We have seen a few 1949 Diamond T Model 201 pickups here at Barn Finds over the last few years and they’re always interesting. This project pickup can be found here on craigslist in the Chatsworth, California area. The seller is asking $6,500 which seems like a steal, doesn’t it?! Stay tuned to see why… Thanks to Roger for sending in this tip!
The Diamond T 201 wasn’t a light-duty commuter pickup, as if there was even such a thing in 1949, unlike today. They were one-ton trucks and they were tough but they were also stylish and classy, sort of like me… HA, these trucks are the exact opposite of me, for the record. We hardly ever receive a tip for a fully-restored or nice original example here, we usually only see the patina-heavy trucks like this one.
“Overloading and Overspeeding cancel all guarantees”, says the “Cautions – Instructions” plate on this truck. I can’t imagine what would overload this monster, but the Diamond T Model 201 pickup was known for having a smooth and quiet ride. They did have a somewhat hoppy rear end (that sounded weird) over bumps, though.
The interiors were fairly luxurious compared to other pickups, but owners paid for this amount of fit and finish. The Diamond T Model 201 pickup was about $1,700 which was more than a comparable pickup by another maker such as Ford. When I do the conversion of what $1,700 in 1949 would be in 2020 it comes up as $18,355 which is ridiculous. You can’t even get a salesperson to make eye contact with you today if they know you only have $18,000 to spend.
Here is where things go off track. This otherwise good looking Diamond T Model 201 pickup has no drivetrain. That’s why the seller is only asking $6,500. It should have had a 236 cubic-inch inline-six Hercules engine with just about 90 hp. A 3-speed manual would have been standard with a 4-speed optional but now it has nothing. How would you restore this one, with a period-correct drivetrain or with something more modern?
There was a guy out in South Dakota who was in the process of putting a Diamond T body on a late model Dodge 2500 6.7 diesel chassis. He did the same to a ’47GMC on a Chevy chassis. It was real pretty.
Late model chassis and enjoy. At least it stays out of the crusher.
If you want to get close to an original feel but still be able to find parts maybe a Dodge flathead six would work. Or maybe a 300ci Ford for a little more drivability?
Here we go again. Scotty knows I’ve made peace with the selling of mine and knows I like to see this stuff, and not a kick in the nads. Quite frankly, in the life I live now, I’m not sure what I’d do with it except, sit back and watch it appreciate, I suppose. To give you an idea, I sold my running and driving 201, with new tires, just needed paint, for $4,000 in 2005. Restored ones can bring $100g’s today. Again, for pure novelty, as is, it’s not happy on todays roads, so really, it’s just as well the original motor is gone. An update is truly in order and lose the “widow-maker, wagon wheels” for something more safe. Better still, drop the body on a modern chassis, the easiest and be done with it. Great to see an original one again, like Scotty sez, these were twice the cost of a Ford or Chevy, so you won’t find many around.
These do manage to come out of the woodwork so that only proves that there are more still out there. But they are still limited so that would still mandate a proper restoration. I would launch a major search for a replacement engine. A Warner T9 transmission was commonplace among the truck population back in the day so I wouldn’t get too revved up trying to find one. I definitely wouldn’t give up too soon. And nothing is impossible. Some years ago I got acquainted with a guy who restored a 1933 Waco airplane to original. He bought it as a wreck and undaunted, he was flying it within 5 years. One of the major obstacles was sourcing an engine and prop. He found both in a wrecking yard in Billings. I know another guy who has almost wrapped up a major restoration of a 1915 Redcliff truck. Think about that one for a minute. He began that project with a frame, a cowl, a radiator shell and a front axle. And it’s now driveable. So there’s no such word as can’t…
Glad to hear you and Howard on this one, you are both my ‘go to’ for truck stuff. It’s true that most of these work vehicles have limited use on todays roads, but I feel that is true of lots of older cars also. When I was driving my dad’s 1928 Durant, It was problematic. It drew constant attention, was slow, marginal brakes, no turn signals, etc. Still fun on a nice day. Anyhow my question to you guys is off subject but since retiring I drive a lot of Interstate and 2 lane. My question to you guys is why do they put speed limiters and governors on large trucks? They try to pass and seemingly can’t. I heard a couple truck drivers talking about it at a stop. They seemed to think it was dangerous and frustrating. I agree. They’re as bad as left lane hogs, my pet peeve, now they call it impeding left lane traffic………your thoughts as pros?????
