Big Red is a "Deluxe" 5 window cab 3/4 ton pickup. During its previous life on a farm in Nebraska the rear axle was swapped out for 1/2 ton unit. Other than that change the truck is stock including a 4 speed "crash box" transmission and 15 inch tires. The amber fog lights were recently added. Electrical system is still 6 volt positive ground with a Optima battery supplying the juice.

Back up light is a Guide flood from a tractor. Under bed spare is clearly visible. Chain covers are from Robert Motors. I also have a rear bumper to install.

I was able to obtain a set of matching exterior rear view mirrors which mount on the door hinges. The driver side still needs to be mounted.

One addition was a hard tonneau from Checker. They sit nicely between the angled flares at the top of the bed and have a really clean looked when closed. Weather protection is excellent. The tonneau can be removed in less than a minute for when I need an open bed. Installation is problematic. If you are thinking about one drop me an email and I will share my experiences.

Interior is also stock. Safety equipment includes seat belts (3 sets) and fire extinguisher. Stock Mopar 602 radio now has FM added from Bob's Radio. The red switches next to the radio are for fog and backup lights. 3500 rpm tach is from Westtach. Everything works in the cab. Heater is a period aftermarket Arvin unit with the glowing red eye.

I believe the interior kit is also from Roberts as are the pedal covers and arm rests. Air conditioning is supplied by an adjustable Trico vacuum fan and of course, the cowl vent.

Last year I purchased and parted out a '49 B1D 1 Ton. As the wheel base was identical to Big Red and it already had the wrong axle installed I decided to investigate the feasibility of upgrading my truck to a 1 ton. After many hours of research in the factory parts book it became clear the upgrade was possible. Basically the heaver duty components are swap and bolt on for the 3/4 ton items. The net result is the truck will have 16 inch wheels with heaver front and rear springs, heaver duty U joints and much larger brakes (Rears go from 10 inch to 14 inch, fronts get wider shoes with much larger brake drums for better heat dissipation). The only chassis change is replacing the rear spring hanger. The rear axle becomes a full floated with a 8-3/4 inch diff. This opens up the option of adding a Lockright locker.

My parts truck was pretty complete for doing the change including a valid bill of sale and data plate so I could retitle it as a 1 ton when finished. I also discovered the "D" series one tons had the ability to use dual rears with a special set of Budd rims. The lug nut holes are alternately "dished" which locks them together with the stock lug nuts. No additional parts are required to add duals. I located 4 of the correct rims for $25.00 from a yard in Arizona so I now have this option available.

As with any project the scope has grown. One item not on the table right now is a paint job. The truck currently has a "farm" paint job. As it is a working truck I don't want to have to worry about the paint job when I get a load of dirt or rock. That can come later. High priority is replacing the very tired and original 218 with a rebuilt 230. The engine build is being posted at www.p15-d24.com in the WIP section. The 230 is also the correct engine for the one ton model. The 230 rebuild will include an upgraded 55 amp generator system and heavy duty bypass oil filter system. While I have the truck down for the engine swap I will also be adding/updating the following:

New clutch, throwout bearing and motor mounts
6 volt halogen headlights
Reproduction stock taillights
Adding turn signals to the existing parking/tail lights
Adding stock interior light
Factory 2 speed electric wipers
Upgrading heater to delux mopar model with exterior air intake
Upgrade to heavy duty air cleaner
Factory front bumper guards
Swapping in New Process 420 4 speed syncro tranny (including rebuild of tranny)
Adding duals including fender and running board extensions.
Adding factory rear bumper steps
Adding driver side spotlight
Overhaul radiator /fuel tank and line
Upgrade brake line system to stainless
Numerous interior upgrades

Each of the items will be posted at this site as they are completed. Check back for updates.