The retruckification of my 38 starts.

[Tinker]

So now that I have finished my wife truck it's on to mine. It's going to be a long build as I will be working only at night and weekends.

The truck has been in my family for about 40yrs and has spent 30+yrs of that time in a pole shed. The truck was hauled down and I've had the truck in my garage since 07. Work has been done to get it road worthy, including an engine rebuild, rewire, and brakes. Then, I drove it and collected the needed sheetmetal pieces.

I initially put a drop axle under the truck. Over the years my taste have changed and, being it's a truck, I want to bring it back to that feeling and look of a truck. The drop axle was nice, but I never really liked that the track width was shortened.

First was to reestablish my ride height. The front had a new 3" drop axle with new drop spindles/arms. So out with the new and in with the old! I saved every little bolt, clip, etc that has been taken off this truck. Cleaned up the original axle, put new bushings in the spindles and the machine shop fit the kingpins (I don't have a reamer). Replaced tierod ends, shackles, along with the kingpins. Rear ride height was addressed by removing the lowering shackles and replacing them with standard shackles. I kept the reverse eye spring on the rear, but it will get it's old spring back with the extra pack springs removed. (original spring for the rear had 18 leaves, a 2 pack setup with a smaller stiffening pack on the bottom. those will not be making a reappearance and will level the ride height.)

Where is was a week ago...

Where it rides now...


So it begins, warning there will be a few modern additions for drive-ablity and safety.

[Shu47]

The lowered version is fine but I like the return to the original look.

[Ross F-1]

I like the stock stance much better, especially on a '38.

[Tinker]

This was around 07' just before it was removed from it's 30yr sleep...


Side shot of the lowered version. 08-09ish. Not very truck like, great look for some trucks.

[kelley's restoration]

I would be interested in the parts you removed for a project of mine
let me know
tk

[Tinker]

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The drop axle and spindles may be used in another project of mine or they will go to a local build here. But thanks for the offer.

[Old Henry]

All the time I was driving Old Henry in high school he seemed to have a "dropped axle". It wasn't until I started restoring him after he slept for 31 years that I discovered why.



I count no less than 13 breaks in the front spring. He was ridin' mighty low on only 6 for his 11 spring leaves.

[fourspeedwagon]

Subscribed- thanks for sharing. Greg

[Tinker]

Craig... so did you reuse that spring! Just kidding... wow, that one was shot!

The original under the front of the 38 had no broken leaves, but was well worn. It was replaced with a eaton detroit spring. Very nice spring.

Side shot...


Will be taking the truck down to the frame in the next few months (or many months). It's had a hard life and was beat up. Bed frame will be replaced, dents hammered out, and painted (still contemplating color, probably black. I'm leaning to not using filler. It will have some imperfections but it's going to retain some of it's farm past).

[Tinker]

Working on the rear fenders. Getting them fit to the truck before I pull the bed and cab off. Slow going.

Replaced about a 2" piece of the lip that was cracked and bent.




Next is this bugger. I have my old fender from my truck that is beat to heck but surprising not in the spots of my better replacement fender. So between the two should be able to make 1 decent fender.

[cmbrucew]

Tinker
In the as found photo is a small tractor. Any more shots of it?
Looks like one I had. Wisconsion engine, Crosley transmission and Lincoln rear end.
Bruce

[Tinker]

Bruce that is interesting you mentioned that. It was a little tractor my dad made to grade the area around the new farm house many years ago. Its one thing that always sticks in my mind and It'd be fun to get it going again.

Its a bit of car parts, tractor, and scrap.

[Tinker]

At this rate I should be done with the metal work somewhere around September.... 2016 Still need to weld up the rest of the lip and a little more finishing.

[tamnalan]

Neat to see another barrel nose Ford with NDT tires.

[Tinker]

Thanks. I like them. I got them first because they were a cheap roller.

My end idea would be the old directional tires. But best i know no one makes them. Next best would be these ,http://www.cokertire.com/600-16-fire...bby-truck.html maybe in the future...

