New project: ‘41 ford pickup

[Vanspeed]

Long story short,

I have been gone from here for a bit, occasionally posting things. I have moved to Northern Michigan and I have actually begun an LLC. I am a certified pre-1973 mechanic and hopefully at some point I can work on old fords for a living.

New project. New (to me) shop. It’s a 1941 ford pickup. I will post along on here how the build goes and what direction it goes if anybody is interested. So far the truck has been taken apart.

[pistonbroke]

Welcome home. It looks like a solid start . From your pictures I would say you and I are starting with about the same condition of truck. Does yours run or drive? On a different note, Can you tell us anything about the red big window on the hoist? I like those trucks. Tim

[Zeke3]

Congratulations on the move, the new shop and project. The shop looks great and I look forward to where your project leads you.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Vanspeed

New project. New (to me) shop. It’s a 1941 ford pickup. I will post along on here how the build goes and what direction it goes if anybody is interested. So far the truck has been taken apart.

[GB SISSON]

Very cool! I like the big tires on the '41. Are they 7.50 x 16s?

[corvette8n]

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Looking forward to this tear down and build.

[Vanspeed]

Thanks, that is my 1960 F-100. Short bed custom cab. It is still factory original and I use it as my parts hauler/lumber yard truck.

Originally Posted by pistonbroke

Welcome home. It looks like a solid start . From your pictures I would say you and I are starting with about the same condition of truck. Does yours run or drive? On a different note, Can you tell us anything about the red big window on the hoist? I like those trucks. Tim

[Vanspeed]

After looking at the cab today and examining everything I really feel it would be in my best interest to find another cab. This one just needs too much work. It is all fixable but I will have a lot more in fixing this one than finding a good one. Let me know if anybody has one or knows of one. I do not need doors, just a clean cab.

[mhsprecher]

I wish I had your shop.

[Vanspeed]

Thanks. It is a good shop. It had a pit which I filled almost immediately because I fell in it shortly after moving. Luckily half way down I caught the rear bumper of the F-100 and it softened the fall.

Originally Posted by mhsprecher

I wish I had your shop.

[Vanspeed]

Not sure they are just really old rollers. I know some are big though.

Originally Posted by GB SISSON

Very cool! I like the big tires on the '41. Are they 7.50 x 16s?

[mhsprecher]

Originally Posted by Vanspeed

Thanks. It is a good shop. It had a pit which I filled almost immediately because I fell in it shortly after moving. Luckily half way down I caught the rear bumper of the F-100 and it softened the fall.

Grease pits are dangerous in more ways than one.

I am lucky to have two garages, but no lifts and never enough space, but I guess that is a problem all of us have! ;-)

[pistonbroke]

Go to the swap meet page there is one there. Tim

[Vanspeed]

12 hours away. Thanks for looking but I need to try and find one closer. The gas alone on that would probably cost me $400

Originally Posted by pistonbroke

Go to the swap meet page there is one there. Tim

[Vanspeed]

Chassis work is first. Think this one might run parallel rear leafs.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Vanspeed

Chassis work is first. Think this one might run parallel rear leafs.

[Flathead Fever]

I love 1941 Ford pickups. I want one real-bad, but I already have too many unfinished projects. I missed out on the 90-year-old neighbors' '41 pickup he had owned for over 50-years He was my best friend. I took to him to all the Ford shows. We were flathead buddies. He lived two-houses above mine. He ran the dry lakes from 1947-1950. He was bigtime commercial contractor. He had Ferraris and all kinds of cars. I said I don't give a crap about that V12 Ferrari Daytona and V12 Ferrari Lusso, of all of your 29 cars I like your worn-out '41 pickup best. I kept all those cars running for him for free. You think a couple strombergs on a flathead are pain, try six Webers on a Ferrari that got gummed up with old fuel. He was good friend. He said don't worry the family knows your supposed to have first chance at it. I didn't bring it up at the funeral I thought that would be a little rude. I figured they would let me know when they were ready to seel the cars and parts. Pretty soon I found out it was gone, the daughter-n-law sold it to a friend of Her's for a lot less than I would have paid. I was a heart broken. I had never looked for one because I knew someday, I would end up with that '41 pickup. It was sold new at a local Ford dealer. Jim bought it from the original orange grove farmer. I was supposed to get it to keep it from getting screwed-up. Accessary column shift and sun visors. I did end-up with the original trailer for his bellytank. It was at his construction yard; he was going to scrap it and I saved it. There is the trailer at Bonneville in 1950 behind another '41 pickup he had. I did get the SCTA belly tank trophies. I found photos of a lot of his cars but not that '41 pickup I wanted.

