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.