Before this becomes a debate, let me start by saying I have decided to stay as original as possible. My father gave me the truck and it currently runs and drives. There is something to be said about the dependability and parts issues of going with a modern V8 and auto trans, not to mention the sound of a V8, but I just can't bring myself to pull a nice running Champion 6 with OD out of the truck. My dad purchased the truck in 85 without an engine or tranny, then found a parts truck at a local junk yard. The motor was rebuilt and installed in 86. Since then, there probably hasn't been more that 500 miles put on the truck. I plan to start a complete restoration on it this summer. I would like some input on my idea of driving the truck to local shows and maybe even as far away as 500 miles. Anything I should upgrade? It has been converted to 12 volt, but that is all so far.
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1950 pickup, custom or original?
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A few years ago I redid a '50 pickup and kept it all original except I installed a later Champ truck rearend with a better hyway gear so I could drive it 50 + mph. With the original rearend in those early 50s trucks they are stump pullers and at 40 mph you think the engine is coming out the top of the hood!
Good luck with your restoration , those early R's are so nice.sigpic
Home of the Fried Green Tomato
"IF YOU WANT THE SMILES YOU NEED TO DO THE MILES "
1960 Champ , 1966 Daytona , 1965 Daytona Wagonaire
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Since you indicate your driving will be for occasional pleasure and shows "to local shows and maybe even as far away as 500 miles" I would suggest your upgrades should be the functional overdrive. You can also change the rear ratio and run the Interstates with the big dogs.
If you want to go to the hassle and expense of a full V8 w/automatic conversion you should only go that route if you plan on running this thing a whole heck of a lot.
Don't let me discourage you from that route. There's no reason why the flathead w/overdrive can't be driven and enjoyed a whole heck of a lot; did that with mine for many years. If having the flathead in the truck means it will spend the majority of its time sitting in the garage, that's your choice.Brad Johnson,
SDC since 1975, ASC since 1990
Pine Grove Mills, Pa.
'33 Rockne 10, '51 Commander Starlight. '53 Commander Starlight
'56 Sky Hawk in process
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Are there ring and pinion parts available to change the gear ratio, or do I have to find a different read end? Is there an electronic ignition that can be swapped for the point system, or are the points dependable enough? I think for now, I'll stick with the flathead and enjoy the ride.
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On those early R trucks the gearing in the rear is very low. The later Champ trucks used Dana 44 rearends and if you could find one with a 411 or even a 427 ratio with that OD working you'd have a good cruising truck .sigpic
Home of the Fried Green Tomato
"IF YOU WANT THE SMILES YOU NEED TO DO THE MILES "
1960 Champ , 1966 Daytona , 1965 Daytona Wagonaire
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Originally posted by pushrod63 View PostAre there ring and pinion parts available to change the gear ratio, or do I have to find a different read end? Is there an electronic ignition that can be swapped for the point system, or are the points dependable enough? I think for now, I'll stick with the flathead and enjoy the ride.Joe Roberts
'61 R1 Champ
'65 Cruiser
Eastern North Carolina Chapter
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