What do you think? Do you have a better tire source for truck tires?

[woodburnranch]

You might try millertire.com. Jim

[sidevalve8ba]

I've often wondered how well NDT's handle a wet road.

[tamnalan]

I've put a lot of miles on NDTs on a '43 Willys. They do ok in the rain. Not so good in snow. Of course, this was all at about 35 mph or less.

Universal Tire has good prices and service. There's a fellow on G503.com - Tom Wolboldt - who sells NDTs that are more authentic for the WWII Ford jeeps. They would be more appropriate for a wartime Ford pickup look and his prices are very reasonable.

[Tinker]

Thanks for the links guys. I will be keeping the NDTs for a while.

[tamnalan]

One bummer about NDTs is that they are rather noisy on pavement. Kind of a howling sound. It's very noticeable in an open jeep - maybe a pickup cab will cut the noise some though.

[Tinker]

Replaced a larger piece of the rear of the fender and fit it to the truck. Fits great. No before picture but it was flatten out completely and brazed. Need to weld in a piece for the torn fender bolthole and redrill. Then one more crack in the rear of the fender.



Tab for fender bracket welded in but needs trimming, made it over sized.


What was cutout...

[Tinker]

Last piece to fix on the fender that was brazed. Old fender is no help here... it should be a fairly simple patch to make, although it has some compound curvature to it.



No patch here...


Considering the old fender condition and that I'm not a professional metal guy, I am happy in how its going.

[41panelmark]

Old Henry, Wow, I have seen some bad springs but... those are something else.

[Tinker]

It fits. Running board will need some serious hammering.

[bmwillia]

Great work Tinker!

[Tinker]

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Thanks Brad

[Tinker]

This is an older update as these are pictures are from about 4 mouths ago.

39 pedals and mc.
New stainless brake lines.
New fuel line.
New fuel tank.
Mitchell 2 speed.

more current:
Cab is back on now.
Bed frame is fitted and welded.
Wiring done except lights.
Radiator on.
Windshield installed.
Door regulators reconditioned.
Door lock reconditioned and re-keyed.

Truck runs great. Can't wait to drive it again.

[Tinker]

Finally got some paint on a few things. Putting the grill back together and the front fenders go into storage for a bit.

[Tinker]

Running boards close to getting paint after straightening out a couple small dents. Needs a couple more hrs with a dolly still.

[markivpedalpusher]

Your making some good progress, looks fantastic!

[Fredb_]

Nice work. My first "old" Ford was a 39 half ton, so this brings back some fond memories. Thanks for all the photos.

[Tinker]

Thanks guys.

[jacob smith]

Looks great. Nice job

[zzlegend]

Looks great Tinker. That will be a nice truck when completed.

[nospartsman]

Originally Posted by cmbrucew

Tinker
In the as found photo is a small tractor. Any more shots of it?
Looks like one I had. Wisconsion engine, Crosley transmission and Lincoln rear end.
Bruce

Is this what you are referring to? Ford 1937 trans, narrowed Ford banjo rear, and 16" 40 wheels, mechanical rear Ford brakes. It's called a Shaw Du-All made in Galesburg, Ks. I bought this at the Iola swap meet this July and should have it running tomorrow with a recent ebay purchased AEN Wisconsin engine.

[Mike in AZ]

some great looking work on the pickup....looks great....Mike

[Tinker]

I've seen those and they are nice. The one my dad built had a 50s pumpkin out back. Might be what Bruce was talking about though. Great lawn tractor. It'd be cool to have a loader on the front to haul hit miss and flatheads around.

[Tinker]

Thank ya guys.

[36coupe]

Nice work.

[Tinker]

Thanks Lindsay.

Starting to bolt some things on now. Ended up painting the cab one more time so all the color matches. Lots and lots of sanding.

[Ken Crans]

Tinker, Turning out really nice,should have done by spring?

