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12-31-2018, 12:35 AM | #1 |
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 2
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31 Mail truck on modern chassis
I would like to build a wood bodied truck to appear like the '31 Mail truck and use it for our business. It would have the '31 cowl, hood, radiator, front fenders, headlights, running boards, etc. To make it reliable and safe for employees to drive, I would like a more modern chassis and running gear.
I'd like suggestions on what frame, running gear, suspension, etc to start building the vehicle. |
12-31-2018, 12:45 AM | #2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 762
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Re: 31 Mail truck on modern chassis
There was a company that made replica 36 Ford pickups on older (mid sized) Ford ranger
chassis. Perhaps that would work for you |
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12-31-2018, 04:22 AM | #3 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: VA
Posts: 1,395
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Re: 31 Mail truck on modern chassis
Have you looked here?
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/ |
12-31-2018, 07:35 AM | #4 |
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: NNNNNNNNJJJJJJJJJJ
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Re: 31 Mail truck on modern chassis
S 10
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12-31-2018, 09:51 AM | #5 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Eastern Tennessee
Posts: 11,486
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Re: 31 Mail truck on modern chassis
Quote:
This is a pretty broad statement really. How accurate or authentic do you want it to be? What kind of budget do you have? Neither the S10 nor the Ranger chassis has the engine located in the proper relationship to the front axle. Therefore they always look awful IMHO. The next issue is many (i.e.: most) "employees" these days cannot drive a vehicle that is a manual-shift or non fuel-injected, and most would need to be power steering & brake equipped. Also, most are likely going to want air conditioning to be happy in a closed vehicle. So where does this leave you? Personally I would suggest you go find a street rodded Tudor that has already been built and remove everything from the Windshield posts rearward to build your faux postal body onto if you are wanting something that has any sort of a ROI when you are finished. |
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12-31-2018, 02:33 PM | #6 |
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Location: Camarillo, CA and Pine Grove, CA
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Re: 31 Mail truck on modern chassis
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1921 Runabout 1930 Tudor Early 1930 AA Speed costs money. How fast do you want to go? |
12-31-2018, 02:41 PM | #7 |
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Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Sunny SoCal and Valley Mills, TX
Posts: 63
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Re: 31 Mail truck on modern chassis
Brent is correct about the engine and front axle position on a modern chassis. They always end up with a bucktoothed appearance, like the old Walter trucks
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12-31-2018, 02:42 PM | #8 |
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Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Long Island,NY
Posts: 1,551
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Re: 31 Mail truck on modern chassis
If you're not set on a mail truck, "woodie" station wagon plans are available from the National Woodie Club. As for a modern, reliable chassis I would also recommend TCI, as Chris suggests. You can order anything from a basic frame to a complete chassis with running gear, steering, brakes, etc.
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12-31-2018, 04:11 PM | #9 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Southern California
Posts: 7,017
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Re: 31 Mail truck on modern chassis
My concern would be a liability issue for my employees. What does your insurance agent think of the idea? Are you going to have seat belts, head rests and air bags and has their design been approved? Sounds like too much risk.
Charlie Stephens |
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