46 m-16

[m-16]

I am new at this,I just bought a 1946 m-16 pickup thats in very good condition,engine runs,minimum rust,I would like to keep it as orginal as possible.needs a bed though.does anyone know where I can get a bed made or where I can start to look for one?also it has 20" split rims that I would like to change to something that looks orignal but are not split rim.Thanks

[Roscomacaw]

Most of these had flat beds. There was a company in South Bend that built them for Studebaker. I had a 46 M-16 at one time and mine had such a bed on it. Metal framing with hardwood planks and stake pockets on the side rails.


1957 Transtar 1/2ton
1963 Cruiser
1960 Larkvertible V8
1958 Provincial wagon
1953 Commander coupe
1957 President two door

[DEEPNHOCK]

Here's a flat bed supplier right in Reedsville...
They can sell you a pre-made one, or build you one...
You can get a pickup bed front and tailgate new from Mack Products..

https://www.mackhils.com/mack_products/cart/index.asp?CategoryNo=9

HTIH
Jeff[8D]

http://www.dkhostetler.com/specialbuilds.html

[rockne10]

Does it currently have a pick-up bed?

A friend of mine had a local sheet metal shop form the bed floor and interior sides for his '37 Coupe Express in a heavier gauge than original. I think I remember someone offering new half panels (joined at the center of the floor).

A patient search can find just about anything you would need.

You've come to the right place.

Welcome to the Forum.
Have you joined SDC?

Brad Johnson
Pine Grove Mills, Pa.
'33 Rockne 10, '51 Commander Starlight, '53 Commander Starlight

[41 Frank]

M-16 is a big truck Brad,not like a pickup but a straight truck.

quote:Originally posted by rockne10

Does it currently have a pick-up bed?

A friend of mine had a local sheet metal shop form the bed floor and interior sides for his '37 Coupe Express in a heavier gauge than original. I think I remember someone offering new half panels (joined at the center of the floor).

A patient search can find just about anything you would need.

You've come to the right place.

Welcome to the Forum.
Have you joined SDC?

Brad Johnson
Pine Grove Mills, Pa.
'33 Rockne 10, '51 Commander Starlight, '53 Commander Starlight

[rockne10]

True but, if someone wanted a pick-up bed on an M-16, I'll always assume they could exist rather than state they don't.

[Dick Steinkamp]

To the best of my knowledge, no M16 pick ups were produced.

The shortest wheelbase M16 was 128"...and very few of these were made. Most were 152" with some 195". The M5 pickup was 113" wheelbase. A few M15 pickups were made on a 120" wheelbase (long box).

Some M16's were sent to dealers with a "flat deck" made by Edwards Iron Works in South Bend installed. More commonly, they were sent to the dealers as a cab and chassis. The dealer or end purchaser had a flat deck built locally...or other bed that would suit the specific purpose of the truck.

Post the numbers on the data plate and we can probably tell you more about your new truck. The plate is most likely on the seat riser on the driver's side of the truck, but could be on the A pillar also.

Dick Steinkamp
Bellingham, WA

[m-16]

well thanks for all the reply's.all it came with for the bed were the fenders.it also has 20" wheels.did flatbeds come with 20" wheels?

[m-16]

yes,I did join SDC,it also has the tailgate skin that say's studebaker on it.it's still in the werehouse where I bought it,I will be moving it to my garage later next week.then I can check the numbers and find out more info.

[Dick Steinkamp]

quote:Originally posted by m-16

well thanks for all the reply's.all it came with for the bed were the fenders.it also has 20" wheels.did flatbeds come with 20" wheels?

All M16's came with 20" wheels (and so did some M15s). The disc type wheels used on M16s in 1946 were hub centric. That is the hub centered the wheel. The lug nuts just provided clamping force against the drum. I think it will be tough to find modern replacements that fit, but someone may have a source. You might also try Studebaker Truck Talk here...

http://www.network54.com/Forum/23885/

Also, I don't believe they were "split rims". I think they just had a locking ring (still somewhat dangerous).

Dick Steinkamp
Bellingham, WA

[Neal in NM]

The only replacement I have been able to come up with for the 20" lockring rims came off of a '77 dodge framed RV. They are known as BUDD wheels and are 19.5". They have what is called the "big five" bolt pattern. The only difference is the budd wheels center holes are 1/8" smaller in diameter so you would have to have them machined out. These rims use the nuts&studs to locate so if you get some from the wrecking yard (like I did) be sure to get the nuts as well. Neal

[m-16]

a big thank you for that bit of info.are these locking rings very dangerous or could I still use them without killing myself?I did a quick check to see if there was a number by the drivers seat and could not locate one.

[m-16]

[quote]Originally posted by Dick Steinkamp

To the best of my knowledge, no M16 pick ups were produced.

The shortest wheelbase M16 was 128"...and very few of these were made. Most were 152" with some 195". The M5 pickup was 113" wheelbase. A few M15 pickups were made on a 120" wheelbase (long box).

Some M16's were sent to dealers with a "flat deck" made by Edwards Iron Works in South Bend installed. More commonly, they were sent to the dealers as a cab and chassis. The dealer or end purchaser had a flat deck built locally...or other bed that would suit the specific purpose of the truck.

Post the numbers on the data plate and we can probably tell you more about your new truck. The plate is most likely on the seat riser on the driver's side of the truck, but could be on the A pillar also.

I measured 120" from center wheel to center wheel,the more I learn about this truck the more confused it gets.the firewall say's m16 cz 46326 and the fan has 4 blades instead of 6- # on engine say's A122 514883- firing order is 153624- is this a 226cu. in.? I read somewhere that all m16 and m17 had a 226 in them.I was told at the truck forum that there were no m16 pickups.it is what you said sir.

[studelark]

quote:Originally posted by m-16

a big thank you for that bit of info.are these locking rings very dangerous or could I still use them without killing myself?I did a quick check to see if there was a number by the drivers seat and could not locate one.

#####################################################################

Hello m-16. Early 1946 M series trucks had the model and serial number plates mounted on the drivers side A windshield post (where the door closes). Data plates were relocated to the driver's step-well by the 1947 model year. I'm not sure when this change occured. Check the A post.

Also, the serial (chassis) number was affixed to a small metal tag on the left side frame rail just in front of and behind the left wheel. You'll have to get down to see it if it is there. Unfortunately, the tags were made of a light alloy and they tended to break loose over the years. See what you can find and let us know.

Frank Drumheller
Louisa, VA
60S-W6
1948 M16-52 Boyer fire truck

[Roscomacaw]

On my '46 M-16, the serial# plate was mounted to the driver's door jamb (door opening, not the door), about where the top of the vent window is.

Edit: It should have a 226 engine. The numbers you gave aren't engine serial numbers. They might be numbers cast into the block, but the engine serial# is STAMPED into a machined area of the block - block front, driver's side, just below edge where block meets head. Quite often obscured by years of grime. If it's a 226, it should start with the characters "3M" followed by 3 or more numbers.


1957 Transtar 1/2ton
1963 Cruiser
1960 Larkvertible V8
1958 Provincial wagon
1953 Commander coupe
1957 President two door