The use of plywood in our old fords

[GB SISSON]

Yes, completely true. There was a 2 1/2" width increase in 1/2, 3/4 and tonner pickups and panels in 1942. Always figured it was because of plywood and drywall. I started my cabinet business in 1983, was buying 30 sheet units of 3/4 birch plywood for boxes, hauling from the mainland by ferry in my '38 tonner express. It made no sense at all, but you couldn't pry that truck outa my grip. I finally settled on a 4x6 on edge against one wheel well. But the sloping load was always a pain in the rear. I finally bought a '47 tonner panel truck. Sight unseen, in Parker's Prarie Minnesota. Was in rough shape, but that didn't phase me a bit. What DID, was that the rear door opening was something like 46"-47". Almost impossible to load and unload. Slide in on a slight tilt, then they'd drop down flat and be locked into place. Imagine unloading that by yourself. Been driving ex govenment DNR HD 3/4 ton 4x4 suburbans ever since. Roll up windows, vinyl floors, no AC. First one had a granny low 4 speed and I just bought it back after 15 years. Can't have too many of those.

[Model51]

Spare air-holding truck tires - 6.00 x 20 - aren't easy to come across so I used plywood to create a set of garage "wheels" so I could move my truck chassis around in my garage. I was able to cut four 27" diameter pieces from one sheet of 4'x8' 3/4" plywood.

Not a factory approved accessory, but it got the job done until I got some good wheels and tires.

[ford38v8]

Originally Posted by Model51

Spare air-holding truck tires - 6.00 x 20 - aren't easy to come across so I used plywood to create a set of garage "wheels" so I could move my truck chassis around in my garage. I was able to cut four 27" diameter pieces from one sheet of 4'x8' 3/4" plywood.

Not a factory approved accessory, but it got the job done until I got some good wheels and tires.

Wow! That sounds like a gravestone looking to happen! Plywood having strength only in its longitudinal direction, I’d say you were lucky to not have had one wheel collapse while pushing around your shop! In my own experience, I learned of that risk while sheathing a roof having rafters on 24” centers.

[Model51]

The plywood wheels were actually very strong but I never stressed anything too hard. The truck wheel flanges provided quite a bit of contact surface area for the plywood. It was mostly just to roll the chassis straight out of the garage and then straight back inside.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Model51

Spare air-holding truck tires - 6.00 x 20 - aren't easy to come across so I used plywood to create a set of garage "wheels" so I could move my truck chassis around in my garage. I was able to cut four 27" diameter pieces from one sheet of 4'x8' 3/4" plywood.

Not a factory approved accessory, but it got the job done until I got some good wheels and tires.

[GB SISSON]

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Originally Posted by Model51

The plywood wheels were actually very strong but I never stressed anything too hard. The truck wheel flanges provided quite a bit of contact surface area for the plywood. It was mostly just to roll the chassis straight out of the garage and then straight back inside.

Very small contact surface, I bet it rolled and steered quite effortlessly.

[sugarmaker]

Guys,
Sounds like 1929 has been mentioned as the first use of plywood. I know our 32 truck floor boards are original plywood.
Regards,
Chris and Cheryl