1946 Chevrolet Loadmaster from North America - Comments

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).

Thanks for the tip about the steering wheel, will have to remember that one next time I drive a '46 Chevy dumptruck.

"Model Year 1947"

"Most recent year of ownership 2005"

"Distance when acquired 5 miles

Most recent distance 5 miles"

-You mean to say that in 58 years only 5 miles was put on that truck? You're kidding everyone here, of course.

The term "Armstong Steering" refers to manual only, no power assist. Many vehicles came without power steering, not just '47 Cheverolet Trucks. The danger to your thumbs, wrists and arms occurs when the tire impacts something at an angle, like bumping into a curb. The impact causes the steering wheel to spin suddenly and with great force. Also, the larger the tires, the more torque can be exerted to the steering wheel.

I didn't intend to mislead anyone by if it appears only 5 miles in 58 years on the truck. The odometer is faded and unreadable. However, the web site required a numeric entry.

Some unneeded sarcasm from the first two commenter's on this page, I think it's quite interesting that this truck has survived nearly 60 years of use and abuse and probably works better than some of the newer model "heavy-duty" trucks of today. And yes, you can break some thumbs or a few fingers or maybe a wrist or arm in the right conditions with non power assisted steering. How has your modifications progressed thus far? You indicated that a 250ci with a 12 volt system would be swapped in, but would a 350 swap also be possible? or possibly even a big block lol.

I would stick with the 235. Check the block numbers and make sure it is not the more desirable 261. Your top speed of 45 is due to the low gearing in the rear end not the 235 engine. If your tranny is shot you can replace with a sm420 that was used all the way up to 1967 and is probably what you have now so your pto will attach also. I just got a 90's Toyota 2wd manual steering box for my 29. I will have to do some custom fabrication brackets to mount it, but it seems to be the best choice for a modern box replacement geometrically speaking and it appears to match the heavy duty aspect of the 1940 GM boxes. Try a custom split exhaust (split the stock CI manifold, this way you still have the heater under the intake) and a 2x1 barrel adapter with a ford escort 80's 2 barrel carb. Your 235 will scream, not because of the ford parts, but because you will gain about 20 percent HP. F the BB keep the six.