Governors. Now that’s the $64M question. The original reason was to maintain a constant speed regardless of the load, but that applied to stationary applications or farm/construction equipment. The other reason is to protect the engine from overspeed and thus scattering itself all over the highway. The average big diesel is designed to run between 1500 to 2100 rpm continuously and they perform quite well at that. Of course there’s always someone who thinks 3000 rpm is better (hence the shovel, broom, wrecker and lots of nasty words). The road speed-limiting governor is more to the benefit of fleet operators than the individual O/O. I did a lot of work for fleets and some of them purposely governed their trucks to 60 mph max. One fleet owner told me that the fuel and tire savings were obvious in the first three months of installing them. It’s also a lot safer to drive at 60 than 90; 80,000+ lbs won’t stop on a dime and some drivers are so bent on saving time and getting that load delivered that they risk everything including other people on the road. But I also agree that some trucks are governed down too tight and if they are trying to pass someone, especially on a two-lane, things can get dangerous. I know that myself, having driven a GMC 9500 with 318 Detroit and 13 spd with a 70 mph (empty) top speed. Some anxious moments for sure.
Electronic controls were good for being able to dial in parameters; you can set your own limits (within some programmed limits of course). Fleet owners love them while O/O’s loathe them. Over the years I’ve lost count of the number of fleet drivers who asked me to reset the parameters. “If I can get the password, will you remove all the limits?” Sorry, chum, the truck’s ECM also tells whose programmer was last into the system, and I would like to keep my job at this time. But anyway, that’s the short version of governors. I hope it answers some of your questions. G
Two words, lawyers and insurance. If records show that the truck was speeding before the wreck the liability goes to the trucking company.
I heard a CB conversation in which a driver said that the GPS in the truck controls the maximum speed. In these days of having the gas pedal connected to a computer instead of a fuel metering system that would be easy to implement.
Those are called “elephant races”. Like Dave sez, it’s more about insurance and lawyers than geomechs mechanical explanation. It also comes from the schmoe driver with the speed control on, and truck they’re passing is doing the same thing. Years ago, if we had a slower truck, we’d back out of it and let the truck pass. Just not that way today. The only recourse, is get the truck numbers ( not the trailers) and call the company with location and time of day. It might do some good. Someone told me, the governors can be overrided by releasing and stabbing the throttle 3 times. You get an extra 5 or so mph to pass. Not sure if that’s true or many drivers know about that.
While other replies are correct, they miss a few points. I got training for a CDL about 5 years ago. One of the things I learned is that if you drive for a company, be it owner-operator or company driver EVERY infraction goes on the COMPANY, not just the driver. When the company racks up a lot of infractions the Federal Government gets involved. In a worse case scenario the company and driver lose their licenses. And yes, this is “courtesy” of lawyers and insurance companies. Trucks are governed to keep speeds down, and infractions (supposedly) to a minimum. Not only is speed looked at, but how often and how heavily you apply the brakes.
Got my answers. You boys are the best. Thank you.
To further your comment, Howard, on some trucks, if you dropped down (1) gear from Top, you automatically disabled the road speed limiter. Your engine speed was the only thing governed. You had a bit more power and you had more top speed. I think the manufacturers closed that loophole some time ago but it was fun while it lasted…
How true geomechs. Pappy always said ” I can’t never did nothing”.
As Chief Dan George said in The Outlaw Josey Wales ‘Endeavor to Persevere’.
The grille is amazing in contrast to the rest of the truck.
It’s missing the chrome strip down the center. They made a cheaper cast grille, I think this is stainless.
Looks like this is being sold by Mr. Jonathan Ward of TLC 4×4 / ICON fame.
Here’s a motor and trans for sale (hope this link works)
Please view this ad:
Diamond t Truck motor and transmission,
https://www.kijiji.ca/v-engines-and-engine-parts/calgary/diamond-t-truck-motor-and-transmission/1378959247?utm_source=com.google.android.apps.docs&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=socialbuttons&utm_content=app_android
Price: $ 1,000
https://tinyurl.com/9x9f4jd
I was told, Hercules made engines for forklifts and industrial equipment into the 70’s. I bet you could still get parts for them.
Hercules had a lot of military contracts as well. They got around…
I would adapt it to a mid-2000’s Chevy 2500 chassis with a Duramax diesel and enjoy the look, ride and economy…
With Ron. Saw one of these a few years ago on a late model chassis with complete drive train update. Closer to the ground, fat wheels and tires and good paint. It was really a good looking truck.
If I had the cash, I would love to have one of these restored to show quality. There is just something about them. They are hotter than my Raptor.
If I could swing it I’d go after this one. I would love to have a Diamond T, bare bones, slow, rough ride and all…
Hercules also made marine engines for chris craft and owens among others. 95hp,110,130 hp. they also made a 150hp. for chirs craft’s small runabouts with 2 one barrel carbs. in the 40’s and 50’s. Left and right hand for twin setups on bigger boats. These were real marine engines. Far as the truck goes I’d do what Ron says with the 2500 diesel setup and have a knockout daily driver. Later…………………………JIMMY
I love it. I wonder if he would take trades ? I trade him my girlfriend ,but he would have to take over the money she gets off of me. haha I,d really like to restore this one back to original. About 5 years ago I started to buy one,but I didn,t have a nice garage to put it in. It was in California. Original and looked really nice. It was red with black fenders. Yes I really like these trucks.