New Guy Old Truck

[Joshbarts]

Quick introduction.

New member.

1936 Ford

Fun facts-

The little green truck has been in the family for over 70 years. It was my grandpas pride and joy.

[JSeery]

Welcome to the Barn, cool truck & cool story!

[RobR'35]

Very nice!
Welcome to the barn.

[cmbrucew]

Welcome to the Barn. Your granpa's truck has got class. I like it.
Bruce

[Heard]

Man, I like that truck.

Where are you located?

[adileo]

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Your a lucky man, she’s a beaut! Welcome to the Barn!

[Joshbarts]

Thanks all.

I am very proud of this treasure.

Here is a picture of me and my grandpa. I am around three so 40 something years ago.

Same truck.

[RalphM]

Great looking truck! Even better the memories that come with it, love the old photograph!

[Ben38]

That is very cool

[hotcoupe]

Well come, You're a lucky guy.
Tom

[mercman from oz]

Here are the enlarged before and after pictures of your Grandpas 1936 Ford Pickup. Very nice. Welcome to the Barn.

[FortyNiner]

Great stuff! Welcome!

[GB SISSON]

What a great truck and a great story. This type of thing should happen more often!

[Mike in AZ]

Great truck. Love the photo of you two back when. Enjoy the truck and keep it in the family. Mike

[Mart]

Excellent stuff. Welcome. If you have any questions they're a great bunch on this site, very knowledgeable folk.

Mart.

[chap52]

Welcome, you're in the right place. Lots of knowledge and "busted knuckles" here to help you with your gem of a truck.
Enjoy the adventure, Chap

[corvette8n]

Nice truck, it great that you get to keep it in the family, I like the green, is it a factory color?, if so what's it called.?

[Joshbarts]

Originally Posted by corvette8n

Nice truck, it great that you get to keep it in the family, I like the green, is it a factory color?, if so what's it called.?

I am not sure of the original color. From the old pic it looks like it may have been green. I do know it was painted in 1977. I was three in the pic so that was 1976 and my uncle came around in 1978 and it was painted then. So we say 1977.

One more old pic from 1964. This is my mom and her sister. Same truck.

It's is such a treasure to keep in the family.

[totto]

It is nice to see Ford pickup and trucks on the barn. I have had mine since '69. My brother and I drove it to high school. I restored it to stock and like you, we get to drive it!!!

Henry

[36pick-up]

Nice truck - got it`s brother.

[al's28/33]

Keep it original and in your family! Pass it down to the next generation. Once you sell it and get the $$$ MONEY, you'll never have your truck again and later spend the money and you'll feel bad you have an empty garage!

[Brendan]

hears mine! have fun with it. i think it was kool that it was your Grampas

[Teltruck]

My Fathers restored 1936 Ford New England Telephone and Telegraph Instalation and Repair Truck (L.I.U.)
Bob

[bpaupst]

Beautiful truck, hoping mine looks that good when its done!

[Joshbarts]

Well I introduced myself and disappeared. That’s not very nice. I still have the truck. Trust me... its not going anywhere. What happened was... In the meantime i decided to get a Masters degreee (MBA). I couldn’t focus on that and the truck at the same time. One or the other deserved my undivided attention. Well, I finish in three weeks. Time to celebrate. My reward... get the truck in tip top driving condition.

Truck has been pulled out of long term storage (the back of my shop) and into a prominent position in the house garage (my spot). The first thing was getting new tires. They should be here any day.

Next on my list is new electrical. I am having some trouble with this. Too much research and not enough knowledge. The harness in the truck is original. It’s dry, brittle, and broken in many places. I need to replace everything except the battery cables. I have looked into everything from cheapo low circuit count universal harnesses to full on highest priced cloth reproduced original harnesses. I am stuck there. I know there are lots of opinions on this and have read a lot of them. Knowing what you know from this thread about this truck and me what kind of recommendations can you offer.

I know it probably doesn’t help but I am also torn between keeping it 6v or converting to 12v. I don’t know what to do.... help?

[tomcarman]

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Originally Posted by al's28/33

Keep it original and in your family! Pass it down to the next generation. Once you sell it and get the $$$ MONEY, you'll never have your truck again and later spend the money and you'll feel bad you have an empty garage!

