I just purchased a 1946 Dodge WF 32 Flatbed truck. It has a 236 cu. in. inline 6 cylinder coupled to a 3 speed manual transmission. This is a dump bed, so it has a PTO to drive the hydraulic pump to lift the bed. It's a sweet truck and in really good condition considering it's 75 years old. Only minor dents in the body and no cracked or broken glass. Even the upholstery is in good shape. My friend and I just started to clean it up and make a list of the parts needed to get it running again. There are some hoses missing and the distributor cap and rotor are missing. The points and condenser will need to be replaced too. It needs a battery. We don't know much about the truck, other than it was used on a walnut farm some where in the central valley of California. The truck is currently sitting on my friends property in Colfax, California. Anyone here got a line on parts for this truck please send me information. I'm sure as we get into this we will find that we need a lot more parts than I mentioned. Our intention is to restore the truck to as original condition as possible. I'm looking for a shop manual too. If anyone knows where to search for a manual let me know. Thanks, I look forward to talking with you in the future.

 

It's too early for a 230 engine, if I have my thoughts right...

The 'short' flathead six was still a 218 in that period, up until about 1951 or so, and the flywheel attached differently when they went to the 230.

If you have the 'long' flathead six it could be a different size and I'm not sure what that range was. I know there was a 228 and a 245.

To distinguish between the long and short engines, simply measure the cylinder head. If it's under 24" long it's a short engine, if it's over 24" it's a long one. The actual lengths, from memory, are 23¾" and 25".

Don't neglect looking up farming machinery spare parts dealers, these engines, in both sizes, were used in a lot of farming equipment as well as forklifts. They were still in production into the sixties, so you shouldn't have too much trouble.

 

Ray Bell thank you for the advice you gave me. When I get back over to my friend's house I will measure the engine as you suggested. I based my information on what I could find on the internet and the engine stamp. Our engine stamp starts with T118. That would indicate it's a 236 c.i.

 

Hey Readers, I just found out that the wheels on my truck are the worst invention since the 6 sided wheel. These are two piece wheels, aka Widow Makers. So now I'm stuck with the problem of replacing these bad boys. I am doubtful that I will find anything new on the internet. Perhaps one of you knows a place to get some wheels. I really don't care if the new wheels are one piece or a split rim, so long as they aren't bent. I can deal with a little rust. What do you say, can anyone direct me to a wheel dealer or a wrecking yard with the right wheels? Thanks.

 

What are you driving?

Any tire dealer should be able to find wheels that will fit. Tireman, Discount tire, etc.