the steam holes in the 261 head just get plugged off on the 235 block. The steam holes are only needed on the siamesed cylinders of the 261. Going the other way, a 235 head on a 261 block would require drilling the steam holes on the 235 head. My 53 is not a babbit engine.

Re: Progress on 46
 

Now you've got me piqued .

I thought full pressure oiling didn't arrive until 1954......

The rocker oiling changed a little bit over the years, I seem to recall needing to get creative when shuffling heads between years on early 235's .

Re: Progress on 46
 

1953 with auto transmission - cars -- had hydraulic lifters and replaceable rod bearings. All 1954's had replaceable rod bearings.

Re: Progress on 46
 

Thanx ! :metal: .

Re: Progress on 46
 

Beautiful Build! I will be starting my next 42 project soon and provided a lot of inspiration

Re: Progress on 46
 

It looks like the wheels tucked under the fenders further. The wheels don't rub on the tie rod ends? Do you know what your wheel mounting surface measurements were before the adapters?

Re: Progress on 46
 

Those are 1 ton 16" wheels from a late 70's C30 dually. I have no problem on tie rod ends. Center link (from 46) threads may need cut further on the RH thread end to achieve a toe of 1/4".

I would use a 1955-59 3/4 ton front axle if you can find one and forget the adapters. Spacers can be used if necessary. Axle still needs shortened same as 6 lug. I missed a chance at one close. Dang

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=700070

The truck is at my uncles house but the measurement you want is 5 inches less than a stock 55-59 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton. Believe it or not I do mark all my none year parts with a paint pen for future repairs.

Re: Progress on 46
 

Do you have any pics of this truck finished??

Re: Progress on 46
 

A few

Re: Progress on 46
 

Another, all have a nice holiday.

Re: Progress on 46
 

last

Re: Progress on 46
 

It came out beautiful. I like the 8 lug all around and srw. I liked the black wheels it looked factory. My second 42 project will be on a 70 chassis. Not sure what to do with the front axle. It is IFS and is too wide for the look that I am going with. I need to narrow it about 4 inches or get dually wheels and try to make a spacer that pushes the wheels out but still under the fender and not rub the tie rod ends. Or I have a stock 46 axle without spindles and build something off of that.. Not sure what to do but thanks for posting the pics, it really looks great

Beautiful 46 !
 

That's glorious, painting the inside of the doors red is a nice touch that makes it pop .

FWIW, those who have the pre 1951 year model trucks, it's a very simple thing tp upgrade them to Bendix brakes from any old 1951 ~ 1967 front axle that was discarded by a Hot Rodder , no need to change the master cylinder even .

I hope the "needs 1/4' toe in" was a typo ! never more than 1/16" is necessary and will make it drive so much nicer plus not scrub the tires to death .

Re: Progress on 46
 

Thanks guys. I agree with no more than 1/16". I have put in a sm420 to replace the orig crash box 4 speed.

Toe In
 

FWIW ;

I usually begin at zero toe slack adjusted then go from there .

Chevies with beam front axles used a lot of caster so when you let go of the steering wheel it snaps back to center quickly .

This is why the factory adverts said " If it drives like a truck, it's NOT a CHEVROLET !"