If it were mine I would replace all the wiring with original type reproduction and try and keep it as original as possible. I understand the brittle and broken wiring. If it starts, runs and drives on 6V then....If ain't broke don't fix it. What would your Grandpa do? Love the truck and photos. Great story.

[alanwoodieman]

replace now the main harness-dash/under hood, patch the rest and replace as money/time permit. just put a battery disconnect for safety

[MGG]

One thing I would not skimp on is the wiring. It is too important. I have used both Sacramento Vintage Ford and Tyree Harris with success. There is much information on wiring here if you do a search.

[GB SISSON]

I have 3 running 47 trucks. Two on 12 v and one on six..... They all start when I need them to and run quite nicely. The six volter has all gauges working correctly, and nothing hay-wired. The 12 v ones all have gauge and other problems related to resistors and other after market devices. Electrics has always been my downfall in the hobby, but I DO love the sound of cranking on six volts compared to the gnashing/spinning of 12 volts. I say wire it for six and if you go to 12, you will be on 'overkill', because six volt has larger wire. Love that 36, and congrats on your upcoming graduation. That's a real milestone!

[51504bat]

I'm a 12 volt guy but there are tons of guys here who swear by 6volt systems as long as the connections are clean with good grounds and proper size cables. I'm partial to YnZ wiring in Redlands, CA for original high quality wiring. (909) 798-1498 They can add extra circuits for turn signals, etc. Not cheap but excellent quality.

[JSeery]

Rhode Island is another source. I think you would be much better of with the original style wiring. 6v or 12v isn't much of an issue wiring wise, the original style wiring is good for both.

http://www.riwire.com/

[Joshbarts]

Wow! What great feedback from the forum. After the reading I have done, and your responses, my thoughts are to keep it 6v and get a harness from either Sacramento Vintage Ford or Rhode Island Wire.



I would like to keep it as original as possible. If I cheap out then every time I look in there I am going to regret it.

[19Fordy]

True. Don't cheap out.

Some things, like not installing the correct wiring harness, will gnaw at you as you will be reminded of it every time you flip the switch. Plus, remember, your grandpa is watching you.

[38bill]

Great old truck. I see the plates are from Minnesota. What part of MN did you relatives live in?

[Joshbarts]

Originally Posted by 38bill

Great old truck. I see the plates are from Minnesota. What part of MN did you relatives live in?

The family farm that my grandpa started was in Thief River Falls.

[36and63]

IMG_1774 (2).jpg


Mine is 6 volt no reason to change in my opinion.
I'm not that far west of you.

Pat

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by 36and63

Attachment 429127
Mine is 6 volt no reason to change in my opinion.
I'm not that far west of you.
Pat

[36and63]

Originally Posted by JSeery

Rhode Island is another source. I think you would be much better of with the original style wiring. 6v or 12v isn't much of an issue wiring wise, the original style wiring is good for both.

http://www.riwire.com/

Rhode Island was who I used for my new harness - they really have great customer service and quality materials and workmanship.

Thanks Petehoovie for the larger pic!

Pat

[Joshbarts]

Originally Posted by 36and63

Attachment 429127


Mine is 6 volt no reason to change in my opinion.
I'm not that far west of you.

Pat

Woah, very nice.

[40 Deluxe]

Originally Posted by Joshbarts

Well I introduced myself and disappeared. That’s not very nice. I still have the truck. Trust me... its not going anywhere. What happened was... In the meantime i decided to get a Masters degreee (MBA). I couldn’t focus on that and the truck at the same time. One or the other deserved my undivided attention. Well, I finish in three weeks. Time to celebrate. My reward... get the truck in tip top driving condition.

I know it probably doesn’t help but I am also torn between keeping it 6v or converting to 12v. I don’t know what to do.... help?

No need for 12v! I grew up in southern Minnesota where it has been known to get cold on occasion! When our lane would drift in Dad left the '40 at the end. So it sat overnight in -30 deg. weather and always started.
One thing you might do is add an electronic voltage regulator if you don't like having to keep adjusting the third brush.

