Identify a 1949 truck with no cab plate

[mr48chev]

Cool beans on the clear title.

It amazes me that some states really get bent out of shape over the "tonnage" and others don't get excited about it at all. I had to go add tonnage on my 77 flatbed as the first time I registered it they put the minimum on it and the flatbed and hoist took almost all of that load weight over the stock dualie's gross weight. When I moved from Texas to Washington with my 48 and registered it up here the gal at the license office put 1/4 ton (the minimum on it saying that I wasn't going to haul anything anyhow.

[gigamanx]

I totally want to haul stuff and tow. I'm actually curious about these weight ratings. I understand that the 4600lbs is based on the weight of the towing vehicle, not on how much it can pull. The reason I ask is that many of you are boxing frames, adding cross members, and better brakes. It would seem they could tow more than the stock '49 would especially with a Chevy 350 in them. Is there even a way to change that tow rating?

[OrrieG]

Different load ratings correspond to frame specs, spring specs, and axles. The link in my signature lands you on the Factory design specs for a TF, scroll down to year index and pick 1949. then look at the index for frame info. There is a chart that lists the frame size, metal guage, spring specs and axles for each class of truck.

That said a "half-ton" truck will haul a lot more. I drug mine around the mountains with a full loaded slide on camper that probably weighed 850+ pounds. After I converted over to 4wd I once rolled across the dump scales with a bed full of concrete and rock at 6500#, the bed was almost dragging and springs flat. Key is to get a good frame mounted hitch, I used a Class 3, that will allow for a reasonable tongue weight. Then you need to make sure your trailer meets the same specs. Trailer should not exceed 75% of your tow vehicle weight or it will be pushing the truck around on hills and corners, not a good thing. I set mine up so I can add an electric trailer brake set up too.

[gigamanx]

It actually turned out to be pretty easy to follow the official way to handle PA. I used AAA because they knew the nuances of PA laws. Oddly enough, the classic title plate requests are still a manual process as opposed to the more automated process of submitting a standard car. I added to this complication by having an out of state title to transfer and a title that had no load information.

The solution:
1. Get an independent mechanic to verify the vin plate and fill out the form for VIN/load verification (MV-41 I think)
2. Get the same guy to validate the cab plate is the same as the title and fill out a second VIN/load verification form
3. Get insurance. Hagerty worked for me.
4. Fill out form MV-11

Took about 3 weeks and that was over Christmas holidays! Not bad.

[Desert1957]

Originally Posted by gigamanx

It actually turned out to be pretty easy to follow the official way to handle PA. I used AAA because they knew the nuances of PA laws. Oddly enough, the classic title plate requests are still a manual process as opposed to the more automated process of submitting a standard car. I added to this complication by having an out of state title to transfer and a title that had no load information.

The solution:
1. Get an independent mechanic to verify the vin plate and fill out the form for VIN/load verification (MV-41 I think)
2. Get the same guy to validate the cab plate is the same as the title and fill out a second VIN/load verification form
3. Get insurance. Hagerty worked for me.
4. Fill out form MV-11

Took about 3 weeks and that was over Christmas holidays! Not bad.

Congrats on your success!

maybe I will hire you to get mine next time, LOL.

I will try your suggestions next time, I do appreciate the details.

[mr48chev]

Cool beans, I think that the big problem for a lot of guys is that they want instant gratification and aren't willing to do the leg work or go step by step by the numbers.