opticsguy

My truck is a 1949 Dodge Fuel tanker. My car is a 1925 Dodge touring.

My 1949 Dodge 6 cylinder engine has been sitting for an unknown amount of time and my brief attempts at starting has resulted in the engine turning over and almost some popping noises. Good spark and cranks well but wont start. Investigation showed zero compression and I thought something was wrong with my compression gauge. Now after some reading, seems like old Dodge sixes like to have stuck valves. So, how to get these babies unstuck without pulliing the engine and without climbing under the manifolds and trying to work in the confined space?? Not sure why the valve access covers are located at the worst possible location but then agian where else could they be? Thanks for your ideas and thoughts.

I posted a photo, just waiting for it to be approved. Not sure where to find the 1948-1950 parts listing for information. Thanks again for your replies. PS. I am only 50 miles from woodieville, north of you in Bellingham. the truck was on display at the Anacortes show in September.

I know what I have but I dont know what I have. I purchased a 1950 Dodge fuel tanker with no title and no serial number plate inside the door. Serial number off the frame: 86513259 This number would appear to make the truck a California production model. I cant seem to make this truck fit into any of the serial numbers listed on this website based on the F model series. Also, according to the Dodge VIN decoder (http://t137.com/registry/help/decode.php) "Serial Number 86513259 has a sequence number of 13259 that is out of range or is a serial number not recognized by this decoder." Engine serial number: I -18412????????? (the last few numbers fade away...........) How does the engine number tie into the serial number or is there any connection? Wheel base is 128". The engine is a T-178 (T-148????????????) 236 CI six cylinder. D. Bunns book lists both the T-178 and T-148 for the 236 CI engine so not sure what I have. Casting date on the engine is: 50 1 - 13 Engine casting: 11381295 which i assume is a part number. The cab plate located on the fire wall is: 4912-9321-T The 4912 code does not match any of the B-series truck body model numbers lisated in D. Bunns book. Is there any info on how to decipher the 9321-T ? What I think i have: B-2-F based on the 1 1/2 ton rating, the 5 lug wheels and NO 2-speed rear end. So can anyone tell me what I really have? Thanks for all responese and enlightenment.

A question about JB WELD. I have a 1" long 1.5" diameter steel rod JB Welded to a brass plate. How to seperate the two parts without ANY damage? Any practical experience out there? Thanks for your assistance!!

Thanks to Dodgeb4ya for his information on locating frame serial numbers for 1and1/2 ton trucks. The serial number on my tanker was, indeed, above the front spring mounting. Thanks for everyones help, Kreig ""The serial# is definately stamped on the drivers side frame right above the forward spring mounting bracket on 1-1/2 through 2-1/2 tonners. Sand the frame well and then you will see it. I checked 5 of my 1948-52 Dodge trucks all 1-1/2 ton through 4 ton. They all had the #'s stamped in the frame. The 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 tons all have the # directly above the mount. The 3 ton and higher have the # stamped to the rear of the spring bracket and all are stamped much deeper than the medium duty trucks. Shown are a couple Serial #'s off my parts trucks. Use of a 1948-53 Dodge truck parts book will then help ID the truck. It has all the serial #'s. Bob ""

Thanks Bob, Found an easily readable serial number just above the spring shackle. Now still sorting out which model. Thanks again, Kreig

I was told the tanker is 1950, however 1949 and 1950 are supposedly identical. Sold with no title and missing the serial number plate so not really sure what year at this point. Cannot locate a serial number on the frame at least not where they are on pick up trucks. As far as locating the guy with the yellow tanker, at this point I dont have a clue. There is no connection between the photo gallery and the members list and non of the members listed show a tanker.

Thanks again for your help. I went back out to check, removed the LF wheel and could not find any indication of numbers. The frame on my truck is very clean considering the age and a only a very light layer of dirt and rust, easily removed with fingers or brush so would think any numbers would heve been easily visible. As pointed out by another member and after measuring the engine, this is a 1 and 1/2 ton or 2 ton truck, not larger. So i still wonder if numbers for the larger (non-pickup) trucks is in a different location. Also curious about the tag found on the upper left corner on the fire wall. Is this some kind of code for paint / upholstery????????? I will continue to explore my new truck between the roofing and other house projects. I have not been able to upload photos.

Yes, this is the tanker truck. I did browse the members listing of photos and there is no tanker to be found there. The place with the photos has no connection to who owns the vehicles so it is not clear to me how to proceed. I just purchased a very similar tanker and hope to make connections with someone who has experience with this type of vehicle.

In the photo gallery, there is a 1949 fuel tanker, yellow with the Richmond gasoline brand as the logo. How can I find and contact the owner? I have some questions specific to the tanker. Thanks again!!!

Thanks for your experience, i will look again today. Is the number stamped on the side or top of the frame? Thanks again for your help.

I followed up the suggestion and searched the frame for a stamped number. The frame is clean other than dirt and grease and a simple cleaning revealed non rusty metal frame. No hint of any stamped letters or numbers exist on the frame. I searched form the front of the spring shackle to as far back as practical. Also checked both sides with no results. I did find a tag on the firewall, upper left corner - number 4912-9321T (OR) 4912-932L. Any idea of what this is? Also, just to be clear, this is a 3-4 ton truck. Thanks again for any help.

Needing help with serial number / model number for 1950. The serial number plate is gone on my newly purchased 1950 Dodge truck. This is a fuel tanker truck, and my guess would be a 13,000GVW weight rating????? Are there other serial numbers on the frame, or? How about Engine number, will that help? Thanks for any help!!!