I own a '46 Chevy panel truck that I'm getting ready to rod/restore. What original colors were available for this year? I have sanded down some sections and it appears to be a forest green color with black fenders. I am planning on a resto-rod type of overhaul using a Chevy 250 straight-six, independent style of suspension with a 10- to 12-bolt in the rear. I am having a bit of trouble finding body parts for this year. The valance is dented but fixable, and the fold-out front window crank is missing, but it does have a beautiful grille. Any help for parts books and color options would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Marty
Via email
Marty,
It looks like there were two greens available in '46 on the half-ton light-duty Model DP panel. I don't have chips on hand, but one is called Apple Green, and the other Brewster Green. If I were to guess, I'd say the Brewster was the darker of the two. To start, I'd strongly recommend getting a hold of the fine folks at Chevs of the 40's (866-681-7420), American Classic Truck Parts (940-365-9786), and Bowtie Bits (316-941-9331) for all your pre-'47 Chevy truck information and parts. In fact, you'll more than likely find ads for the previously listed companies (as well as others you may find helpful) in this very issue of CLASSIC TRUCKS. I hope this helps, and good luck with your project-we'd love to see it when it's done!
RIZ
Lastly, AutoLoc (866-470-7540) offers power lock kits with remotes that work great and will save you a bunch of wear and tear on your upholstery. Everyone mentioned here (and many more sources, as well) can be found in the ads displayed between the covers of CT and all will be more than helpful (and much more qualified than I) in answering your questions more fully. Good luck, and let us know how everything goes!
Riz
I recently acquired a '54 F-100 with the 223ci six-cylinder. I've converted it to a 12-volt system and the difference is like night and day. There's still a lot of work to be done, but I am getting there slowly because of my budget and time. I am fairly new to this so I have a few questions and want to be sure that I go about it in the right direction.
The truck came with manual steering, and I'm afraid that if I leave it that way I'll end up with arms like Popeye. What is your suggestion in adding power steering? I was also wondering about suspension. What is the ride difference between multi-leaf springs, mono-leaf springs, and air suspension units. Also, if I change the suspension, would it be better to go with a Mustang II IFS?
I have also been looking for an electronic module or something to take the place of the points and condenser to improve the performance of the engine. Any suggestions?
The last item is my door-locking mechanism. What I'm looking for is a power door lock system. I get a little tired of locking the driver's door from the inside and then having to slide over to the passenger side to lock the door from the outside. Do you know of anything like what I am looking for, or am I going to have to keep sliding and wearing out my seats, both on the truck and on me?
Thanks,
Lee Walker
Via email
Lee,
You've got lots of questions and I've only got a little space so I'm going to be direct. First, as I recall (don't forget I've been out of the truck biz for a while) No Limit and Classic Performance Products offers a great power steering conversion utilizing a Toyota power box that would be just the ticket for a solid axle F-100.
The ride quality of aftermarket springs these days (both multi and mono) are much improved over your stock springs. Contact Eaton Detroit Spring, James Durant Enterprises, and Classic Performance Products for specifics on both versions. IFS (both coil sprung and air bagged) are a definite option, and can enhance ride quality quite a bit over solid axle designs. A large number of CT advertisers can help you out with info on these options.
Installing the Ignitor by PerTronix (909-599-5955) is an easy and affordable way to replace your points and condenser with an electronic unit within minutes. I've been using 'em for years and love 'em.