Differences between B-1-B and B-2-B

[52diesel]

I've been searching on here and online a comparison of the differences between a 1948 and a 1950 Dodge truck. Anyone have a list or some pictures side by side, or are there any differences?

I have two 48's and have found a 50 for some parts, I just wanted to see what the differences as I am new to these trucks and I haven't learned everything yet.

[Merle Coggins]

As far as I know, the changes in the 1950 (B2) trucks are;

1. The 3 speed column shift became available

2. Fluid Drive was also available for the first time in trucks

3. The parking brake was moved to an under dash pull handle

4. The grill bars were painted steel as standard with stainless being optional

5. The electrical system got minor upgrades, primarily a higher output generator.

6. The higher output generator also prompted a change in the ammeter. It now reads up to 50 amps.

7. During the B2 run there was a change in the u-joints on 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks. The earlier lock plate type was replaced by a retaining clip type. The later type are more readily available these days.

8. There is also a serial number break on the king pins. This break also happened during the B2 series production.

There may be other changes, but these are the ones that I know off the top of my head.

Merle

[52diesel]

Interesting. I wonder if the door on my 48 was changed at some point then as it has the pull type parking brake and painted grill bars and the motor number comes back as B-2-B. The vin plate says B-1-B. I'll have to check on the amp gauge. Are there any other identification numbers on these trucks that show the year?

[Merle Coggins]

There should be a serial number on the tag. There should also be a serial number stamped into the frame on the left side up near the front spring front mount. (see picture) Take the serial number and punch it into this site to see what you have. http://www.t137.com/registry/help/decode.php

[52diesel]

Tried running the one off the tag on the decoder, comes back invalid.

82149375X

Here's some pics of the whole truck.

http://www.ctmrs.com/brad/48b1/

I'll have to take my wire brush to the frame and see what I can find.

Thanks for all of the help!

[Merle Coggins]

If you drop the X off the end and try again you'll get the following info;

Serial Number 82149375

Year 1950

Make Dodge

Model B-2-B

Engine 217.76 Flathead Six

Wheelbase 108

Rating 1/2 Ton

Engineering Code T172

Plant Detroit, Michigan

Build Number 9375

And here's an excerpt from Don Bunn's B-Series book;

1949 "X" Models

As far as I know this was a one time only Dodge phenomenon. The "X" model was an intermediate B-1 model that had the same specifications as the 1950 B-2 Series trucks. Dodge had the letter "X" stamped immediately after the serial number on both the frame side rail and the serial number plate. X models did not apply to Route-Vans or the six-wheeler. X trucks were built in August and September 1949. the U.S.-built total of X models was 24,053 and Canada built 2,929.

In other words X models incorporated all the updates - mechanical improvements and appearance changes - as the B-2 Series trucks yet at the same time they were considered B-1 Series trucks. The 1950 section spells out all these changes in great detail.

X models were manufactured from August 1, 1949 to October 1, 1949.

So, I believe you have a 1949 B-1-B truck but an intermediate "X" version with all the features of a 1950 B-2-B. I've read about them but I believe this is the first I've known about in real life.

Merle

[52diesel]

No kidding. It's amazing what you can drag out of a field sometimes. Well, makes me kind of feel bad about my plans to use it as part of my 1.5 ton project.

Might have to restore it as it is or find a new home for it with someone who wants an original truck.

[Jim Shepard]

As far as I know, the changes in the 1950 (B2) trucks are;

There may be other changes, but these are the ones that I know off the top of my head.

Merle

Merle, what do yopu make of the low-side bed? I thought these weren't available again until 1951.

[Merle Coggins]

Here's another excerpt from Bunn's book, in the section about 1950 B2 Series changes.

Low-Side Pickup Cargo Box

Why Dodge engineers made a backward turn and replaced the former standard high-side cargo box with a new low-side is a mystery. Its high-side box was an industry exclusive. The only documentation that I have ever found for going back to the low side said this change was made to make it easier for owners to load from over the side of the box. This is an argument that doesn't make any sense to me. To me it was regression to do things the way the other guys did. Only in the 1950 model year could the buyer choose either the low-side (17") or the high-side (22 7/16") box for the same price. The low-side cargo box is the same as that used on the 1947 half-ton pick-up. I don't know if this had anything to do with it or not but in the 1950 model year the U.S. Navy purchased a large quantity of low-side Dodge pickups. Maybe the Navy required that dodge provide a low-side cargo box.

[52diesel]

I went out and wire brushed the frame and confirmed the serial number is the same as the door with the X. I took a look at the bed the wood floor is long gone, but the bed side that goes down under the bed floor is painted the same dark green that is on the inside of the cab and under the hood. I am inclined to think it is the original bed. Or at least one of the same color, most repaints on old trucks I have ever seen didn't get below the bed floor.

The only history I know on the truck is that it was sitting in the middle of a field when the man I bought it from purchased the land in 1970. He just let it sit in the same spot until his health starting going down hill and he decided to start clearing some stuff off. I found the truck in a Craigslist ad, and we pulled it up onto the trailer from the same spot it had been sitting for 40 years.

[52diesel]

Anyhow, what parts are ya needing to fix up the 1.5 ton? I've got a few donors that are in Bell County that might could help ya out without stripping that 1/2 ton apart.

What I bought this truck for was the cab. The cab of my 1.5 ton has a pretty caved in roof and there are a lot of holes around the rear window where a piece of plexiglass had been screwed up after it broke. I am planning on using a step van (frito lay truck) chassis with a cummins 4bt diesel engine, although I am thinking a 6 cylinder might be nice. So, if you have a cab or know where I can get my hands on one of those diesels I would be much obliged. Nice to find someone so close to home that likes these old trucks.

[townwagon]

Merle,

I have looked at a LOT of these trucks, and parted quite a few of them. I can tell you that many of the late 1949 B-1s got some or all of the 1950 details, yet did not get the X on the end of the serial number. Things like the 50-0-50 amps gauge, the curvier window winders, etc.

I didn't always check Serial Number tags, but in the last several years I have taken pictures of the trucks, and the tags so I can compare where the parts came from once I get home. I don't think I have found more than one or two X trucks, but I have found a number of B-1s with B-2 details.

As for the low bed, I will have to look into that, I don't think about it much. You don't see as many low beds as high beds, and the couple that pop into my mind are the later 51-53 trucks. The major problem is that trucks with beds still intact are few and far between.

Eric

[Jim Gaspard]

I'm in Dallas County and between Brian (49Dodge1ton- Bell County) and me, we may be able to supply a usable cab. I am about finished with my B3C parts truck and have misc pieces up for grabs to clear out my driveway.

[52diesel]

If a B3 cab will look right with my B1 doors and front end. If not, what will it take to line up? Just the doors or the whole front end too?

[Jim Gaspard]

I have the B3 doors too, a little dinged up that will go with the cab. Also B3C frame and bed, 4 fenders and tailgate. Engine blown but have the transmission and miscellaneous other pieces and parts, bench seat & frame, glass, etc. Brian has first dubs on some of this and then its all available.

[52diesel]

All I need is a nice cab without a dented roof like my 1.5 ton.

I will gladly sell the B-1-B to someone interested in keeping it intact since it seems to be a little bit on the rare side.