I just inherited a straight, rust free '48 Thriftmaster and considering rebuilding it. It hasn't been registered since '84, and has been backed into a garage and not started since about that time. I have determined thru a few different sources that it has a 292 engine which I'm looking to switch out for a 216. Someone has also started to rewire it with a harness kit and has switched to a 12v alternator system. I'm having trouble making up my mind about keeping it 12v or returning to generated 6v. I'm totally sold on getting back to "original" rather than rat-rod: the brakes system rebuilt and the motor running before getting into the interior cosmetic and bed/body work done. Any thoughts are welcome.
Welcome to the nut house! First off, are you sure you want to go back to a 216? If you have a 292 in there now, chances are good that someone did some major modifications. Check under the truck and see if you you have the original torque tube or if it has been switched out to an open drive train. What kind of tranny do you have? What do you plan for the truck? Show truck or daily driver? If daily driver, forget about the 216! It's pretty, but not very reliable.
~~welcome~~ ! ...To the Nut House Your truck sounds very interesting , I'd be in no hurry to pull that long stroke 292 CID Banger out . It's a VERY good engine indeed , made specifically for truck usage . I'd suggest doing a MAJOR tune up and service to it , then drive it around and find out what's what , you'll prolly like the 12 volts and better engine . My '49 3100 shop truck has a '57 235 and 12 volts courtesy of the PO and a nasty $500.00 paint job to boot , I love it as I _WORK_ my truck 'cause , well , it's a TRUCK innit ? A 216 isn't going to ever make it on the highway , sad to say . Between " Restored " and " Hot Rod " lies most of us , we love old trucks and keep 'em on the road , some are stock , most have newer InLine 6 Banger engines and 12 volts . Give us some pix please . (and a link to same foe the DUMMIEs here ) If you follow this route , evben if it turns out the running gear is trash , you'll be able to better evaluate what you need & want for it . Remember : there are NO " stupid questions " , the guys here collectively , know pretty much anything you'll ever need to know about your truck , stock or Hot Rodded .
Just as an alternative to the above responses I have been restoring a 53 1/2 ton with the original 216 for some time now and I am keeping the truck original because I have all the orignal paperwork that came with the truck when purchased. I agree with what has been posted by others in terms of what is practical ... a 216 cid isn't going to handle highway speeds above 55 too well and for that matter nor will the steering play make you feel overly confident driving your truck above 55 or so. I would suggest you first determine how you plan to use the truck and go from there. Whichever way you decide to go you will discover that there are a host of OEM and aftermarket parts available for your '47, inclusive of "high performance" parts if you stay original. Good luck!
Thanks for your replies. It has the original torque tube in place. It came with a Camero rear end and driveline in the bed, but fortunately for my purposes, the project got stopped before too much damage was done. I don't believe that the 292 ever was run on this rig, as the fan is almost in contact with the radiator, the exhaust manifold is loose and the oil pan is in contact with crossmember. I have been wrestling with the 235 issue and also have access to a 235 with 3 speed to connect up with my tree, so will give that some heavy consideration. I got real lucky over the weekend when Classic Parts sent me a copy of the installation instructions for their harness, and it matches up with the previous re-wire that someone started. If someone tells me how to attach photos from my CPU hard drive, I'll include a couple. Larry
Harness installation instructions Ooooohhh. I could use a copy of that harness installation instruction sheet. How many pages is it and can you post it or FAX it to me? If so, I will send you a PM (private message) on this forum with my FAX number. Thanks, Andy
Harness Instructions Andy - It's a single page, directions by the numbers, and once you get looking at it, it's all there. Send contact info and I will email or fax it to ya. Larry
