Need advice on a '48 Chevy 5-Window PU

Posted by Dave on June 19, 2002 at 20:57:55 from (12.237.228.96):

I'm looking at a '48 Chevy Thriftmaster 5-window PU and need some expert advice/opinions. Here's what the current owner has to say about the truck:

"I have had the truck for 5 years. I'm not sure if it has the original motor and transmission, however it appears as they are original. The Engine does not smoke so I believe the oil loss is due to the leaks. I have replaced valve cover and side gaskets. The rear main and pan gaskets may need to be replaced. 3rd member also drips a little. The Master cylinder will lose some fliud if the truck sits a while. Seems to keep brake
fluid better if I drive truck more often. No major mechanical work has been done since I have owned the truck. Looks like some new wiring has been installed. Truck is 6 volt, but has a 8 volt battery. All the instruments work, heater and fan works, no radio. Wipers need new vacuum motor. Don't know about any accidents but you can find areas where new metal was put in and some areas with some putty, i.e., the side vent on drivers side has been closed in. Floor boards are good, battery box is good, box bed has been replaced with pine boards and metal strips as orginal. All the glass is good. Truck starts, runs, drives and stops great."

Questions:
1) Is the original equipment 216 C.I. 6 cylinder engine a good and reliable engine? (the truck has 91,000 miles on it)
2) Is the original equipment 3-speed on the column transmission a good and reliable trany.
3) Is the 6 volt electrical system a good system? Why do you suppose he's got an 8 volt battery in the truck.
4) Does anything he has to say about his truck raise any flags - i.e., do you read in any potential big problems with the truck.

I am interested in the truck to restore it to original off-the-floor condition - as it was back then - however, I have no experience in restoring vintage vehicles. I will use to truck on the back roads of Texas and locally - no intention to drive on the big roads or at speed.

Your assistance will be greatly appreciated.

Dave

Follow Ups:

• Re: Need advice on a '48 Chevy 5-Window PU Hans Rasch 03:00:34 07/01/02 (0)
• Re: Need advice on a '48 Chevy 5-Window PU Truck 08:17:08 06/21/02 (0)
• Re: Need advice on a '48 Chevy 5-Window PU Scott (TN) 14:59:13 06/20/02 (0)
• Re: Need advice on a '48 Chevy 5-Window PU Jerry S 11:29:01 06/20/02 (0)
• Re: Need advice on a '48 Chevy 5-Window PU Hal/WA 23:39:05 06/19/02 (4)
  • Re: Re: Need advice on a '48 Chevy 5-Window PU Jon Kraatz 07:51:48 06/20/02 (1)
    • Re: Re: Re: Need advice on a '48 Chevy 5-Window PU John Ne. 22:47:21 06/20/02 (0)
  • Re: Re: Need advice on a '48 Chevy 5-Window PU Dave 07:02:59 06/20/02 (1)
    • Re: Re: Re: Need advice on a '48 Chevy 5-Window PU Hal/WA 23:00:00 06/20/02 (0)

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