Merle Coggins

Looking at the pics of your truck it looks like the front end sits low and the wheel appears to be setting toward the back of the opening. What type of front suspension is under there? Maybe someone did a front clip upgrade and messed up the wheel base by a few inches? The original front suspension is a solid axle with leaf springs.

I'm thinking the serial number on your frame is correct. I think you do have a '50 3/4 ton truck with a car engine. (That engine may actually be a 230 CID, so it's a keeper unless you want originality) The driver's door must have been replaced at one time. The '48-'50 door has a crease that goes almost the full length of the door, whereas the crease on the '51-53 doors only goes half way. This is my '50 B2C 3/4 ton truck shortly after it arrived home.

Parts book says P/N 1257 392 for 6V 45Amp generator. Or P/N 1264 054 for a 6V 35 amp for Low Speed Cut In. This is the tag on mine. The part number doesn't seem to match that I have in the parts manual.

I've met more kids like him than I care to count since I got involved with the Ride for Kids and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. It never ceases to amaze me how resilient these kids are. For more info on that, click the link in my signiture line (shameless plug)

Cool... I like the VW, it has character. Are you sure that truck is a 108" wheel base 1/2 ton? Judging by the space between the back of the cab and the rear fender it looks like it may be a 116" 3/4 ton truck. It's hard to tell from just a couple of photos, but that's how it appears to me. Also, the nose is '48-'50 but the door is "51-'53. What's the dash look like? This is the dash layout of the '48-'50 trucks. The '51-'53 dashes were a little different. I don't have a pic of that dash. There is definately something odd here. It's not uncommon for the titled "Year" to be incorrect. My '50 was titled as a '51 too.

There are two methods for getting photos in your posts. You can insert a link to the photo that is stored on another web site such as Photobucket or the like (many will work, Photobucket is just the one that I use). Or you can upload photos from your hard drive. In the message composure box there are tool buttons at the top. The paper clip lookin' one is for attaching directly from your 'puter. There is a size limitation on these, so you may need to resize the photos if the file size is too large. They will appear like Thumbnails that can be opened in another window or tab for viewing. (like at the bottom of this post). Or you can click on the yellow "picture" button and copy and paste the link to your photo. Those will appear as the larger photos like this.

The 4 speed trans was an option all along, I believe. The T306... number is an engine number. It's probably the original engine number, which would be right for a '51 1/2 ton. As I understand it, some states used the engine number as the Serial number or VIN when they were first titled. The 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks used the same drive train. The 3/4 ton truck would have heavier springs only. And as previously stated would have a longer frame, although in the later Pilot-House years the 116" wheel base was available for the 1/2 ton version. I would highly reccomend going to your local book store (or Amazon.com) and getting this book. It'll tell you all you need to know about these trucks.

Welcome You are correct. That serial # would be a '50 B2C according to http://www.t137.com/registry/help/decode.php However, that would make it a 116" wheel base. I suppose it's possible that someone shortened a 3/4 ton frame to use with a 1/2 ton bed. There's not much difference between the two models other than that. What size tires on on it? 15" or 16". The 1/2 ton trucks used 16 inchers, whereas the 3/4 ton trucks used 15 inch rims. Otherwise the drive train was the same. Also, you have a later model Dodge car engine in it (mid 50's maybe? I don't know my car model #'s very well). I wonder if someone built a truck out of available parts. What's the VIN on your title? Does it match up to a '51 1/2 ton? If so I'd get a replacement data tag from Vintage Powerwagons http://www.vintagepowerwagons.com/ and stamp in the number on your title and go with it. Good luck with it. Any photos? Merle

Ed, if all you got is an engine, brakes, exhaust, tires, u-joints, and bed wood, you've got a long way to go. I assume that you also have a frame, axles, steering linkage, cab, fenders, hood, grill, and bed panels? I saw your parts wanted post for rear fenders. I've seen your stock pile of bumpers, so I'm sure you can find one that'll work. When are you going to assemble "Frankenstein's Monster"? Edit: I see that this post got me into the "Zen Master" club. Should I feel smarter?

No pic Don. Says you've exceeded your bandwidth. I guess you do post too much.

Will do Jim. Send me a PM with your direct email address. Sometimes emails through the board system get trapped by spam filters. Merle

Maybe you should have just told the truth, Don.

My initial plan was to drive out there on Sunday the 17th, but I could leave on Saturday if there was someone to stop and see along the way. I would just need to be there by Sunday evening. Dave, I could head south to your locale Thursday, after my training is done, check out your truck, enjoy an evening of jaw jackin', and head towards home on Friday. I have no restrictions on the return trip as long as I can return to work by Monday morning. However, if I don't get home until Sunday, I could miss out on two consecutive weekends of work on my truck.

Any of you around the Williamsport, PA area? I have to go there in a few weeks. I need to be there Monday the 18th thru Thursday the 21st. I'll be driving out either Saturday or Sunday before and returning after Thursday. If any of you are near by, or located between there and Milwaukee, I'd love to stop in for a face to face. It's always a joy to put faces to the names and personalities that we see here on the forum. Merle

The flyer looks good. I wish I was closer, it sounds like fun. Enjoy guys, Merle

I like it except for the flat black paint and plain wheels. Put a nice shiny coat on it with a set of flashy mags and you got something.

I try not to use that phrase any more. I have come to realize that if "sense" was "common" more people would have it. These guys certainly don't.

How long did you follow her before snapping the photo?

I believe the tie rod should be straight, but the drag link from the steering gear box does have a kink in it. By the way, welcome aboard. Merle

Some people should be culled from the herd. They'll soon be joining this guy.

:confused: Whatcha talkin' 'bout? :confused:

I just had a tank redone at my local radiator shop last summer. I think it was around $185. Merle

A greese gun can develope several Thousand PSI. As Tim says, be careful.

That -4 in Milwaukee sounds like a heat wave. I saw -12 on my truck temp readout this morning at 7:00AM. That big pond on the east side of Milwaukee (Lake Michigan) tends to keep things warmer this time of year. Get 10-20 miles away from it and it looses it's effect. It's warmed up to a balmy -5 now at noon. Merle

Your pics are showing find for me today, Pete. I've had that problem earlier in the week, but today's fine. Merle