VCCA Home Forums GENERAL DISCUSSION General Discussions Can a stovebolt engine take steep inclines?

Hi,

I am making plans for my 1929 Truck, and I just drove through France for my holidays (in a modern station wagon). While driving there, I was wondering if I could take the truck on such a vacation. Now I understand it will be slow, but I was also thinking is it at all possible, technically? I see three issues, taking inclines (and declines) up to 12%:
- Can the 50 horse engine pull the truck up such inclines?
- Do the front conrods still dip, or is all the oil in the back of the engine so the front runs dry?
- Can the engine (low compression) brake the truck strong enough going down hill? The brakes surely don't seem up to that task.

Cheers,

Hugo

Hugo
Hard to figure that, I only know about 27-28 stuff but it seems to me you got it right that it would be slow. I would think you could make it up the hill but you might have to be in first or second to accomplish that, and for sure that's slow. You got two wheel brakes I think, so between that and downshifts I would say try it. Of course run a test on a weekend and do make it a tough sample and find out.
Ken

Hugo
contact member named "Rustoholic" he is has trucks also.
Ken

I suggest posting this question in the 29-32 forum. That is where folks with similar vehicles can and will offer opinions.

My knowledge of the '29 trucks is quite limited.

I know that a number of Chevy 4 cylinder vehicles have climbed to the top of Pike's Peak, so it seems plausible to take a '29 truck up and down inclines.

One thing that affects the hill climbing ability is the rear differential gear ratio. The '29 trucks had two available rations: 6:33 to 1, and 5.33 to 1. Either way, it will be slow, but with power.

For coming down the hills, you have 4-wheel brakes, which is good. Obviously, the better the engine compression (refreshed or worn), the better it will help hold down the speed.

Cheers, Dean

The standard differential ratio for a 1929 LQ series 1 1/2 ton truck is 4.88:1,39 ring gear teeth 8 pinion gear teeth.The ratios quoted are for the 4 cyl 1 ton trucks,5.42:1 being the normal ratio fitted,or you could have the optional "agricultural" ratio of 6.33:1 fitted.

CJP'S 29, thanks for the correction.

Cheers, Dean

I have driven a '31 Fire truck up and down mountains several times. It has been to 9400 feet altitude (not to the top of Pikes Peak). I am sure it weighs a couple thousand pounds more than your '29 (the cast iron pump weighs over 1,000 lbs itself). So your truck should be able to handle your intended routes abet much slower than most other traffic. You should be able to pass bicycles, pedestrians and farm equipment.

I would be hesitant to try... Failing uphill is bad for my ego, failing to brake properly down hill would be, well, interesting to say the least.

Thanks for all other input. I am considering an upgrade with more modern chevy truck axles and engine, just to make it more drivable. Choices, choices!

Hugo

Hugo,

Besides the engine and differential you would want to take it on a run up a nearby hill and make sure that it doesn't jump out of gear either going up or down grade.

Those old Chevrolet trucks could haul a pretty good load. They were used to haul logs, fertilizer and bricks, etc. In low or thereabouts they would grind/lug right along but slowly with no hills too steep.

If you try it, merely have a contingency plan.

a. A wrecker to come and collect the breakdown

b. A stout rope and with a couple cinder blocks to toss out to help out on the breaking. You'd meed to stop and retrieve them before attempting the next grade.

c. Extra Water can just in case you need it.

d. Good anticipation of the grade and length of the next hill. Running start.

e. Plenty of time to get to the destination

Charlie

BTW: This type of going into the unknown is the best adventure there is. Enjoy and tell us the story of what happened after. Above all be safe.

As to my experience: Even if your truck is heavier than our pick up from 31 I would have had no doubts to run up and downhill as steep as 12%, may be more, with a 1929 model. The engine is strong enough and so are the brakes. But you will certainly need extra (double?) time on the travel, both up and down.

We have used our pick up down to south of Nuremberg in Germany, west to Bristol in GB, and plenty places in the mountains here in Norway without major trouble. We have been above 4200 feet with our pick up "Petrine" several times during the 25 years we had her.

But you need to listen to the engine and keep an eye on the temperature. A rest of 15 - 20 minutes after 1 - 1 1/2 hours drive will help to make your travel a good one. We often used that at a gas station, refuelling.

One thing: When you reach the start of a somewhat steep hill let the truck rest for 20 - 30 minutes. Open the hood, enjoy the scenery and check/refill the water level in the radiator, if needed. As mentioned before here, carry up to 10 litres of water as reserve, in the truck bed.

Happy journey!