[GB SISSON]

Great tale! I wish the ending had followed the script. Could be a wake up call for some of us like putting this kind of desire on some form of legal paper. I have told my family to call this guy or that guy upon my demise. I hope they remember, but looking around, most of my stuff just looks like old junk to those outside of the 'fold'.

[47fordguy]

Great truck I love the grilles on these. '41 Ford telephone truck:

[Vanspeed]

Outrigger crossmembers that attach to the x-frame and outer rails were really messed up. Bent, mangled, ripped holes, cracks, etc. somebody tried to pull it by these at some point. They had to come out for repair.

[ronn]

you might consider saving the cab you have. If 400. scares you, check out what people expect to get for a good cab..........

[Vanspeed]

Originally Posted by ronn

you might consider saving the cab you have. If 400. scares you, check out what people expect to get for a good cab..........

That cab is staying and getting repaired.

[Vanspeed]

Also got the parallel rear springs fitted. Engine/trans mounts fitted as well. The rear axle is a ‘74 bronco 3:54 nine inch.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Vanspeed

Also got the parallel rear springs fitted. Engine/trans mounts fitted as well. The rear axle is a ‘74 bronco 3:54 nine inch.

[Vanspeed]

Driver door had some issues so I found a nice ‘46/‘47 to swap out. Only damage was the lower hinge (like most) went past it’s limit and bent the inside structure and tore out the rivets. This is by no means a concourse truck so I fixed it how I knew I could. It will be finished tomorrow and I will rosette weld the studs and try to make them look like rivet heads.

[Vanspeed]

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Passenger side frame repair.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Vanspeed

Passenger side frame repair.

[GB SISSON]

Originally Posted by petehoovie

That is some really nice frame rail work. Not an easy thing to fix for sure. A+ on the repair.

[Zeke3]

Nice looking repair Vanspeed.

[cmbrucew]

Vanspeed
You do nice work sir.


Bruce

[Vanspeed]

Thanks guys. I appreciate that. Tackled the spare tire delete today and also fixed a bunch of old crack/farmer fixes. Now they are sitting out in my patina solution aging to match the truck.

[Vanspeed]

Frame is also all repaired and painted. Assembly should start next week.

[cas3]

Nice truck !

[Vanspeed]

Who knows what instrument cluster was in the truck but it is now back to stock thanks to a friend who donated a section of dash from a donor truck.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Vanspeed

Who knows what instrument cluster was in the truck but it is now back to stock thanks to a friend who donated a section of dash from a donor truck.

[hotrodA]

That’s some great progress.
Keep it up!
Wish I could get back to work on mine.

[Vanspeed]

Can’t believe how many extra holes were in this firewall.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Vanspeed

Can’t believe how many extra holes were in this firewall.

[rustedorrotting]

we are almost neighbors. I live in East Jordan Mi. and have similar interests. I have a 41 pickup myself.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by rustedorrotting

we are almost neighbors. I live in East Jordan Mi. and have similar interests. I have a 41 pickup myself.

[Vanspeed]

Lots of work this week. Dove into the floor. Man this is a mess. This was sold by a fellow barner to me as a truck with “little rust”. Rocker extensions were toast. Lower toe boards (which I am going to patch) full front floors, patches needed at bottom of triangular front cab supports and lower cowl.

