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I just picked up a 1947 1-ton Dually that I plan to use more as the heavy hauler and let the 52 B3B be the daily driver. It's pretty complete, original 6v system. Wiring is totally shot and must all be replaced. Brake lines are crimped flat or missing (metal) or dry rotted (hoses). Body metal is in pretty decent shape (top side) and has been coated in primer. Frame has been coated in thick black paint. 3-speed on floor shifts smoothly and the band emergency brake works well (as demonstrated getting it off the trailer). Rolls and steers well, but have been told the motor doesn't run. It came from up north (Phillie) and has rust probs underneath. A few questions for you more experienced folk. 1) I'm leaning toward frame off not because I'm trying to make a show truck, but because that's the only way I know to get at all the places that need protection. Am also wondering if I should trust that the thick black coating means the frame is protected. I can see a few places elsewhere that appear to have a coat over rusty areas. Should I strip the frame back down to bare metal then make sure it's properly protected. An added bennie would be getting to see the frame serial number. I had hoped to get it from the 1991 title, but it was titled using the P23 engine code that tells me it wasn't original to the truck. Thoughts? 2) Stay 6v or convert to 12? I'm thinking about wiring with a gauge for 6v initially and can convert to 12v later if I must. I don't plan to add a bunch of modern electrical gadgets to this one so I think I'd like to stay original. No sure yet if windshield wipers are electric - it appears that there are hoses headed up there so I'm guessing it may be vacuum. Should I find a way to change it to electric? I also may want to find a heater to add at some point. 3) Engine. It has a 218. I think the P23 is a Plymouth from 1952. Looks complete and starter and generator look to be in great shape externally. I have a rebuilt 230 that I was planning to put in the 52 B3B, but would it have better power/torque for bigger loads in the 47 1-ton? Original thought was a fresh engine that would be more reliable to the daily driver. 4) Bed? There's nothing on but frame behind the cab. The bed pieces that can be found are pretty pricey, I'm estimating over $3k not counting wood for the floor. Was thinking about an all wood flatbed starting with railroad ties for a base. Guess a welded on steel flatbed with stake pockets might be stronger an/or more versatile. Has anybody had to make a similar decision? If so, what did you consider and what route did you go?? 5) Does anybody have info on the gearing ratio(s) in these trucks. The shifter has a push-pull knob that I assume might mean there's something extra in the rear that will help with low end torque and maybe high end speed. Anybody know what kind do road speeds you can get from a flathead with one of these? I assume it's no worse than the 45mph I get out of the 52 3speed with essentially the same engine. 6) Fuel system. It's hooked up to the stock mechanical fuel pump with a single barrel carb and all the linkages move freely, but it appears a return spring or two will need to be replaced along with the choke and throttle cables that won't budge. The tank looks like it's been replaced and there appears to be a hatch under the seat to give access to the sender unit. Any advice on what I need to check out first and what I should consider replacing just to be sure? Well, there should be something in one of these systems that'll get our more experienced members a talking. Hopefully there are others that'll benefit from the answers and all the good advice as well. Thanks in advance for spilling your smarts all over this thread. - Bob