Quote Originally Posted by Gretsch View Post
Mid 30's to Late 40's Pickup owners -

I'm finding myself being pulled toward this year range and away from the larger early 50's models... purely do to looks.

Help me get a better idea of power and highway driving speeds.
  • What size engines do these earlier smaller models "at least" need to have a little get up and go?
  • What differential gear ratio(s) is preferred? (I see some ads which mention a gear ratio change for better RPMs at highway speeds)
Most of these early pickups aren't all that heavy, so it won't take a lot of motor to move 'em. You'll probably find the majority of the ones that have been modified will have a 350 chevy, although I wouldn't pass on one if it had a later model six cylinder motor (292 in a Chevy truck, 300 in a Ford). Some of the other Chevy V8's will do a fine job as well, 283, 305, 307, 327. A Ford truck with a late model 5.0 V8 swap using the EFI and overdrive automatic would be pleasureable to drive and get great mileage. There must have been at least a jillion of these motors produced over the last 20 years.

The gear will be determined by the cam, cruise rpm's and transmission. If you like a 3-pedal truck, I'd try to find one with a 5-speed or 6-speed that has an overdrive top gear. Same with automatic, 4-speed with overdrive in 4th. Using an overdrive trans, you might want a gear somewhere around the 3.70-3.80 range. With a 0.7:1 overdrive, a 3.80 rear gear would give a final drive ratio of 2.66:1, plenty tall for freeway driving. If you find a truck that uses a conventional 3-speed/4-speed manual or 3-speed auto with no overdrive, then a good compromise between power and mileage might be a 3.25-3.50 gear. Then again, with a good strong 350, you might be happy with a 3.00 gear. It's tough to juggle power and mileage with no overdrive gear in the trans.

Whatever you do, seek out some professional builders in your area and make an agreement with them to hire them so they can accompany you in looking at a truck. They will be worth their weight in gold in the end. I can't stress this too strongly. As was mentioned by Evolvo, attend some functions and talk to some of the truck guys. Ask them who they would hire to build a truck for them. After a while, you'll be able to find out who the guys are that do quality work. Then go hire that guy/guys to go with you to look the truck over thoroughly. I have seen some that look like show winners on the outside, but are junk as far as the drivetrain, steering, suspension and brakes. Matter of fact, I have seen so much junk that I wouldn't buy a completed truck no matter the cost. Of course, I, along with several members of this board, have enough knowledge to build one from scratch the way I want it, while you don't have that freedom.

I was just googling images and came across this '37 Chevy. What a dreamboat!!!!!
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo...SgJg_8VXent0jQ