What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

Which tailgate hooks and chains are correct for a 39 1 ton long bed?
Any pictures would help.
Thanks

Re: What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

Here is a set advertised for a '40 p/u Not sure about a '39 tonner


https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...d-0c8a3f95bf02

Re: What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

Re: What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

Being that the bed sides and tailgate are taller on the tonners, I'd guess you'd need another link. The rest looks totally correct, right down to the big gap where they had to cut it off the eyes on the pockets. Easily welded up. I could count links or measure tomorrow. Mine's a 47, but they are exact same other than width.

Re: What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

The hooks were cut from the chains I have so I assume they cut a link to get the hook. Knowing how many links there should be would help. I see vendors online with hooks but the eye is closed. If I was to buy that hook how do I get it onto the chains?

Re: What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

Can you post a picture of what you have? The top link with the offset cross bar is made into the eye permanently, the lower hook is just rolled around the last link. I will get some pics up within the hour. We are experiencing perhaps 3" of rain today so I'll have to suit up.

Re: What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

I can measure mine when I get home.

Re: What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

Actual hook by itself measures 3 5/8" length. Without measuring, I'd say 5/16" stock. Overall length of complete assembly 29 5/8".

Re: What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...0&d=1765388759

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...1&d=1765388787

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...2&d=1765388814

Re: What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

Thank you

Re: What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

As far as I know the hooks should have closed eyes. My 36,40 and 41 all had original chains, hooks and latch links. I have cut open and rewelded the end links in a lot cains over the years for guys wanting to retain the correct ends. Tim

Re: What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

I didn't even look at the right side ... It could have a closed end. My tonner had a hardscrabble existence. Was owned by a couple of bachelor brothers that 'made do' as a lifestyle. Let's see what our duck hunter comes up with.

Re: What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

So obviously where mind attach to the bed arrest original. The hook looks like it may be but the chain has likely been replaced at some point. Length of the chain is 22.5" that attaches to 1.75" quick link. Dang you guys, now you got me wanting to find the original style attachment

Re: What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

In the picture on the right I see you poked the hook through from the top. They tend to pop out when hitting a pot hole, specially on stiffly sprung. empty tonners. In my 30s, an old guy at a jobsite taught me that if you introduce the hook up from the bottom they stay put. So now I get to be the old guy. I bet some of the repro pickup box guys sell the correct parts, but most stuff is sold for 1/2 tons, I have a half ton too so will check length of chain tomorrow. My guess is you would buy the 1/2 ton set and use longer chain or add a link or two. Bear with us, we'll have this figured out tomorrow. I do have a pic I took of my 1/2 ton yesterday. Not a close up but when I expand it you can see the top link with the crossbar. This top link is a very ingenious design. It snaps around the offset eye on the tailgate before the hook is inserted. The long top link, when both sides are latched ensures that even with extreme pressure from heavy grain or sand load, the bed sides cannot spread outwards. The hook carries none of this outward force, it just keeps that top link in place.

Re: What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...3&d=1765417866

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...4&d=1765417866

Re: What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

Re: What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

Thanks Pete, That was fast! But wait I was able to crop yesterday's pic on ,y phone, now it can be extra large!

Re: What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

Re: What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

Dammit, you guys are getting me anxious again about getting an old truck. My Yota serves me well but it ain't me.

Re: What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

I ordered some 5/16 hooks. I have the original top links and some chain still attached but I think I will need a link or two. So now I need to find some chain

Re: What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

Thanks GB. Man I learn more everyday on this site! I'll probably pick up a reproduction. I'd love to find an original set that nicer and rusty to keep up with the test of the truck lol

Re: What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

I DO have a parts truck in the woods. It has a '48-'52 F3 bed on it. Will look when it gets lighter out. Keep in mind I charge more for rusty parts. :) Oh, and 38, that blue thing IS full toyota landcruiser wagon, just different tin. I'd like to build another, but I'd extend the frame so I could fit it with a year 'round cab.

Re: What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

I am now convinced that the factory hooks were just rolled ito a loop and not welded. As you can see I have a full set minus one hook. There are 13 links in all, the top link below the big crossbar link is shorter. Tha pass side crossbar link is cracked through at the weld. Pass side looks like half way through. I can heat cherry red with torch and spread open 1/4". I could also make another hook. I have a retired neighbor, 50 years a blacksmith, he could whip out hooks blindfolded. Both of us are well versed in re-rusting where repairs are made.

Re: What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...1&d=1765472573

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...3&d=1765472613

Re: What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

Thanks Pete, your blow ups are a sight for sore eyes.

Re: What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

Thanks for the great pictures.

Re: What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

I was wondering if they were welded shut and attached to the eye before mounting. Any interest in parting with the set of crossbar links? :D

Re: What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

Selling just those links sorta messes up the set. The ones in Cucomonga Ca on facebook marketplace are only 25 bucks or offer. Maybe check that out, then we talk (on PM) .

Re: What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

No worries. I reached out to him. I wish you could easily search Marketplace all over. Not much comes across mine within 250 miles of NC. If you see a truck heater in decent shape let me know!

Re: What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

I feel like FB marketplace sellers are not planning to have to ship across country, so if something doesn't happen right away we can get this figured out. Like some others here, I see the writing on the wall and all this stuff we've collected might not be the retirement gold mine after all. Heck I've been enjoying selling some of my stash.

Re: What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

So there are 12 long links in the chain and one short one at the top, making 13. How many links on your chains that don't have hooks?

Re: What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

It will be the weekend before I get time to go and look.

Re: What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

Two on FB Market Place right now. Not specific for a '39 but should be able to be made to work.


https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...a-7773d4d3f74a
1947 Ford under dash heater assembly
$50 · In stock
Listed in Claremont, CA
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...a-7773d4d3f74a
FORD/MERCURY ORIGINAL HEATER 1941-1948 CAR/TRUCK HOT WATER HEATER GOOD SOLID ORIGINAL PIECE WAITING TO BE RESTORED TO HER FORMER GLORY FREE LOCAL PICKUP WE SHIP US & WORLD WIDE AT PURCHASER'S COST


Photo on the left is the 41-48 heater and the one on the left is the '47 one.

Re: What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...9&d=1765512041

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...0&d=1765512041

Re: What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

Gary
There are 13 chain links on the 40 Tonner including the Quick Link that I used to replace the OEM link (same size as the others) that I had to cut off when I removed the tailgate. All the OEM links appear to be spot welded or heat fused shut.
Les

Re: What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

Closeup of 40 Tonner tailgate chain linkage. Shows the Quick Link which is about the same size as the OEM links.

Re: What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

Re: What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

Re: What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

Thanks. I have a 39 truck heater in there now. I'm pretty sure the core leaks and all of the plastics are broken off. I was hoping to find one in a little better shape where I could just swap them after doing whatever I needed to do to restore. However, I can always work on mine as the motor and plastics are available and Brassworks can make a new core ($$$)

Re: What tailgate hooks for 39 truck?
 

So Yobbo and Ducker, I am happy to move these parts along, Looks like one needs the chain and hooks and the other the cross bar top links. I need to learn that if I haven't used these hoarded parts yet, they'll end up as scrap. There has been a voice that haunts me, saying 'Gary, what if you get another tonner and it's missing the chain assemblies'? Why would it be missing those parts. And the bed they're on is rusted way for the front 6"-10" from wet leaves in between the bed and cab for 30 years, so won't be re-used. Yours for the shipping.