[mrfliboy]

Man that's some real nice work there. Looking great!!

[Brendan]

looks good!

[GB SISSON]

I have been enjoying watching your great progress. I go way back with the '38s. There has never been a lot of action with them so it always gets my attention when someone heaps a bit of love on one. Keep up the good work!

[Tinker]

Originally Posted by Ken Crans

Tinker, Turning out really nice,should have done by spring?

Hope to. The bed needs fairly extensive work. It might be seen on the road with a wood flatbed setup while the actual bed is being done.

Originally Posted by mrfliboy

Man that's some real nice work there. Looking great!!

Thanks! I can say the same about your build. Your fenders needed some skill to rebuild and they turned out very nice!

Originally Posted by Brendan

looks good!

Thank ya Brendan.

Originally Posted by GB SISSON

I have been enjoying watching your great progress. I go way back with the '38s. There has never been a lot of action with them so it always gets my attention when someone heaps a bit of love on one. Keep up the good work!

Thank you!

[Tinker]

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Fenders on. Lots of little stuff. Fender brackets, welting, light buckets in and wired, vent gasket, screen, vent installed, windshield wiper, interior trim pieces, rear window installed (pop bottle green), cowl lacing... etc

[Tinker]

Well its all fitted to take apart for final paint. It all fits decent, but will take minor fit adjustments.
Bed frame, front panel, and tailgate from northern classic. Very happy with how it fit with the original ford components.
Temporary plywood bed floor for now.

[39portlander]

Re-truck-ifi-cation\ adj: the accomplishment of a Tinker. I wish I could have seen this thread back when you posted it in 2014, you got a lot of work done and looks great. The progress pictures tell it all.

This thread will motivate a lot of us to "get back at it". Will have to get on line a little more often now. Scott

[41panelmark]

Tinker, it is looking great. I recognize that engine in the back. Keep up the good work.

[Vintage Copper 47]

Originally Posted by Tinker

Fenders on. Lots of little stuff. Fender brackets, welting, light buckets in and wired, vent gasket, screen, vent installed, windshield wiper, interior trim pieces, rear window installed (pop bottle green), cowl lacing... etc

It's been two years since your post.. But man, thank you for keeping the old trucks on the road.. a labor of love for sure.. Here is a shot of a 1944 G506 I restored and later sold :-(
truck1.jpg

GOOD JOB!... now I want another truck!

[FlatheadTed]

Nice job Tinker ,Vintage C what was the moter in the G506, a 6 Ted

[Tinker]

I've been driving the truck but I'm not finished. The NDT tires ride nice at 60+ mph.

Why NDT tires? 6ply and why not.

US Army 1938 Marmon-Herrington/Ford 4x4 Reconnaissance Car with two .30 caliber

[Clem Clement]

I took my '39 Peekup for a 90 mile run yesterday to the Damascus cruise in. he did swell. We replaced the 35 tranny with a '37 case with '39 gears. No more squealing in third gear!(The old setup the uni was loose, the uni scraped the ball housing and the end shaft had 1/2inch forward/back play. Dunno why as yet but it lays in a pile waiting for me to study it. At the eV-8 National here ai grabs a pair us used rear shocks. my left was shot so now the ride is better. He still has a "Dutch roll" which keeps me on my toes. Heater valve is closed but the heater still heats on long runs. I"ll loop the hoses next. He bucks a little on acceleration so the pot will get a redo. At the show he was loved for the originallness of the wrinkles and patinas. They loved my clock which is on the front right hupcap. (PITA as when I stop I have to jack up the front to rotate the time to get the cardinal point at the top). The battery meter has always showed a bit low. After the trip it showed in the normal range. Strange gauge. The womens were back screamin for a ride...I run 'em off as I was busy. The trip back took 2 hours bumper to bumper in DC traffic. I sweat off a couple of pounds. I'm learning how to drive the truck better. I'm 6'2" so I need to turn my right foot 45 degrees to the side to get reach the support stud and gain better clutch engagement. That action is getting better. The clutch still chatters a bit on engagement (Anti chatter rods very tight.) All in all a great day on the road!!!

