1945 G506 Tow Truck

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johnwaz
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1945 G506 Tow Truck

Post by johnwaz » Mon Nov 09, 2015 12:08 pm

Hello All,

I just purchased a 1945 G506 that has a tow truck body on it. It was in Cheboygan MI as an "in service" wrecker until about 25 years ago. It was purchased by a collector who basically left it sitting outside under a tarp, and now I have it. It's pretty complete and in good shape. I'm trying to figure out info on what this started life as, as the research I've done so far dictates they never came from GM with a wrecker body. It does have a HUGE winch in the bed tho. I do have the original data plate and it has the VIN# 8NJ42 21750, with a delivery date of 6/45. It currently does not run or stop, but does steer and roll. I'm in SE Michigan, pretty much between Detroit and Toledo. I'm also looking for good parts sources for this truck. Thanks in advance for any and all help.

EDIT: 10/25/16, I changed the title from "1945 G506 ID help and parts sources" to "1945 G506 Tow Truck" to use this thread to show my progress on the truck, since with your help, and some research, the ID process on the truck and wrecker body is pretty much done as far as I'm concerned, and since I've already been showing the ongoing progress here, I'ts easier to rename the thread than to start over.
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Last edited by johnwaz on Tue Oct 25, 2016 1:10 pm, edited 2 times in total.


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retro-roco
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Re: 1945 G506 ID help and parts sources

Post by retro-roco » Mon Nov 09, 2015 1:10 pm

the NJ in the serial number indicates this was built as a model NJ (Cargo less winch), or in other words, as a standard G506 cargo truck.
Kirk Gustafson
359th Infantry Regt. 90th Div. WWII HRS

1942 Chevy G506 1-1/2 ton 4x4 Cargo
1943 Ben Hur water trailer

kelley
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Re: 1945 G506 ID help and parts sources

Post by kelley » Mon Nov 09, 2015 4:19 pm

Great looking truck, I like the look of a wrecker body on a Chevy. I also have a '45 Chevy with a fairly close number to yours. This site is the best place to find parts and information, welcome aboard.
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Kelley

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rixm37
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Re: 1945 G506 ID help and parts sources

Post by rixm37 » Mon Nov 09, 2015 4:46 pm

I gotta say that is a really good looking tow truck ! I know they never made Chevy G506 tow trucks but maybe they should have. I for one hope you leave it as is.
How about some more photos. :D Since the cab is a popular Chevy model there are several good part stores out there. Like Chevy's of the 40's. Napa has some stuff and Vehicles of Victory has Chevy parts they are on the web also. Rear wheel cylinders will have to be relined as new ones are not available any longer. I got mine from VoV .
Any way you are in the right place for help. Welcome to the fourm.

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Re: 1945 G506 ID help and parts sources

Post by forestry4evr » Mon Nov 09, 2015 5:02 pm

There were definitely no factory wartime Chevy tow trucks but your conversion looks like someone knew what they were doing. The winch may be pieces and parts from another military vehicle. Many parts on these Chevy GI trucks interchange with civilian models so parts acquisition is not so bad provide you have some patience and persistence. I suggest that you find an appropriate parts and maintenance manual to get yourself up to speed.

Here is a free start: http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/mi ... /index.htm

Cool looking project, I wish you success in your endeavor. Please submit more pictures, we all like pictures. I would like to see the PTO and PTO driveline to the midship winch. Engine and cab pictures are always fun.

Paul
1941 G4112 Chevrolet with Hercules dump bed

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retro-roco
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Re: 1945 G506 ID help and parts sources

Post by retro-roco » Mon Nov 09, 2015 5:22 pm

rixm37 wrote:Rear wheel cylinders will have to be relined as new ones are not available any longer. I got mine from VoV.
I thought it was the fronts that are no longer available (due to the angled hose connection)... the rears are the same as what the civilian trucks used for years. That said, lining them (front or rear) is a great way to get more mileage out of existing wheel cylinders and make them last for a good long time...
Kirk Gustafson
359th Infantry Regt. 90th Div. WWII HRS

1942 Chevy G506 1-1/2 ton 4x4 Cargo
1943 Ben Hur water trailer

motto
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Re: 1945 G506 ID help and parts sources

Post by motto » Mon Nov 09, 2015 6:22 pm

That HUGE winch sounds suspiciously like an original installation as fitted to the earth borer or pole setter trucks.
Is it sitting on the bed floor or is it sitting in a large cut-out and mounted directly to the chassis?
Is it driven by what looks like an extra large timing chain from a gearbox underneath that in turn is driven via a shaft from the transfer case?
By the fact that the nomenclature plate in Kelley's picture has NJ in the number and is identified as being for a crash truck it would seem that the inclusion of those letters does not necessarily identify the vehicle as having been built as a cargo truck.
A couple of photos of the winch and we will most likely be able to confirm what it is you have.

