My name is Dave Nighswander. I have a 1946 Ford 2 ton that we
affectionately call Big Ernie. The truck is currently undergoing the winter
repair that happens in Michigan this time of year. I have sent along pictures of
the truck in various stages. Big Ernie 2 is when he first arrived, and of course
Big Ernies engine is with the engine installed.
I
also attached a picture of Nels. The engine transplant donor. Nels Lund owned
Nels the truck (my name for it) from 1950 until the spring of 2002. Nels used
the truck as a wrecker/snowplow/tree stump puller as part of his agricultureal
repair business. I originally intended to use Nels as a tractor hauler for my
two old tractors that I hope to be taking to shows this year. Unfortunately Nels
couldn't be titled so I went looking for a title and came up with a whole truck
that we named Big Ernie. Big Ernie had his engine removed so I pulled the engine
from Nels and installed it in Big Ernie. It is a 239 cu in flathead mated to a 4
speed transmission with a PTO that runs the 10,000 lb winch that is to be
mounted to the frame. (Part of winter repairs).
I started the Big Ernie project to avoid paying for insurance on my trailer that
I used to haul my tractors. So far it has cost little or nothing as I have been
able to trade, beg, or borrow most of Big Ernies needs. I think it will work
fine since Big Ernie has an historic vehicle plate good for 10 years at a cost
of $30.00 total and the insurance is $100.00 per year. That works out to less
than 10% of what the trailer insurance alone would be.
I wanted to send you these pictures because I liked your website. I think that your doing a great service providing a place for people like myself to see other trucks and how others are fixing/using them.
Thanks, Dave