[coolcoupe]

Awesome trucks, just wished I would have kept my Dad's old 40 panel truck

[Ol' Ron]

Yes, it's definitely a nice truck. Looks like it's had some work done to it sisce you were a kid. Care to elaborate.
Gramps

[tubman]

BTW, I went to a solid state voltage regulator in my '67 Corvette years ago when it became apparent that those from the FLAPS were unreliable and NOS units were priced like they were made of gold. I put it in an original dated case and never looked back.

I shouldn't tell secrets "out of school", but our friend "FlatheadMurre" just might have something in the works for us 6 volt guys.

[Joshbarts]

Originally Posted by Ol' Ron

Yes, it's definitely a nice truck. Looks like it's had some work done to it sisce you were a kid. Care to elaborate.
Gramps

Yes, it had some work done. My uncle and I figured around 1977 it had a repaint. Thats about it. The inside was painted also at that time but no panels were ever replaced. All the gauges are there, seat, etc just missing the covered panels on the doors and headliner. From what I gather my grandpas brother was a body guy that helped with the painting. I have no idea what “body guy” meant to old farmers in the 70’s. It may have been done in a barn, behind the barn or the yard for all i know. What i do know is for a 40 year old paint job it has held up really well. Nobody in my family can remember anything else being done to it. It was last registered in 1973. So it had been a farm truck since then and even after the resto it never went back on the road. I only remember it in my grandpas garage. We always just talked about it as the little green truck.

[Talkwrench]

Welcome! nice pickup, little bit darker in colour than my 35. Drive it!

[Joshbarts]

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Help.

I worked through my wiring questions and ordered from Sacramento Vintage Wiring. Thank you all!

Next, I wanted to get some new radiator hoses. That took me down a rabbit hole. When I saw the kits for a 36 they don’t match up. It appears I have a 37 fatty in there. It is a 21 stud but the pumps are on the block. Also, I do not know what kind of radiator I have. It has turned down outlets. I cant find anything that leads to me to what that is. A couple hours on google and I only found one reference for the radiator on an old sale on another car site.

This is going to be fun trying to figure out what has been done/changed/replaced as I dive into this. My grandpa owned it for about 60 years but trying to reverse engineer what did all those years is going to be exciting with my limited knowledge.

If anyone can confirm the year flathead i have and info on the radiator i sure would appreciate it.

[Mart]

The radiator ports are probably correct. They would be pointing at the original outlets which would have been on the pumps on the front of the heads.

[MGG]

I would try to duplicate the set-up you have on the driver's side. Most auto parts stores should have the rubber bends you would need and the straight piece can be obtained from a muffler shop. Personally I do not like the accordian style hose because it seems to me (and I do not have any proof of this) that the wrinkles would impede coolant flow.

[tubman]

I've said it before and I'll say it again; I have seen too many otherwise impressive looking engine compartments spoiled by the use of flex hoses. To me, it smacks of a lazy owner that didn't want to take the time to finish the installation properly.

[Mart]

On my 33 I bought a length of 45mm stainless tube and two 180 degree silicon bends in 45mm (1-3/4"). I cut the bends into two suitable bends per side and used the stainless tube in between.

I tack welded the thermostats to the lower end of the tubing.

It made a neat installation in the absence of a specific hose.

*actually the stainless is on my 41pu the 33 has normal steel tubing.

If you look for my crusty flatty drive video you can see them clearly.

[alanwoodieman]

37 or early 38 pre 24 stud engines. I have put a couple of these engines in 35/36 cars, there were block off plates available to cover the block holes and use 35/36 heads with water pumps mounted on the heads

[Joshbarts]

Originally Posted by Mart

The radiator ports are probably correct. They would be pointing at the original outlets which would have been on the pumps on the front of the heads.

Of course, that makes sense. Thanks.

[Joshbarts]

Originally Posted by MGG

I would try to duplicate the set-up you have on the driver's side. Most auto parts stores should have the rubber bends you would need and the straight piece can be obtained from a muffler shop. Personally I do not like the accordian style hose because it seems to me (and I do not have any proof of this) that the wrinkles would impede coolant flow.

Yes, that is the plan, to duplicate the drivers side.

[tomcarman]

Originally Posted by tubman

I've said it before and I'll say it again; I have seen too many otherwise impressive looking engine compartments spoiled by the use of flex hoses. To me, it smacks of a lazy owner that didn't want to take the time to finish the installation properly.

