austinsailor Posted October 8, 2009 Report Share Posted October 8, 2009 I started into the '48 b1b today, got the brakes stripped, hoses, belts, all that and heading for town for all new, along with a carb kit and fuel pump rebuild kit. I drained the gas tank, but the drain plug is strange. It takes a 1/2" socket drive and began to loosen, but seems to just turn and won't tighten or loosen farther. I'm assuming the plug goes into a fitting attached to the tank on the inside, and that fitting has pulled loose? Later today I'll drop the tank, but I'm curious what I'm dealing with. It would seem I'll end up opening the tank to repair this. Any thoughts? Some good news and some bad. It's obvious I'll need all new brake lines, both rubber and steel. But, the engine still had antifreeze in it, as did the heater. The oil came out clean with nothing else in it. Front end parts are all tight. steering box feels new. Thanks, Gene G. Central Mo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John-T-53 Posted October 8, 2009 Report Share Posted October 8, 2009 I think there's a threaded block tacked to the inside of the tank, just like an oil pan. If it broke free then there's probably some serious rust inside. Do you hear a scraping sound as you turn the plug? If that's not the case, the threads on the plug might have stripped, and you could drill it out. Might want to remove the tank and empty the gas before doing anythig that will cause sparks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
austinsailor Posted October 9, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 9, 2009 Well, the gas tank is drained, it's the worst gas I ever took out of anything. Transmission is drained. Well, it drained after I took off the pto cover and squished out all the thick sludge. Insides look fine, but with an inch of sediment, it sure needed some cleaning. I suspect the pan needs cleaned out, too, so it'll come off. The two front tank mounting bolts had the nuts break loose from the crossmember, so this is going to be fun. No torch, no grinding, no sparks, but cut bolts. Hmmm.... I'm going to have to study this a bit. But, I got new hoses, belt, wheel cylinders,seals, shoes, master cylinder, fuel line, fuel pump, carb kit, strainers for the sediment bowls ... I think that is close. Drums are in the shop for turning, Sure wish the gas tank was on the ground. Question - what size tires are you guys running on these? 15" wheels, it has 775 15, but not sure what is right for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grey beard Posted October 9, 2009 Report Share Posted October 9, 2009 Had the same problem with my own fuel tank. Finally got my Sawzall in there and cut the heads off - it's lotsa' fun. I run 215.85 x 16 radials on my Pilothouse - about 31 inches tall - for the low geared rear, These tires are available everywhere, cause' they're used on GM dually pickups. Good Luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
austinsailor Posted October 9, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 9, 2009 They are 15" and I would guess they've been that way since day one. At least for the last 40 years. All 5, with what appear to be stock hubcaps. Is this to be expected? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
austinsailor Posted October 9, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 9, 2009 I'm a bit nervous about a sawsall. They make sparks, and the gas is in the area. I'm not sure you could light it with a match, as bad as it is, but I don't want to chance it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Young Ed Posted October 9, 2009 Report Share Posted October 9, 2009 Stock caps would fit on the 15s but 15s only came on 3/4 ton trucks and they have a diff bolt pattern then a 1/2 ton. More then likely you have car wheels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
austinsailor Posted October 9, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 9, 2009 I once had an f-100 back in the 70's. Put some tall 7-50, I think by 15 LT tires on it and it geared it considerably. Stood several inches taller than stock. Guess I need to go to the tire store and see what they make today. I'm guessing this thing would pull stumps with the stock tires. I can only imagine how it's going to be with smaller tires. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJs 1948 Posted October 9, 2009 Report Share Posted October 9, 2009 Get some floor-dry (looks like cat litter) from an auto or farm supply store and soak up that gas. Should dry it up in a short time and sweep it out of your shop. If you can push your truck outside or over a floor drain, flush the gas tank out thru the filler pipe with a water hose and dish soap. After your tank is off you can take it in to a radiator repair shop for a good cleaning and leak test or do what you like. I have shipped several gas tanks for repair and this method was recomended to me by the repair shops. Good luck. I'm a bit nervous about a sawsall. They make sparks, and the gas is in the area. I'm not sure you could light it with a match, as bad as it is, but I don't want to chance it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merle Coggins Posted October 9, 2009 Report Share Posted October 9, 2009 Like Ed said, the 3/4 ton trucks came stock with 15" wheels and the bolt pattern is 5X5" instead of the 5x4.5" that is used on the 1/2 ton trucks. I am running 235/75R15's on my truck and it runs fine down the highway, but I also changed the diff from 4.10:1 to a 3.73:1. These tires have a 30" diameter installed on my 15x5.5" rims. Merle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
austinsailor Posted October 10, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 10, 2009 (edited) I got the gas tank off, now it needs to go somewhere and get boiled out and see what is left. I pulled the oil pan, as It seemed there was some gunk in the bottom. True, there was, although not as bad as I expected. All rods are tight, all cam lobes are intact. No unexplained material in the bottom of the pan at first glance. I'll sift it tomorrow to look for shavings, etc. Now comes the big question - Why did this truck get parked? I've found no reason yet for that to happen. Motor seems tight, front end is tight, all systems look like they were working. My guess is, the owner just got old, it was put in the barn, he lingered and it stayed. For 30 years or so? Time will tell. All the new parts are here or on the way for next week. All brake cylinders, shoes, seals, hoses, fuel pump, carb kit, belt, battery - it'll be a new truck! I'll probably start replacing brake lines tomorrow, too. I'm gonna drive this thing! Oh, I started posting pictures at: http://www.geocities.com/rainbow_chaser.geo/48_dodge/48dodge.html Edited October 10, 2009 by austinsailor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reg Evans Posted October 10, 2009 Report Share Posted October 10, 2009 (edited) I see the truck has the fresh air heater parts and hard to find cables. Nice! I noticed the heater cables are installed under the center of the dash. Does that interfere with the operation of the cowl vent ? The controls are usually mounted to the left of the steering column. Have you give the engine a compression test ? Edited October 10, 2009 by Reg Evans Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
