the joys of owning a BIG truck

42 Chevy · Post by **42 Chevy** » Thu Nov 15, 2007 4:32 pm

I have owned my Chevy 1.5 ton for 3 years, and during this time, I come to know where every nut and bolt is during the course of its restoration. I thought that this truck was BIG. Well, I recently took delivery of my 1942 Diamonfd T 969A wrecker, now it is not as big as a Ward LaFrance, but it is BIG.

Now if you are considering the purchase of a truck bigger than a Chevy, there are a few things to consider. You will need bigger wrenches, bigger jacks and of course a bigger shop for your baby.
Ranger has previously mentioned that there is more maintenance with these trucks and he is correct. As I have touched on in a previous post (Messy Messy) under the CCKW,DUKW section, an oil change is 16 quarts, 7 gallons plus of gear oil, 62 zerk fittings at my last count, oil cups for the distributor, and generator, 2 grease cups and 600 feet of 5/8" cable to keep oiled/greased.

The drivers/owners of Chevy's and GMC's wil appreciate their Saginaw steering gear after driving a Diamond T with a ROSS steering gear.

However, after finsihing my PM and smelling like 90wt, I am still grinning.

RANGER · Post by **RANGER** » Thu Nov 15, 2007 6:54 pm

The mirrors tend to vibrate more sometimes. It helps to own shoes that will not slip on wet metal, too, as it is a long way to the ground.

42 Chevy · Post by **42 Chevy** » Thu Nov 15, 2007 11:46 pm

I am considering applying an anti skid coating to the floorboards for that purpose.

RANGER · Post by **RANGER** » Fri Nov 16, 2007 2:31 am

We used to mask off a pattern on M-Series truck fenders and on Tracked vehicle hulls, spray matching OD and sprinkle Ottawa Sand Blasting sand on. Any excess will dust off when paint is dry. Letterkenny Army Depot did the same on rebuilt trusks. Textured OD Paint is hard to find and will screw up your favorite spray gun.

Robbo · Post by **Robbo** » Fri Nov 16, 2007 3:32 am

You will need bigger wrenches, bigger jacks and of course a bigger shop for your baby.

You forgot the most important things - a good doctor and healthcare plan for the resultant hernias and bad back.

You really have to be young and fit to work on these trucks - big trucks and old fogies don't mix.

RANGER · Post by **RANGER** » Fri Nov 16, 2007 12:36 pm

I like to change my own tires, but there is a limit.

42 Chevy · Post by **42 Chevy** » Fri Nov 16, 2007 1:44 pm

I did all the tires on my Chevy, but the Diamond T has 12 tires, 10 plus 2 spares, so I think I will pay $30.00 a piece to have someone else do that job. It also helps when my 18 yo nephew helps me work on the Diamond T.

RANGER · Post by **RANGER** » Fri Nov 16, 2007 2:01 pm

I tried to flip an 11.00X20 tire and wheel from a 5 Ton into my pickup while wearing dress shoes and standing on snow. I slipped and landed face first on the wheel. I then picked it up and threw it into the truck. It takes motivation.

42 Chevy · Post by **42 Chevy** » Fri Nov 16, 2007 3:33 pm

I acquired 4, 11.00 x 18.00 (DUKW) wheels with tires mounted on them. The wheels had bead locks on them. I managed to break down 1 a day. Worn my butt out. Ah, the joys of dismounting a tire that has been on a wheel 40 plus years, thats when I learned my lesson.

TONY CORBIN · Post by **TONY CORBIN** » Fri Nov 16, 2007 8:53 pm

We have owned one of the largest trucks of WW11. An ALBION CX22 heavy gun tractor. 25ft 9in long 8ft 10in wide .Top speed of 25mph . The main problem is the speed & size in modern day traffic (One good thing you never get in traffic jam .Their all ways behind you) T CORBIN