Got the truck home about a week and a half ago. First thing I did was pull the starter. (It was barely working). I brought it to a local electrical shop and they confirmed that it was dead. The truck had been converted to 12v some time ago and I found out that the starter never was. This probably was a contributing factor to it demise. Any way it took them about a week to get the parts they needed, but they rebuilt the starter to 12v and she now cranks like crazy. I'm very happy with there work even though it was a bit on the high side ($150). While the starter was in the shop I had a chance to pull the front hubs to realize there were no shoes left. After not being able to find any new shoes at NAPA or anywhere else beside online I took the shoes to a local shop and paid $12.50 to have each shoe relined. The shop did a good job. I blead the lines and with the new starter in I took the truck for my first spin last night. I was happy to see that the transplanted 8 1/4 rear end was able to get the truck up to about 65mph, but not happy with the handling. The truck was literally all over the road. I'll have to do somthing to tighten up the steering. Then when I applied the brakes I found out that only one of the front wheels is breaking which causes the truck to learch violently to the side when the brakes are applied. So, needless to say the truck will go back in my guarge in the coming days for more repairs/modifications. I'll let ya know how it all ends up. Also none of the lights work, so theres another couple of days work.

All in good time. All in good time.

Mark. Your experience gives me deja vu. Pretty much did the same stuff as you two years ago. I now have 12 volt system but rebuilt 6 volt starter--cranks fast but should be no problem for the long haul I'm told. Do you still have the bias ply tires? My truck did at first. Once I switched to radials the "randomness" on the road went away. It now tracks straight and rides smoother. I completely rewired my '49 half ton. It isn't a big chore if you have the service manual. Service manual has a wiring diagram with all wire sizes and color codes--and there aren't that many wires after all! You can also buy a harness but that was too pricey for me and not as much fun to do. Sounds like a pretty good deal on brake relining--I may try that option come new brake time. I got my parking brake relined locally for around $31.

Mark, please e-mail me at powerwagonfan@excite.com

Congrats on your maiden voyage! You've got more guts than I do! 65mph on its first cruise?!?! I'm lucky to get around the block in the first couple trys, right behind the kids on their bikes! I'm sure the wobbly front end will be cured with TLC.

Dana