Thoughts on a purchase

[townwagon]

Merle,

My mistake, it is 1950 to 1953 that the low bed was offered. I just read over Don Bunn's B series book again to double check (page 102).

In all my travels I have only found low bed on 1951-53 trucks, so I forget that it was an option in 1950.

But if you are correct about the parking brake making this a 1948-49, then the bed is still most likely wrong.

Eric

What leads you to believe it's a B2 bed? The low sides were also available for B1's and 2's as I have read. I do agree on the rear bumper though.

[Merle Coggins]

The late '49 "X" models began the parking brake under the dash, which carried over to the B-2 models and continued through the later models. The B-2 models also began the column shift as standard, and the parking brake under the dash. It cleaned up the floor so it was easier to exit the truck on the passenger side. Seems I remember reading about that in Bunns book. The '49 B-1 "X" models began the transition to the B-2's so some of the new features show up in them.

Merle

[townwagon]

Merle,

Sorry, I didn't mean to imply that you had your details wrong. I was trying to say that if the truck has its original parking brake so that your guess about the truck being a 1948-49 is correct than the bed is wrong.

If I was new to this era of truck I would go check out the truck as best I could checking all the numbers, frame number, cowl tag, serial number plate, and engine number. Then I would take 50 pictures showing every angle and share them with the group so people could check details. As always rust and wear are the biggest issues, so a good hunt for rust in person is important.

The frame number location can be seen here on this link:

http://www.townwagon.com/4853registry/help/framenumber.php

Eric

The late '49 "X" models began the parking brake under the dash, which carried over to the B-2 models and continued through the later models. The B-2 models also began the column shift as standard, and the parking brake under the dash. It cleaned up the floor so it was easier to exit the truck on the passenger side. Seems I remember reading about that in Bunns book. The '49 B-1 "X" models began the transition to the B-2's so some of the new features show up in them.

Merle

[Merle Coggins]

It was meant more for information to the potential buyer to understand the difference. Although I suppose I didn't explain the "X" models.

The "X" models were the last couple months of production of the B-1 series light duty trucks. They were given the new features that were going to be on the B-2 series, but they were still B-1 series. So they added an "X" at the end of the serial number to differenciate them.

I had to go back and browse through my Bunn book because I though the low side bed was available as an option in the B-1's, but you are correct. They made a come back for the B-2's. So, either someone converted back to a floor parking brake on a B-2 or someone put a low side bed on a B-1.

Eric has a great VIN decoder web site that will help identify exactly what it is. If you can get the Serial Number, go here http://www.t137.com/registry/help/decode.php to find out what it is.

Merle

[B1B Keven]

Isn't the tailgate of a WC?

[Young Ed]

Isn't the tailgate of a WC?

The lowside beds in general are very similar if not the same as the WC beds. The only difference I can see on these besides the fenders are the tailgate hinges.

[IanT_Qld]

Side note: My Aussie 52 is actually an American 49 X model. I had noticed that it is definately not the same as the 52, a but similar to the 49 with some 52 features. Exactly as you describe, Merle, (I didnt even twig when i read Dons book either)

[48Dodger]

"twig"??

48D:D

[Desotodav]

Twig: colloquial.. to look at; observe... to catch sight of; perceive... to understand.

We talk a bit different here in Oz 48d!!

Desotodav

[deemce11]

All,

Thanks for the education. I decided to take a pass on this truck as the money pit looked like it was going to be deeper than I wanted it to be. I appreciate all of your input and will keep looking.

deemce1

[ggdad1951]

Twig: colloquial.. to look at; observe... to catch sight of; perceive... to understand.

We talk a bit different here in Oz 48d!!

Desotodav

he must not have watched Dundee as of late eh, mate?

[Reg Evans]

All,

Thanks for the education. I decided to take a pass on this truck as the money pit looked like it was going to be deeper than I wanted it to be. I appreciate all of your input and will keep looking.

deemce1

Did the seller ever say what amount of $ he was asking for the truck ?

[deemce11]

He stated that he had dropped the price to $3500.

[Reg Evans]

He stated that he had dropped the price to $3500.

OH....he should read this thread then.

[48Dodger]

he must not have watched Dundee as of late eh, mate?

Dundee???? who???.......haha...just kidding, I totally twig it dude.

Keep looking deemce11, spending to much can suck the fun of anything real quick.

48D

[ferdball]

I'd aim real low on price, not many people are as brave as us "measure once, cut three times" crowd.

I just spent about a grand on brake parts on a used truck that kinda had working brakes, basically it had sat for 8 years or so.

and that's just the beginning......

If you're NOT a glutton for punnishment then find one that is already done and driving and looks nice.

NOTE: I got lucky! (rare)

before:

after:

[deemce11]

Very nice Ferdball.... Now that is a barn find if I ever saw one.