austinsailor Posted October 10, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 10, 2009 Not yet. Wanted to clean it all out before pumping old crud into the passages and bearings. Pan is off, new gasket will be here today, so probably spin it tonight. I could use new oil filter lines. Are they available from Bernbaum or Roberts or? I'm hoping they are all the same. filters were add ons, so I'm not sure. found a parts truck with a running engine and most likely a good gas tank. Might make life a lot easier for me. Maybe 16" wheels as well. I'll know later today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
austinsailor Posted October 10, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 10, 2009 Here she is, getting ready to go together Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reg Evans Posted October 10, 2009 Report Share Posted October 10, 2009 Oh cool. How deep is the pit ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
austinsailor Posted October 10, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 10, 2009 About 5'. Just right for something like this. Not deep enough for Corvette, too deep for a big truck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John-T-53 Posted October 11, 2009 Report Share Posted October 11, 2009 Wow, that truck sure has a nice patina to it. Something you can only get after 50+ years. Those are some nice photographs! I don't think anybody sells made-to-fit oil filter lines, especially since filter setups on these trucks tend to vary with each vehicle. I'd invest in a good flare tool, tube cutter, and bender. Then you can make new lines for everything - brake, fuel, oil, vacuum. New steel line is relatively inexpensive at the auto parts store too. I bought $50 worth of tools and made new lines for my whole truck. It also gives you the opportunity to customize your plumbing a little and make it look cool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikesinky Posted October 11, 2009 Report Share Posted October 11, 2009 where did you get the strainers for the sediment bowls i need some for mine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
austinsailor Posted October 11, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 11, 2009 The strainers come from NAPA, I'll post the part numbers in a bit. I'll have to dig them out. They come as two pieces, the strainer and the rubber ring. I hadn't looked close at the oil lines, there was a lot of crud there. I assumed they were rubber like my cars. But I just got in there and they are steel, so I don't have a worry of a rotten line taking out my motor. No new lines needed. I oiled up the cam and lobes, put the pan back on, new Rotella 30 weight (old formula with lots of zinc) and cranked her over. Or tired. Starter was shot, the bendex was rusted up. So, I dug all the crap off my 40 Dodge 4 door sedan in the corner, pulled the starter, and we're back in business. Ran compression checks, got readings all over the place. 30 to 105. Might need rings. But, I've got a parts truck located with a running motor, might be good. The 40 Dodge is also a possibility. Or my 42 Plymouth. No shortage of choices. Might even tear down and re-ring the original motor. Shouldn't take long. I plan to take all the brake lines off this week and make new ones. That should be fun. The rest of the brake parts will be in in a day or two, so I can keep cruising. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
austinsailor Posted October 11, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 11, 2009 If I end up going through this motor, I'd just as soon spice it up just a bit. ARe higher compression pistons available? What about a better cam? Anyone know sources? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reg Evans Posted October 12, 2009 Report Share Posted October 12, 2009 Go here for info on one of the coolest flatties around. http://www.50plymouth.com/04-eng/eng.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
austinsailor Posted October 12, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 12, 2009 I had to make a tool to fit the drain in the differential, since it was bigger than a 1/4" and smaller than 3/8". Got it made, took out the plug and looked at it. Nothing. Seems to have no oil at all. Not good. Pulled the backing plates and axles, am having a devil of a time getting the darned Cleveland U joints apart. Had to quit tonight, but if all is not well, I will see if the third member from the 40 Dodge will fit. Then there is that parts truck I'm chasing. One thing is for sure - there are enough of these around to find the parts to put it back together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
austinsailor Posted October 13, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 13, 2009 Well, my options just opened up. Made a 700 mile round trip yesterday when the seller called and said I could come pick up the parts truck I'd found on Craigslist. Running motor, rebuilt carb, good running gear. And what appears to be a good gas tank, and new plug wires (that I needed badly). Someone has put on new rear springs, or at least what appears to be not original. Only 3 leaves, a very soft feel to it. I might try them in place of my tall stack with overloads and see if it'll ride real nice. I'll post some more pictures when it gets light out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merle Coggins Posted October 13, 2009 Report Share Posted October 13, 2009 Where's the rest of it? Is that all you got? Merle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
austinsailor Posted October 13, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 13, 2009 It's all there except cab, bed and hood. Runs, seems in good shape. He took the cab and hood with plans to put it on an s-10 chassis, bed was a junk flatbed. For $150, it was a heck of a deal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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