I've never met a lazy farmer. In my experience they are some of the hardest working people on earth. If it were mine I'd emulate Mart's set up. I have about as much to contribute mechanically as a red brick but finding solutions is the fun part for me. I believe Mart is correct. The radiator outlet is intended for a head with the intake at the front (earlier), not in the middle of the block. What year that change was made IDK. Keep us updated.

[tubman]

I was talking "Car Guys", not farmers; where did they come in? I think everyone on this forum is interested in appearance to some extent. Just "getting it cobbled together" really shouldn't be our ultimate goal.

[tomcarman]

Originally Posted by Joshbarts

Yes, it had some work done. My uncle and I figured around 1977 it had a repaint. Thats about it. The inside was painted also at that time but no panels were ever replaced. All the gauges are there, seat, etc just missing the covered panels on the doors and headliner. From what I gather my grandpas brother was a body guy that helped with the painting. I have no idea what “body guy” meant to old farmers in the 70’s. It may have been done in a barn, behind the barn or the yard for all i know. What i do know is for a 40 year old paint job it has held up really well. Nobody in my family can remember anything else being done to it. It was last registered in 1973. So it had been a farm truck since then and even after the resto it never went back on the road. I only remember it in my grandpas garage. We always just talked about it as the little green truck.

Perhaps Joshbarts can elaborate.

[Joshbarts]

Originally Posted by MGG

I would try to duplicate the set-up you have on the driver's side. Most auto parts stores should have the rubber bends you would need and the straight piece can be obtained from a muffler shop. Personally I do not like the accordian style hose because it seems to me (and I do not have any proof of this) that the wrinkles would impede coolant flow.

Haha, you are both right. I agree things should be done correctly. I agree that some old farmers like my grandpa used "creativity" get things back on the road.

That is why I am asking questions. Trying to reverse engineer what has been done over the last 80 years is a challenge for me with my limited knowledge of this hobby. Trying to put it all back together in more correct way learning as I go is an experience. I thank all you who have chimed in.

[Joshbarts]

Update-

I have had some time to spend the ol’ 36. I have been learning a lot things.

I started the rewire engine/dash/cowl. I stared at the schematic and my harness and couldn’t make sense of it. I called a buddy over who knows more than I do. He stared at with me and couldn’t help. So, I just cut the old stuff out and routed what I thought made sense without the schematic and it magically routed itself in place. Once it was all out it made much more sense. One of the things that was confusing me was the charging system. Turns out I have a 39 charging system and not a 36. Oh fun…

I took out the spark plug conduit and pulled out the old cloth wires. They were very brittle, had many spots of bare wires, and places where they were fused together. Got everything removed, repainted the conduit, and routed new wires.

Pulled the distributor. Took it all apart. Cleaned everything. Thought I was going to be smart this time so I ordered a rebuild kit for a 37 since that’s what my engine is. Nope, it’s a 36 distributor. Of course, the internals are different from 36 to 37. New kit on order.

Dumped the old fuel. Disassembled, cleaned, and rebuilt the fuel pump. Thankfully, that was uneventful.

Carb is off and to a friend to rebuild.

Need to wire in the dash gauges. Who knows if they work? It’s a mess right now. Won’t be when I am done.

I think I am close to starting it up.

Once it starts then I will replace worn suspension and steering parts. You can wiggle the kingpins by hand. Most of the bushings in the shackles or worn enough that you can see through them. Tie rods are shot.

Next will be brakes. Once all of that is in place I will route the rest of the body harness and see about a real drive.

I think I have a good plan. Am I missing anything?

Pics to follow.

[corvette8n]

You didn’t mention shocks, I got mine done by Andy. [email protected]
If you search the forums you’ll see he does nice work.

[sugarmaker]

Very nice family truck! Looking forward to more pictures and stories too!
Regards,
Chris

[pistonbroke]

There's just something about a ford truck. And you have a great one. Welcome.

