'37 Ford pickup....
 

Hello,

I am posting this for a new friend (John).
He has acquired this '37 Ford pickup from his grandpa.
This '37 Ford pickup has been in his family for years and years.
Grandpa gave it to him on one condition, that he did not "hot rod" this pickup.
What can you tell me about the year of the flathead V8 and Vin. number on frame. I am trying to get him (John) to join the Ford Barn. He plans on keeping this pickup as much as possible as it is now.

Thank you,

Bruce in California.

Re: '37 Ford pickup....
 

The 54 at the beginning of the serial # indicates it had a V-8 60 motor from the factory. The truck has already been modified as it has a later 8BA motor from 1949 to 1953. In addition someone cut a hole in the firewall for the battery which is also not stock. Battery was originally under the driver's side floor. It's great that he is saving grandpa's pickup, but he will have to determine if he wants it bone stock or just repair/restore it in it's current condition.

Re: '37 Ford pickup....
 

Tom,

I hate to ever second-guess you, but I was under the impression that the battery on the '37 Pickup was on the firewall, similar to the passenger cars.

The engine is an 8RT that was used in trucks from 1948 up. I'm guessing that it is from 1950 based on the oil filter being mounted directly to the head rather than under head bolts.

Ken

Re: '37 Ford pickup....
 

In '37 Ford but the battery on the firewall. 47-48 front drum so has hydraulic brakes.The rear end has been changed also -doesn't appear to be banjo style.

Re: '37 Ford pickup....
 

Thanks guys you are correct on that battery location. The poster's name "1936 ford pickup" threw me off and I failed to look at the title of the post.

Re: '37 Ford pickup....
 

In picture number 2 the floor jack is visible. I don't see a jack stand. This picture is past history. Floor jacks only is dangerous. Don't mean to be a nit-picker. I had to learn this a number of years ago.

Re: '37 Ford pickup....
 

Look closer, it's under the frame.

Re: '37 Ford pickup....
 

"Bone stock" would mean returning to a V8-60. While that would be interesting on the concourse, it would be a disappointment if he tried to use it as intended on a regular basis. Since the 8RT is already in there, it would probably be best to leave it (unless it was installed incorrectly).

Re: '37 Ford pickup....
 

That looks to be a jack stand just right of the floor jack. You are absolutely
right about floor jacks only, I learned that years ago also. "Safety First"

Re: '37 Ford pickup....
 

Concur. Back in the day I jacked up my '54 Merc convert on a flat floor to change the tranny. While under it, it rolled forward. Always have a jack stand(s) involved. A fraternity brother jacked up his ride using a bumper jack only. As he was loosening the tranny, the jack failed and the car dropped: his head was where the tranny had been. Lucky to be alive.

Use chocks as well.

Re: '37 Ford pickup....
 

Bruce,
Pass onto your friend the pickup looks great. Hope the rest of it looks as good as what is showing in the pictures.
Depending on your location, encourage your friend to join the early ford v8 club chapter. Usu lots of in person help can be found.