[Vanspeed]

Pass. side toe board patch and cowl patch done. Other than finding a good “hump” center section where the floor boards meet, the front of the rust repair is done. Moving onto inner/outer cab corners and whatever small patches need to be done in the rear.

[mike42]

Vanspeed…….you picked a nice place to live ! I’m in Gaylord, Michigan and go that way occasionally. Great drive on the road around the lake. Good luck up there ! I always wanted a ‘40 but could never find one that was in decent shape to restore !

Good luck !

Mike

[Vanspeed]

Thanks Mike. We were definitely not looking here when we decided to move. It was jsut the right place at the right time. I would not give it up for anything. Not sure this truck was the right one to bring back either but I couldn’t turn the challenge down when the new owner asked me to built it and he wanted a barn find kinda truck. Saving as much metal as I can has been a fun challenge.

Originally Posted by mike42

Vanspeed…….you picked a nice place to live ! I’m in Gaylord, Michigan and go that way occasionally. Great drive on the road around the lake. Good luck up there ! I always wanted a ‘40 but could never find one that was in decent shape to restore !

Good luck !

Mike

[Vanspeed]

Chassis has the suspension installed for the final time.

[petehoovie]

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Originally Posted by Vanspeed

Chassis has the suspension installed for the final time.

[41 Ford PU]

Vanspeed: If that pickup is a 112" wheelbase, I'm not so sure that the dual front to back rear leave springs are correct in the rearend.

I've got a '41 pickup and it has the left to right single rear spring.
I'm not an expert, just saying what I have. Everything on mine looks
to be original.

Mike

[41 Ford PU]

P.S.

Your doing some excellent work, keep it up.

Mike

[Randy in ca]

Originally Posted by 41 Ford PU

Vanspeed: If that pickup is a 112" wheelbase, I'm not so sure that the dual front to back rear leave springs are correct in the rearend.

I've got a '41 pickup and it has the left to right single rear spring.
I'm not an expert, just saying what I have. Everything on mine looks
to be original.

Mike

-
See earlier posts - rearend setup is totally non-stock.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Randy in ca

-
See earlier posts - rearend setup is totally non-stock.

[Vanspeed]

Yes this is going to be more of a modern day driver. The idea is keep it all original on the outside but add some modern convenience underneath. The owner wants to drive it everywhere. Lots of rot in the back. Tackling it one piece at a time. The mount reinforced plate was removed prior to the first pic and was saved. It will go back after it is finished.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Vanspeed

Yes this is going to be more of a modern day driver. The idea is keep it all original on the outside but add some modern convenience underneath. The owner wants to drive it everywhere. Lots of rot in the back. Tackling it one piece at a time. The mount reinforced plate was removed prior to the first pic and was saved. It will go back after it is finished.

[TomT/Williamsburg]

That’s some really nice work - lookin good!

[Vanspeed]

Cab corners are done. Both required removal of the brace at the rear body mount (not fun to remove) and some floor work. More on the driver side. Even that thick brace had two spots that needed repair. Inner cab corners were also toast. Not much left of the original floor but it is rot free once again. Coat of POR-15 to keep it this way. Still need to do some floor work where the hump was.

[Bored&Stroked]

Nice project, great work! Good to have you posting again . . .

[rustedorrotting]

I also am finishing a 41 1/2 ton pickup and live in East Jordan michigan.

[TJ]

Nice work and saving a '40 pickup. Without a doubt they are the best looking pickup that Ford made of that era.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by rustedorrotting

I also am finishing a 41 1/2 ton pickup and live in East Jordan michigan.

[Vanspeed]

Started on the transmission tunnel and hump behind it. I hope I can wrap this all up tomorrow and get the cab back on its dolly, remove the bracing and hang the doors.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Vanspeed

Started on the transmission tunnel and hump behind it. I hope I can wrap this all up tomorrow and get the cab back on its dolly, remove the bracing and hang the doors.

[Vanspeed]

Floor is all done. Doors back on with Altman bear claw latches. New rear wheels from wheel smith arrived as well. Tires can now be mounted.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Vanspeed

Floor is all done. Doors back on with Altman bear claw latches. New rear wheels from wheel smith arrived as well. Tires can now be mounted.

