Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[50sDreamer]

Hi - I'm a new user and recent buyer of a Bedford 1950 K Truck. I am based in Brisbane Australia and from reading posts my vehicle must have been a frame only import to Australia.
My first question is did the frame include the engine - mine has a stromberg carby? My son kindly transpoted the vehicle home for me on his small low loader semitrailer!!
A few pics are at http://photobucket.com/BedfordK

[Rick]

Welcome to the forum!

If it's anything like my Holden-bodied Bedford ute, then yes it would have been shipped with an engine from the factory.

Rick
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[victor 101]

when I was young you would see the chassis being driven to the docks or bodyshop, a brave sole perched on a seat clinging to a steering wheel, his only luxury was a windscreen if fitted.

[50sDreamer]

Thanks Rick - I think you are right - a 214 cu inch motor, 6 cylinder - but who would have been the engine maker??
My first issue is a reasonable fast water loss from somewhere at the back of the engine. I have been told this will probably be a corroded out core plug or in England possibly called a freeze plug - in the engine head.
Can I buy such a part in the UK? Are they still available or will I need to have one machined up (and how can I get the specs for the plug - anyone got an engine manual for sale??)

[roverdriver]

They are called a 'Welch Plug' in some quarters. Usually you will find you need one of a standard set of sizes to fit. If one has started to leak, the rest might be soon to follow, so I suggest replace them all.

Measure the plug when you can get at it and visit your nearest Repco outlet, they should be a common stock item.
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Dane- roverdriver but not a Viking.

[Churchill Johnson]

As has been suggested replace all these plugs later types were plated to help stop rust i would check the state of the coolant if it has been topped up with water to often it will be rusty so use a good flushing agent then remove the core plugs and let it dry out and blow out the head and block with an airline you ask about the engines these were made by Bedford they originated as a Chevrolet engine and over the years improved on i spent a couple of years working on these and the TK and O and S models for a main dealer back in 1965-66 and at times drove an OXO model breakdown lorry for the same dealer.

[emmerson]

[50sDreamer]

Emmerson - you try telling that to the young fellers today and they dooon't believe you!!

[50sDreamer]

So gents - parts for my restoration job of the 1950 Bedford K.
I now know that it was a chassis only export from UK to Australia, but some folk say that the radiator panels and mud guards were shipped also. Mine are OK but I am missing the Bedford badge that would have been on the radiator panel. Anyone know where I can buy one or are they rocking horse poo??

[50sDreamer]

I also need a manual for this truck that details the engine and drive train - a workshop manual I guess. Any suggestions or offers please?

[Churchill Johnson]

[llllmikellll]

Ooo, nice little truck you got there.

I had one (unrestored) some years ago but sold it to concentrate on my Morris J.

There were some fully brit built versions in Aust. You can tell them immediately by the panel under the door. The GMH ones have a scolloped shape, the brit ones are just flat. Sometimes wish I still had it, but cost of running etc.

When you do the welch plugs, use brass ones.

cheers and good J

Mike in Melbourne.

[Mog]

I can remember truck chassis , been driven around in the Uk. The driver more or less sat on a box with a bit of plastic in front of his face ! This was in the 1960's.