55 Fargo

Got bored a little while ago. Please join me in a drive around my district in my 55 Fargo truck. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-7kqcs3V8k&feature=youtu.be

A combination of less snow, the way snow is removed melting snow between snow falls etc. My Grandmother used to mention that in the 30s there were some almost no snow winters up here, very dry years too. I have seen the odd green(really brown) Christmases up here, 1 within the last 10 years. Some years with hardly any snow all winter too, that was 2 winters ago here....

We don't even get snow like that here in Manitoba. My Mother did tell me that they got or seems like they got way more snow back in the 40s and 50s in this area...

hey Rich yes the steering wheel is centered, just had it off center in video. It tracks fantastic on smooth pavement, on hard packed even gravel, but of course, on rutted ridged gravel road you have to "steer" this truck. My gravel road, as well as many others, are of course very crowned, so just like back in the day. Rich I just swapped a spare steering box and shaft from a donor truck, installed new seals, that's about it

Hey all, have recently installed new outer tie rod ends, installed an NOS pitman arm tie rod, king pins good and tight. I did adjust steering box a bit tighter, this box I installed to replace a very worn steering box. Now I realize the steering wheel should have almost no play for best case scenario, but this still has a bit of play. With radial tires it would be hardly a problem, with bias tires, it is a bit harder if on a rutted or uneven surface like ona bad gravel road. All in all, it is much much better than at the beginning of reviving this truck. Here is a short video to demonstrate the amount of play in the wheel.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHDQfCqsh6c

I am running about 350 lbs or so in the back of my 55, ride is actually nice, stock springs all in place, everything is free and lubed. I recently installed new outer tie rod ends, king pins are tight, steering box is not bad, some small amount of play. about 1 to 2 inches in steering wheel. These trucks still ride like a truck, i enjoy it, have bias tires, had radials before, that makes a difference too....

Rob, it is already moved, yes it's off topic, and yes now it probably won't get much traffic on it. hey went to the beginning, I was a younger man, and Normscoupe, and Norm Carter were on it too. Times have changed on here, great forum, but does not have the feel it once had with some of the old gang, either dead or moved on.... Love the pics, New York State must be nice in winter...

Thanx Tim, I have a 1 or 2 of the dash plug in CVRs around here, but yes I have tested it before, and it pulsates. The link you attached seems like a decent item for this task.

Just came back inside, tested both water temp gauge, using an electric sending unit, some hot water, worked well on the 12 volts, gauge and sender check out, fuel gauge will peg if momentarily grounded, last time was able to use an old GM sender unit, and got it showing different graduations on the gauge. All tests were conducted with 12 volts. I will to be on the safe side use a CVR or something to avoid burning out the gauges. Now I know others have used 12 volts on the earlier 2 wire fuel gauges with success without any voltage dropping devices. I have no idea if the 2 wire fuel gauges are more tolerant of higher voltage, than the 1 wire 6 volt gauges, I do not have any personal experience on this front to draw from...

http://dodgepilothouseclub.org/know/pw_parts/pw_8.pdf Here is the link with the parts list for these gauges, 6 volt for 1955, and different parts listing numbers for 1956 and later. Now they look identical, and I could not find any reference or part # for a CVR for this set-up, not saying it isn't part of the equation. Yes Tim a standard resistor would not control voltage surges, thus allowing potential damage. The CVR unit say like the type used for a 1960s Mustang, would provide a consistent flow of 6 volts to the instruments, without damaging surges.

Okay had some time to do some research today. The gauges for 1956, with the exception of the oil pressure gauge are designed for 12 volts for the gas and water temp gauges. The ammeter was lowered to measure 30 amps. The 1955 6 volt gas gauge and the engine temp gauges I have tested, and they both were working well. I am not sure I have done any damage to either, or if the gauges could tolerate the momentary input of 12 volts. The 12 volt gauges look identical, but have different part numbers. So I either can source the 12 volt gauges or use runtz voltage droppers on them...

The Mammoth of all weather threads. No other is as grandiose. Some snow here, some of that weather is heading east toward us, but is watered down compared to what you Guys in Alberta have had. Stay warm, and have fun in the shop. I am going to be doing some work on the 55 again soon too. I just did the outer tie rod ends the other day...PS, this thread will most likely get moved to off topic real quick

Now Now Hank, let's play nice.....

All looks good and professional......

looks like you are havin a ball Bob, kids look happy to see you come to town,...

Yup, found this after my post. Evidently it was painted red along the way. Most likely surplus dealers reselling them....a novelty item for the truck...

Hey all, bought this jerry can today at the local "dump". Paid a whole 3 dollars. I see it is a 5 1/4 gallon, 20 litres, not sure if any numbers make reference to how old it is....

Sounds like a good plan. Even with a very close adjustment, these shoes seem to fit and perform well after some miles and wear. Years back as you may very well know, they would arc the brake shoes using a special brake shoe grinding tool, instant great fit. To be honest I did not use the Ammco or Miller tools, but followed advice from Dodgeb4ya, and set the brakes arrows on major adjusters pointing as per shop manual, drove for x amount of miles, adjusted minor adjusters periodically, and brakes were great. I sold this vehicle to a vintage Mopar collector last spring, he told me they are the best brakes he has ever had in a vintage Mopar. You could put your passenger into the windshield on a hard stop. Dodgeb4ya Bob, is probably the most knowledgeable and experienced Guy on this forum with these lockheed brake systems, He could adjust them in his sleep no doubt....good luck ps spec on the brake drum is 10.060, 60 thousandths over, drums can be machined oversize to .030, thus giving .060 max oversize.

How about taking it on the ferry, and get it on the island and take some pics. Did they have any vehicles on the island itself, must have. I have seen it from the bridge, but that was many years ago..

Oh you certainly don't want to haul any bull into the Whitehouse, maybe just take a little away........LOL

Nice pics Gents, would like to see your Truck at Alacatraz Paul...... and /or maybe at the Whitehouse with a load of Bull........LOL

Thanx Bob, this confirms what i had read on another website.

Thanx GTK, I read on another forum about the year of the change to 12 volt systems, so for my own knowledge only I started this thread. I consider this thread answered, and the matter closed

Post Deleted

Yes that certainly could be the case, including an ambulance, requiring a lot more juice to support it's electrical needs. Again just trying to ascertain if infact Chrysler did this amp gauge change for the 1956 year, purely for my own interest. Thanx again, I appreciate your input and help