[1936 ford pickup]

Hello New Guy Old Truck,

Love the stories and the photos of the "little green truck".
Here are photos of mine after I re-did it.
A '36 with '35 wire wheels.
Going to its's first American Graffiti Car Show tomorrow (Saturday 06/19/2021). I live in Hughson, Ca. about 4 miles East of Modesto, Ca. and we know Modesto was the inspiration for George Lucas's film AMERICAN GRAFFITI.

Take care,

Bruce Smith
Hughson, Ca.

[Joshbarts]

Originally Posted by 1936 ford pickup

Hello New Guy Old Truck,

Love the stories and the photos of the "little green truck".
Here are photos of mine after I re-did it.
A '36 with '35 wire wheels.
Going to its's first American Graffiti Car Show tomorrow (Saturday 06/19/2021). I live in Hughson, Ca. about 4 miles East of Modesto, Ca. and we know Modesto was the inspiration for George Lucas's film AMERICAN GRAFFITI.

Take care,

Bruce Smith
Hughson, Ca.

That is a gorgeous truck! Keeps me motivated to keep going.



Just a little bit of progress this weekend. I don't want to have too much apart or in work so I don't confuse myself or misplace something.



I have plenty of pics to add but its just pieces being removed and reinstalled. Once i get to a significant point I can post more pics when there is something to show.

[Joshbarts]

Time for an update.

I have put some work into the old’ 36 this spring. I rebuilt the fuel pump. Rebuilt the carb (had a friend do it.) Rebuilt the distributor. Dumped all the old fuel and blew out the lines. Removed the old heater hoses and plugged the hole in the head. Removed all the old wiring and replaced with a new harness under the dash and on the engine. New plugs and wires. Removed the old coolant lines and hoses and replaced with new. Cleaned up what I could. Put in a new battery. Pushed it outside, had a fire extinguisher on standby, put some fuel in the carb, and pushed the starter.

Guess what happened? It started right up. Then it quit. I put some gas in the carb again. It started right up and quit. I took the fuel pump off and realized it wasn’t connected correctly to engine rod thingy. Pushed the starter button again and it started right up and…. Idled.

That was very exciting… for two reasons. One, it started and idled! Two, I watched my 11-year-old son start an 85 year old vehicle that belonged to his great grandfather. That was a pretty cool moment.

I couldn’t contain myself. I knew it had fluids and was lubed all around. So I said to my boy “Lets go for a spin.” I live out in the country with no traffic. What the worst that can happen. Well, nothing happened. We drove around for a while. Put on maybe 5 miles total and brought it back home.

I used my phone GPS and we could run 35mph comfortably before it started to shake a little. I didn’t want to push it. I have new tie rods and shackles to swap out. The tie rods are in pieces and you can see through the bolt holes on the shackles since they are so worn and rusty.

This doesn’t mean I am done by any means it just means I can move on to the next thing. I noticed a small spray from the passenger water pump. It doesn’t leak just a little spray when the fan is spinning. Those are on the list to replace now. Brakes need a lot of work. I need to get it registered if I plan on getting ice cream yet this year. It seems like a reasonable option now.

[tubman]

Congratulations! The first start and drive are something special. The truck looks great and it sounds like there isn't too much more wrong that you can't handle.

Get on it and then go get that ice cream!

[flatford8]

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Great Story !!!….. keep us all up to date when you make more progress!!….. I have a grandson who’s almost two, I can’t wait till he can see “ Grandpa’s Old Stuff”……. Mark

[alanwoodieman]

how about a picture of the future owner of great grandpa's old truck. keep him busy helping, some body young needs to know how to work on flatheads and old stuff!!

[Anteek29]

I see there's a matching Bush Hog attachment for your truck too

[sugarmaker]

Josh,
Your family truck look amazing! Yes pictures with your grandson and the truck would be great. I have great grandsons playing in my 32 once in a while too. Your truck being a family unit is really special!
I did not know about the brush hog attachment. Very rare I assume!
Are you using vintage plates? I am just ready to send in my paper work for my plate that came to me with the truck.
Ice cream sounds like a great plan!
Regards,
Chris

[Lawson Cox]

Nice truck. I've got its Daddy. Welcome to the Barn. If I can help any, give me a shout. I'm the oldest (in age) on the Barn. I have the 35 PU which is my Avatar.

[TLOHM]

Great truck and even greater legacy. Hang on to it!