1951 Chevy 1.5 Dump

Rob Ferreira · New User Joined: 20 Jul 2008 Posts: 1 Report to Moderator

I have just purchased a 51 chevy truck that needs some TLC. I guess to get stated, I need to identify the truck FULLY. I can tell you that the Serial # is 20V-E 1625 and is located on the inside drivers side door. I was unable to locate a VIN#.I'm trying to get as much history as possible! Some tell me that the VIN'S didn't start until late 60's, Don't know if the truck is a 3600, 3800 1,1-1/2 or 2 ton or whatever. The tag also states a 16,000lbs weight limit with 98 HP. The truck has 30,000 original miles and has sat for a while. Common rust areas behind front fenders, cab, and inside cab walls. Truck also needs some brake work; master cylinder? Can anyone can help me?

Kentb of SWMO · Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 5:35 am Post subject: Re: 1951 Chevy 1.5 Dump

The ENGINE number was used on the titles in 1951.

Kent

JerryCPP(WA) · Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 6:36 am Post subject: Re: 1951 Chevy 1.5 Dump

As for the master cylinder, they are still available new from any good parts store. Pricey, but available. I just got the same cylinder for my '48 GMC and I think it was about $90.00.

Dennis Benson · Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 3:09 pm Post subject: Re: 1951 Chevy 1.5 Dump

The engine number was used up until in the 1950"s, but it depended on each of the 48 states. Then they started using the serial numbers because of engines being swapped and people not changing the titles to reflect the change. VIN"s were not Federalized until 1981, so either the engine number or the serial number would be what is used on the truck, depending on the age of the title.

Dennis Benson · Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 3:22 pm Post subject: Re: 1951 Chevy 1.5 Dump

Something else I thought of, the one ton was about 9,000 pounds, and I think I remember it having 18 inch tires. My Grandfather had a 1950 1 1/2 ton that he bought new, but I don't remember anything about it except that it had a 216 engine. I think the 98 horsepower was the 216 engine. If the valve side cover goes to the top of the head, and the spark plugs screw through it, then it's the 216 engine. If the valve side cover comes to the top of the block, then it's a 235, or larger, but I can't remember the size of the large one.

Billy ky · Regular Joined: 22 Mar 2008 Posts: 44 Report to Moderator

my memory is getting fuzzy but i think the bigger engine is a 261...

Dennis Benson · Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 5:08 am Post subject: Re: 1951 Chevy 1.5 Dump

That was it Smile

And my memory is fuzzy, too, but I think the 235 head would fit the 261, but it seemed like the 261 had a couple extra water passages, maybe about 1/4 inch. I don't remember if we drilled them to fit a 235 head onto a 261 or not when we were rebuilding the heads in the shop. I do remember all three heads cracked a lot, and we fixed the cracks with cold weld plugs, and bored new seats.

JerryCPP(WA) · Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2008 3:42 pm Post subject: Re: 1951 Chevy 1.5 Dump

The replacement heads had the steam holes bored so they could be used on 235 and 261. If you have an old 235 head all you have to do is get the 261 head gasket and bore out the 6 steam holes to match. As far as cracks, we threw away hundreds of them as cracked until we found out the hairline cracks in the combustion chamber are just surface cracks. Yes, the ones through the seat needed to be pinned and new seats installed.

aggie jon · Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2009 10:44 am Post subject: Re: 1951 Chevy 1.5 Dump

Weight limit tag states 16000# = 6400, or a 2 ton chevy model.

Many configurations of it. www.stovebolt.com has all the information you ever needed to know.

If you need parts, I have a 2 ton that I am parting and needing to get gone before my 1 ton gets home to me.

best of luck.