Choices: 1942 F15 vs 1942 C15

[Lang]

Doug,

I am going to risk a reply on a topic which will probably generate a lot of partisan and subjective opinion. I have owned both types of vehicle.

If you are just getting started I would go for the Chevrolet every time. There is nothing between them for most of the truck (body, chassis and axles are pretty much the same to work on). Parts and books are equally available.

Power is within a few horsepower when you compare the two. Fuel consumption is equally poor.

My reasons for choosing the Chevrolet are firstly the gearbox. Both are quite reliable but the GM box is a delight to use compared to the clunky Ford box.

Chevrolet steering, although just slightly less responsive than a formula one Ferrari, is at least better than a Ford. I think GM ads said "If it drives like a truck it is not a Chevrolet!"

The main reason is the engine. The Chev 6 is probably quite a bit cheaper than the Ford to do a full rebuild on and I suspect parts are more readily available, but there is no shortage of either. No matter what Ford enthusiasts claim, the flat V8 is a more unreliable engine in the scheme of things (I know, there will be people coming back with stories of 2 million trouble free miles).

It is just there are more things to go wrong - the major ones being the water pumps and distributor system, plus two heads. Because they are bigger across and their V shape they are an absolute pain to work on in the truck compared to the Chev which can be almost fully accessed with ease.

You also only have to buy 6 of everything instead of 8 any time you are rebuilding, replacing plugs etc

Anyhow that's my input, I will await outraged Ford enthusiasts' responses.

Lang

[gordon]

I'd agree with Lang.

Having owned both the straight 6 and V8, but in slightly different applications, I'd go for the 6 every time for simplicity, ease of access, etc, etc. The guy who designed that V8 and put water pump bolts through the housing, then decided to use water pumps as engine mounts - will never get a Christmas card from me.

That said, check both to see if they have original engines. Many of the sixes were replaced with later versions of the same thing, or Bedford engines, or whatever. Happened to the V8's as well, so best bet would be to go for the balance of most original truck offered and best price.

If everything else was absolutely equal - straight 6 every time for simplicity, access, maintenance, and costs.

Gordon

[Phil Waterman]

Hi Doug

Welcome to the crazy world of CMP collection, while personally I have Chevy CMPs and would agree that they are insome ways easier to work with my first question is where you are located?

The reason for asking this question is so our far flung members can give you an idea of parts availablity. From looking through the Forum you can get and idea of who is working on what where.


CMPs both Chev and Ford share a fair number of parts with civi trucks of the period which means that engine, transmission parts and brake parts can be found other than off another CMP. You will also find that CMPs also share some parts back and forth with Ford and Chevy.

Cheers Phil

[Doug Lavoie]

Phil,
I live in Northern Alberta, Canada. Thank you to all who have replied to my request. It is great to be apart of the CMP world.
I started out helping a friend and now have the bug!It also helps now being retired.
Thanks,
Doug

[sth65pac]

Personal choice is Chev,

Easier to get the engine out, cheaper to fix, & diffs are easier to work on. Oh & Chevs share commons with their truck counterparts.

I have a Ford, but that is just the way things go. the Chev is calling me...

Ian