How much does a 1946 Ford pickup weight?
A 1946 Ford pickup typically weighs around 3,000 pounds in curb weight, with variations by engine and body configuration (roughly 1,360 kilograms).
To understand this figure, it helps to look at how weight varied across the era’s postwar Ford pickups, including engine choices, cab size, bed length, and optional equipment. Restorers and collectors often seek a precise figure for a specific truck, which can differ from the general range described here.
What determines the weight of a 1946 Ford pickup
Weight is influenced by several factors, including the engine type, drivetrain, and body configuration. Different combinations—from the base inline-six to a more powerful V8, as well as variations in bed length and cab style—produce measurable differences in curb weight.
Engine and drivetrain
The standard inline-six engine option is lighter than the optional flathead V8. Adding the V8 typically adds several dozen to a few hundred pounds to the curb weight, depending on the exact setup and accessories installed.
Body configuration and options
Bed length (short vs long), cab size, and any added equipment or factory options (such as upgraded springs, heavier axles, or protective accessories) also contribute to variations in the overall weight.
Typical curb weight ranges
Below are approximate curb weight ranges for 1946 Ford pickups, reflecting common configurations encountered by enthusiasts and historians.
- Base inline-six with a standard cab and short bed: about 2,800–2,950 pounds (1,270–1,335 kg)
- Inline-six with added options or heavier trim: around 2,950–3,000 pounds (1,335–1,360 kg)
- Optional flathead V8 with standard cab/short bed: roughly 3,000–3,200 pounds (1,360–1,450 kg)
- V8 with longer bed or heavier equipment: up to about 3,200–3,400 pounds (1,450–1,540 kg)
These figures are approximate and reflect curb weight—the truck’s weight excluding passengers, cargo, and fuel. Exact weights can vary by production year, factory options, and measurement methods used in historical records.
Why weight matters for collectors and restorers
Understanding the weight helps with transportation planning, restoration decisions, and authenticity checks. It also informs how the truck will handle on the road, how much payload it could carry in its era, and how different engine choices affect performance and ride quality.
Summary
Across 1946 Ford pickups, curb weights commonly cluster around 2,800 to 3,200 pounds, with variations driven by engine type, cab and bed configurations, and optional equipment. For an exact figure on a specific truck, consult the original build sheet, factory documentation, or a verified historical specification for that chassis. As with many vintage vehicles, small differences in options can meaningfully alter the scale of the weight.
