I recently discovered a 1949 pilothouse 3/4 ton truck. The truck belongs to a neighbor of my parents in Montana. The neighbor has had the truck for the last 25 years and it is sitting in a covered garage area. It is all complete and original as far as I could tell. In fact, I think I could actually just buff the green and black paint out and have a relatively nice looking rig.
However, it has sat for a long time and is missing the original engine. A diesel engine was put into it. The neighbor who has been a firend of the family for several years offered to give me the truck if i wanted to come pick it up (I live in Seattle). Of course, I jumped at the chance. I will be picking it up in a couple of weeks. The neighbor wants to pull the diesel out of it. Having reveiwed your forum, I know some of you keep them stock while others of you go to greatlengths to modify them. I think I would like to just put the 218 back into it. I tracked one down in a salvage yard. According to the owner, it is rebuildable...I have not looked at it yet. He is asking $395 for it...what do you think? Obviously, it will need a total rebuild. thanks

I also bought a '49 3/4 ton Pilothouse 2 years ago. I am trying to restore it. However, I am planning on putting a V8 in mine. If you live in Seattle, and interested, I have the original engine and 3 speed trans available for sale. It probably should be rebuilt (it was beginning to smoke a little before I pulled it) and the exhaust manifold is cracked.

can the manifold be welded? are you in Seattle? what are you asking for the engine?

I don't know if welding the manifold is a good permanent fix. You might ask around. I live in Kenmore. I'd like $250 for the engine and transmission.

I just purchased a 50 B2B. I'm interested in also doing a V8 swap (some day) and would be interested in taking a look at your prodject. I live in Tacoma.

I just tore my truck down to the frame and have not gotten any further. I plan on getting a majority of the chassis work done this winter. (the wife had a few summer projects that came first) So, I don't have the V8 in yet to show you. Sorry.

Are you going to replace the front end, or are you going to try and fit the v8 in the existing frame?

also wonding/interested on your plan to work the brakes?

I don't plan on replacing the front end. (Fatman Fabrications sells a pretty good IFS kit for the old Dodge trucks if you want to go that route) I plan on purchasing a disc brake conversion set from AAJ brakes. Someone else in this forum wrote on the install of this kit on their truck. It sounds like there are a few bugs to contend with in the installation, but I think it will make a huge difference.

are you still selling the engine?

Hey ive got a 218 flat six for sale also, and the tranny... but the shifter will have to be welded back on, it broke about 6 inches out of the tranny. Anyway, im no where near seattle, im in ne arkansas. The guy that had the engine last said that it ran as long as he kept pouring gas in the carb, i dunno i havent tried it. If you can cover the shipping, then ill sale all of it for 100 bucks. I have found me a 440 big block to slide in my truck, so i have no need for the motor anymore. Thanks
Torrey