[Tinker]

Hey Clem, I was at a show a couple weekends ago. About 60 miles round trip. Truck ran great and the mitchell OD preformed very well. Averaged about 55-65 with low rpms.

Couple picts, there wasn't a lot of flathead fords there, only about a half dozen if you counted the model A 4s also. Mostly streetrods and muscle cars.

Lots of people liked the 60s mini-bike... a lot!

[Clem Clement]

Good on ya. Great truck!

[Vintage Copper 47]

Originally Posted by FlatheadTed

Nice job Tinker ,Vintage C what was the moter in the G506, a 6 Ted

Yes TED, a stovebolt SIX, stock was the non-pressurized (oil dipper) 235 c.i.

The larger, 2 1/2 ton GMCs had the bigger GMC 261 c.i. (or 270 c.i. can't remember) full oil pressure motor.. it wasn't until the mid-50's the 235 motor became full pressure oil engines! What is really nice about these trucks is the Rockwell axles and the Hydro-Vac brakes! My truck stopped really well!

[FlatheadTed]

Thanks

[Tinker]

Originally Posted by nospartsman

Is this what you are referring to? Ford 1937 trans, narrowed Ford banjo rear, and 16" 40 wheels, mechanical rear Ford brakes. It's called a Shaw Du-All made in Galesburg, Ks. I bought this at the Iola swap meet this July and should have it running tomorrow with a recent ebay purchased AEN Wisconsin engine.

I finally was able to pull that contraption out. A summer project. Talking to my uncle it was a Wisconson engine with front end clutch. Motor was sold off by someone that didn't care. Found one on ebay in Nebraska, hope it's not gone. Nice to finally mess with it. Hope it's not totally rusted shut. More I look at it, it might just be a farmer build. Might need a v8 though. hahaha

[Tinker]

My older sister and dad on that rig 50 years ago.

[cas3]

Big wisconsin one lunger? I may have one here too

[ms fowler]

Tinker, I appreciate the photos of the "process". I am at the point where i REALLY appreciate your comment on the painting--"lots of sanding"...lots and lots of sanding. Gloss black paint hides nothing.
Thanks for posting.

[56this]

i HAVE A PERFECT PAIR OF LOWER GRIL SURROUNDS, THE SHEET METAL PIECES SURROUNDING THE GRILL, IF INTERESTED

[Tinker]

Originally Posted by 56this

i HAVE A PERFECT PAIR OF LOWER GRIL SURROUNDS, THE SHEET METAL PIECES SURROUNDING THE GRILL, IF INTERESTED

If you are talking to me. I'm way past that. THANKS THOUGH

[Tinker]

Originally Posted by ms fowler

Tinker, I appreciate the photos of the "process". I am at the point where i REALLY appreciate your comment on the painting--"lots of sanding"...lots and lots of sanding. Gloss black paint hides nothing.
Thanks for posting.

My old thread about my truck is not a step by step how too. Just more about the journey of the truck. As far as the actual spraying a club friend/brother did the spraying. (a super great guy and a gearhead and talented builder in his own right) I was just the sanding grunt and picking the paint used on it.



Looking forward to your progress.

[ms fowler]

Originally Posted by Tinker

My old thread about my truck is not a step by step how too. Just more about the journey of the truck. As far as the actual spraying a club friend/brother did the spraying. (a super great guy and a gearhead and talented builder in his own right, if you are in the tampa area PM me I'll pass it on) I was just the sanding grunt and picking the paint used on it.



Looking forward to your progress.

I am my own "sanding grunt"---Preparation is 80% of the job, right?

My friend has not decided on a color in the years he has owned it. I finally went around him and asked his wife. We now know it will be some shade of red. I would push for Vermillion because it is an authentic color. I think she wants a darker red--either way, it is progress.