David

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Re: 1945 G506 ID help and parts sources

Post by johnwaz » Tue Nov 10, 2015 4:19 am

Here's a pic of it loaded up in Cheboygan and ready to head to its new home. Fortunately the ride home was uneventful, albeit slow.
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johnwaz
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Re: 1945 G506 ID help and parts sources

Post by johnwaz » Tue Nov 10, 2015 4:25 am

Data Plate
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retro-roco
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Re: 1945 G506 ID help and parts sources

Post by retro-roco » Tue Nov 10, 2015 5:53 am

Well that seems to indicate the it began its military life as a cargo truck. How long it stayed that way before being fit with its current equipment is anyone's guess. Maybe you'll find a builders tag?? It sure looks like a well put together adaptation!
Kirk Gustafson
359th Infantry Regt. 90th Div. WWII HRS

1942 Chevy G506 1-1/2 ton 4x4 Cargo
1943 Ben Hur water trailer

johnwaz
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Re: 1945 G506 ID help and parts sources

Post by johnwaz » Tue Nov 10, 2015 6:29 am

That is my best guess too. From my research so far the NJ designation says it was a cargo truck, the 8 designates it was built in Atlanta, and that's all I have figured out so far. The winch is PTO driven and has big chain drive under the truck. Whoever converted this truck did a good job, as the wrecker body looks commercially built and was installed well too. My plans are to keep this truck like it is, and just to make it look "period correct" as far as warning lights, etc. are concerned for a tow truck from the 40s. I haven't had alot of time to look the truck over real well yet, tho the engine does spin by hand so I may try to see if i can get the old guy to light up. Thanks to all of you for the positive responses and the info so far... I'd like to have this truck in good enough shape to drive in the Woodward Dream Cruise next August.

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Re: 1945 G506 ID help and parts sources

Post by 42cargo » Tue Nov 10, 2015 9:52 am

"My plans are to keep this truck like it is, and just to make it look "period correct" as far as warning lights, etc. are concerned for a tow truck from the 40s."

That is awesome. This truck is just too unique to bring back to its original configuration. We'll look forward to more photos as you progress.

John

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Re: 1945 G506 ID help and parts sources

Post by johnwaz » Tue Nov 10, 2015 12:25 pm

Here's more pics... It's off the trailer and at its new home... I work a lot so I'll get some under truck and engine bay photos this weekend...
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johnwaz
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Re: 1945 G506 ID help and parts sources

Post by johnwaz » Tue Nov 17, 2015 5:44 am

So I was out looking the old guy over this last weekend and I figured out from the cylinder head casting number that the engine is somewhere between a 1956-62 model year. Considering the better oiling system on the newer engine I'm OK with that. The oil is in decent shape albeit dirty but it more importantly isn't full of water. It also appears to still be a 6 volt system. I'll have to borrow or buy a 6 volt battery and see what happens. I also took some pics of the PTO and the winch.
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forestry4evr
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Re: 1945 G506 ID help and parts sources

Post by forestry4evr » Wed Nov 18, 2015 3:15 am

John,

The Tulsa winch appears to belong with the tow truck body, not GI or at least not WW2 GI.

How long has it been since the engine has been operated? You may want to look at the 2 1/2 section post of the guy in New Zealand waking up a long idled CCKW as much of the processes are the same for you. Just putting juice to the battery without rotating the assembly by hand first can lead to many damaged parts. Also when you are to the point of starting, a 6 volt starter can be operated with a 12 volt battery with no harm provided you don't grind on the motor for long periods. Turn off all 6 volt accessories, and disconnect the fuel tank sending unit wire and voltage regulator to battery lead first. Depending on the parts that came along with the engine transplant, they may be 12 volt as Chevrolet switched to 12 volt in 1955/56. The starter, generator, and voltage regulator should have a Delco-Remy tag on them indicating voltage (black background=6 volts, red background=12 volts in the event you cant read the stamping).

You may be lucky enough to find that your engine is a 261 transplant. The link below will help you decode the casting numbers/dates located on the block and head.

http://www.1954advance-design.com/Stove ... mbers.html

Not original but still a nice looking rig and still clean enough to just wash up, fix mechanical issues and drive. Looks like great fun.

Paul
1941 G4112 Chevrolet with Hercules dump bed


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