1947 Chevrolet Loadmaster review from North America

Original engine was a 216ci with babbitt bearing and a splash type oil system. This engine in an industrial 1.5ton dump truck didn't last long. It has been replaced with a 1960 235ci engine with a pressurized oil system. This engine is a large improvement.

The electrical system is 6 volts with a generator (not an alternator) for charging the battery. The low output of a generator and voltage regulator problems create starting nightmares! If the engine stalls, even jumper cables don't help, unless the other vehicle has a 6 volt system also.

The transmission is either a non-synchronized type or is worn out, but by double clutching, rubbing your stomach and patting your head, the transmission will shift.

Steering is the patent pending Armstrong Type Steering. Don't drive one of these trucks with your thumbs wrapped around the steering wheel, you will break a thumb, wrist or arm when the steering wheel whirls and your thumbs are in the spokes.

This truck is still a labor-saver in 2005. It will haul gravel, rocks, or firewood, and dump it where you want it.

The truck is small enough to drive around the back yard, yet tough enough to take 58 years of abuse.

I'm upgrading to a 12 volt system with a 1970 250ci six cylinder. This will make it a Loadmaster SS.

The ladies really love my 20's (20" rims). I may need to bling-it-out with some 22.5", because the original tire size (7.50 x 20) is getting harder to find. And yes, it does have the widow-maker split rims.

Top speed is 45mph, and that's turning some high rpms. With the newer engine, it'll get a newer trany (SM-465 with a Gearvendors Splitter/Overdrive unit).