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Old 05-24-2021, 08:46 PM   #1
Neil Mylar LakewoodCA
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Default Old moving van on roof of U-haul building

I spotted this old 1930s moving van on the roof of a u-haul building in San Bernadino, today.
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Old 05-24-2021, 09:03 PM   #2
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Default Re: Old moving van on roof of U-haul building

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I spotted this old 1930s moving van on the roof of a u-haul building in San Bernadino, today.
What is it ? Year, make and model?
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Old 05-24-2021, 09:48 PM   #3
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Default Re: Old moving van on roof of U-haul building

That kind of thing was very popular in the 40s and 50s. People were just having fun after a dispiriting war, willing to be ridiculous and laugh. We seem to be missing that now.
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Old 05-24-2021, 10:50 PM   #4
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Default Re: Old moving van on roof of U-haul building





Larger picture of U-Haul Co Truck spotted on roof at San Bernardino. Can anyone tell what make it is?
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Old 05-24-2021, 11:38 PM   #5
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Default Re: Old moving van on roof of U-haul building

Those truck style wheels make me guess International or White? The curved doors are interesting.
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Old 05-24-2021, 11:39 PM   #6
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Default Re: Old moving van on roof of U-haul building

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I see that kind of thing at a few places around me. Having an old U Haul truck is just priceless.

Nice photo and thanks for posting
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Old 05-25-2021, 12:27 AM   #7
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Default Re: Old moving van on roof of U-haul building

Somewhere there is a list of all cars and
trucks on poles and roofs.
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Old 05-25-2021, 12:38 AM   #8
Neil Mylar LakewoodCA
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Default Re: Old moving van on roof of U-haul building

I remember the Model T coupe that was on the roof of Ford Parts Obsolete in Los Angeles and then relocated in Long Beach, CA.
The heavy motor and trans had been removed from that Model T.
I imagine the U-haul truck has no motor and trans, as well.
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Old 05-25-2021, 02:00 AM   #9
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Default Re: Old moving van on roof of U-haul building

That kind of thing was very popular in the 40s and 50s. People were just having fun after a dispiriting war, willing to be ridiculous and laugh. We seem to be missing that now.





isnt that the truth.........
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Old 05-25-2021, 06:07 AM   #10
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Default Re: Old moving van on roof of U-haul building

Would make a great camper. I am not a hotrodder but if missing the engine and transmission I would put modern components in so that I could travel at highway speeds. Besides the initial purchase price I would budget $20,000 for the conversion, perhaps getting parts from a wrecked RV.
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Old 05-25-2021, 09:48 AM   #11
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Default Re: Old moving van on roof of U-haul building

Could it be a "Diamond T"? They had wheels that looked like that.
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Old 05-25-2021, 11:03 AM   #12
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Default Re: Old moving van on roof of U-haul building

A truck like that would be neat to put back in running order. Seems like a waste to have it just sitting there.
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Old 05-25-2021, 11:07 AM   #13
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Default Re: Old moving van on roof of U-haul building

A lot of big trucks have used the Dayton type wheels for many years. There were still a fair amount of truck manufacturers in the early to mid 30s. Some died out due to the depression but not all of them. The headlights may be later BLC type add ons and other parts may also not be original to the old Van Body truck.

U-Haul likely never had any large vans quite that old. They haven't been around that long.

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Old 05-25-2021, 12:44 PM   #14
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Default Re: Old moving van on roof of U-haul building

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A lot of big trucks have used the Dayton type wheels for many years. There were still a fair amount of truck manufacturers in the early to mid 30s. Some died out due to the depression but not all of them. The headlights may be later BLC type add ons and other parts may also not be original to the old Van Body truck.

U-Haul likely never had any large vans quite that old. They haven't been around that long.
U-Haul only rented trailers - never vans - until fairly recently. Just after WWII, my father began working for the Texas Company (now Texaco) as a sales manager in the Oregon and Washington, where U-Haul got started. U-Haul was able to expand rapidly by positioning their trailers at service stations where, in exchange for part of the rental fees, they got locations, rental service, and some maintenance support. This became a side business for service station operators, most of whom leased their stations from Texaco and the other major oil companies. U-Haul trailers lined up next to a station detracted from the image that Texaco was careful to maintain and mechanical problems with U-Haul's were often blamed on the station that handled the rental. My Dad had a special hatred for U-Haul.
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Old 05-25-2021, 05:57 PM   #15
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Default Re: Old moving van on roof of U-haul building

They started with trailers back in 1945 but didn't start to purchase van body trucks until 1959. They may have used older and surplus equipment since that's how they started out. They built their first trailers right after they moved north from LA since they couldn't find a place that would rent them one. They saw a need and found a way to capitalize on it. Some of their first trailers were built out of old scrap yard vehicle parts.

I remember van body U-haul trucks back in the 70s that were pretty old and rusty so I guess it depends on how a person defines recently. Different U-haul franchises have different equipment. Many of the smaller ones were just trailers but the larger ones had all sorts of equipment and trucks for moving.

That place in San Berdoo is only one of several large ones there.
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Old 05-26-2021, 12:11 PM   #16
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Default Re: Old moving van on roof of U-haul building

Very cool pic! The company u haul building by me has a modern truck o the roof.
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Old 05-26-2021, 01:34 PM   #17
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Default Re: Old moving van on roof of U-haul building

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That place in San Berdoo is only one of several large ones there.
San Berdoo! I don't think I've heard that since the late '50's when we used to drive through on the way to my grandparents' cabin near Lake Arrowhead. Thanks for the memories.

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Old 05-27-2021, 10:18 AM   #18
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Default Re: Old moving van on roof of U-haul building

Quote:
That kind of thing was very popular in the 40s and 50s.
I remember seeing a car upside down on a tall post, the sign said "Will your battery turn your car over?".
This was at an automotive battery shop.
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Old 05-27-2021, 10:47 PM   #19
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Default Re: Old moving van on roof of U-haul building

Here's a nice sign. Ellingson car museum and sales. Its an interesting place to visit, you see a lot for $5. Yes, that's a real Model A up there...
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Old 05-28-2021, 03:29 AM   #20
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Default Re: Old moving van on roof of U-haul building

Reminds me of this French Model AA moving van:



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