46 Stake truck rebuild
 

My dad bought this 46 1.5 ton truck back in 1973. Used it on the farm lightly for several years. Decided on getting it back up and running again. Pulled the engine and took it to get rebuilt. Radiator doesn't look the best. Looking for a replacement wiring harness right now. Truck has a 2 speed rear axle. Dad says the speedometer would change when the axle has shifted in to high. Pictures are a little crappy but its in a section of a building where there isn't the best lighting.

Re: 46 Stake truck rebuild
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...1&d=1606366719

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...3&d=1606366719

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...2&d=1606366719

Re: 46 Stake truck rebuild
 

Looks like a worthy project, got a harness for my ‘41 coupe from C&G, but there are several vendors that advertise in the V8 times.

Re: 46 Stake truck rebuild
 

FWI, It has the military steering wheel and I like the directional signal light with the arrows. I used to own a 1941 1 1/2 ton old army fire engine, converted to a flat bed and it was a blast to drive as long as you went 45/50 mph. Currently helping put a39 1 1/2 ton back on the road.

Re: 46 Stake truck rebuild
 

That's in really nice shape! I'm with Allan, they are fun to drive. Not easy, but fun! You will find the two speed axle has two speeds, slow and slower! I hope your machine shop has good knowledge of the flatheads, especially the full floating rod bearings.

Re: 46 Stake truck rebuild
 

Let the fun begin, more photos. You will enjoy driving it for sure.

Re: 46 Stake truck rebuild
 

First thing I fix is the brakes......Do you have the vacuum assist?

Re: 46 Stake truck rebuild
 

Re: 46 Stake truck rebuild
 

Re: 46 Stake truck rebuild
 

Thanks Pete.... And happy Thanksgiving to a great guy and a picture enlalarger of the finest type!

Re: 46 Stake truck rebuild
 

I started looking around for a wiring harness. I've got to get started on this truck. Someone stepped on the roof when it was in a barn back at my grandparents farm. I've got a shop to work on it towards the end of May. The machine shop doing the engine is a ford nut. Just did one before I took mine there but it'll be several months before I get the engine back. I remember reading about bearings on the flathead V8's. Do the rods have bearing inserts?

No assist on the brakes. Going to start looking for wheel cylinders. Several years ago I went to a swap meet and found a spare set of fenders for the truck.

Re: 46 Stake truck rebuild
 

If you are looking to stay stock, Rhode Island Wiring is a source: http://www.riwire.com/

Re: 46 Stake truck rebuild
 

on a wiring harness the only thing different than a 1/2 ton pick up is the length going to the rear lights from the brake light switch back. Since you have turn signals and they were not offered in 46, so you will have to build that harness. I miss my truck but it went to a good home stored in a big barn. I do have a 3/4 ton stake bed so sooth my spirit!

Re: 46 Stake truck rebuild
 

Dad says the speedometer would change when shifting the axle. Then you are missing
the little vacuum transmission back of the speedometer that keeps the speedometer
constant reading. Then later on this was electric which are around but good luck
finding a vacuum one usually were thrown away when failed. Symptoms of this is when
axle is in high range speedometer will read correct, in axle low range speedometer will
read about 10 mph higher.

Re: 46 Stake truck rebuild
 

I've found all the brake parts for my '45 and '47 trucks at the auto parts store. You'll need to find a good store, though. Had to bring them in and they were able to match the casting numbers in an old Wagner Brake book. All four wheel cylinders, as well as the master cylinder, were in stock in the warehouse, had them next day.
Dorman Products has parts numbers listed for the rubber brake lines as well - which I hadn't found until I paid much, much more to have them custom made.

I'll have to look on the shelf, I may still have at least one of the wheel cylinders that I can get you the Wagner part number for them

Re: 46 Stake truck rebuild
 

Re: 46 Stake truck rebuild
 

Went to my local family owned parts store that has been in business since 1970. They cross-reference the parts but were not able to get them. Had to go to Oreillys. I was able to get all four wheel cylinders. Was also able to get the front rubber brake hoses. Pulled the trans out.

Re: 46 Stake truck rebuild
 

the out put shaft bearing takes most of the stress on these trans, I suppose the brake drum has a lot do do with that. unless the teeth on the gears are ground off/chipped there is not much else to wear on these trans missions. I have a couple of extra 4 speed trans in the barn, so they are easy to find. keep the pictures coming! nice work

Re: 46 Stake truck rebuild
 

Chuck's Trucks is a good source for parts if you can't find something locally.
Chucks Trucks LLC., Ford Truck Parts and Restoration, Chuck's Trucks, Chucks Trucks
When I had my '40 1 1/2 tons I was able to get all of the brake parts at my local independent store. I didn't ask about brake shoes. You probably have to have the ones you have relined. In regards to the wiring harness, if you are staying 6 volts make sure the harness you get will handle the higher amps of 6 volt systems. A good source in YnZ's in Redlands, CA.

YnZs Yesterdays Parts; Manufacturer of Classic and Antique Automotive Wiring Harnesses (ynzyesterdaysparts.com)
They will customize a harness to include turn signals or what ever else you might want. Not cheap but excellent quality.

Re: 46 Stake truck rebuild
 

Pulled the top of the transmission off. Has a chip off a tooth on part of the reverse gear is what I'm thinking. Picture attached. Got the last wheel cylinder back on today. Is there a master cylinder update/ conversion that can be done on this year of truck? Did some research but didn't come up with a lot. Just looking before I bought a new original master cylinder. Thinking about going 12 volt with the truck. Use an alternator conversion versus the old 6 volt generator.

What does everyone suggest for a wiring harness?