[Vanspeed]

Starting on building the exhaust. Wheels and tires are on.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Vanspeed

Starting on building the exhaust. Wheels and tires are on.

[41 Ford PU]

Vanspeed: I've been following your rebuild with interest. I have a '41 PU as well, although it is pretty much a done vehicle.

Have you gotten into the carburetor yet? I'm in need of the choke & throttle rods. Whether they are available, or if I have to make them myself, I can do that if necessary.

If I make them, I might need the various component part dimensions. If you get to that point let me know. I can take photos to send to you for your reference.

Mike

[Vanspeed]

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Originally Posted by 41 Ford PU

Vanspeed: I've been following your rebuild with interest. I have a '41 PU as well, although it is pretty much a done vehicle.

Have you gotten into the carburetor yet? I'm in need of the choke & throttle rods. Whether they are available, or if I have to make them myself, I can do that if necessary.

If I make them, I might need the various component part dimensions. If you get to that point let me know. I can take photos to send to you for your reference.

Mike

Hi Mike, unfortunately this was more of a shell than a truck. No engine, trans, or anything interior related. I have no rods. Sorry.

[41 Ford PU]

Thanks anyway. If one doesn't ask, one will never know.

Mike

[Vanspeed]

Little more progress on the ‘41. I know the drivetrain is not ford but this is a customers vehicle and this is his dream car. It should move about pretty well. Cab and bed back on for final time.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Vanspeed

Little more progress on the ‘41. I know the drivetrain is not ford but this is a customers vehicle and this is his dream car. It should move about pretty well. Cab and bed back on for final time.

[GB SISSON]

He wants it for his daily driver to go wherever, whenever? Could you work up a couple of hardened steel pins that lock the rear hubs to the axle housing from say 11/1 until 3/31 or thereabouts? You could manage them from a remote device.....

[Vanspeed]

Scored some ‘40 - ‘41 rear sedan delivery fenders, at least that is what the seller said they were. Perfect candidates to split up the fenders so I could keep the good and l replace the bad. Passenger side up next!

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Vanspeed

Scored some ‘40 - ‘41 rear sedan delivery fenders, at least that is what the seller said they were. Perfect candidates to split up the fenders so I could keep the good and l replace the bad. Passenger side up next!

[Roger/Sacramento]

My '41 Pickup

[Vanspeed]

Bed wood and strips in for final time. Rear fenders on for final time.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Roger/Sacramento

My '41 Pickup

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Vanspeed

Bed wood and strips in for final time. Rear fenders on for final time.

[TomT/Williamsburg]

Boy - you have really come a long way! I love your build!

[Vanspeed]

Sheetmetal is all installed. Building a custom shroud for the radiator. Next is wiring. Getting close.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Vanspeed

Sheetmetal is all installed. Building a custom shroud for the radiator. Next is wiring. Getting close.

[Vanspeed]

All work is done except for wiring. Thanks to those that followed. I know this was not a stock ford restoration but I thought some might like it. Thanks for following.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Vanspeed

All work is done except for wiring. Thanks to those that followed. I know this was not a stock ford restoration but I thought some might like it. Thanks for following.

[deuce5wndw]

You did an outstanding job on the pickup and you flew on it! What's your next project?

[Als48]

Great Job! I love '40/41 trucks.

[sugarmaker]

Great work on the truck! I would drive it. Look of the truck is right on for a wonderful driver that will turn heads! I almost bought a project that would have similar. Still like the look of the 40/41 Ford trucks!
Regards,
Chris and Cheryl

[Vanspeed]

Originally Posted by deuce5wndw

You did an outstanding job on the pickup and you flew on it! What's your next project?

Thanks very much. This is up next. Mechanical restoration only and conversion to 12volt.

[petehoovie]

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Originally Posted by Vanspeed

Thanks very much. This is up next. Mechanical restoration only and conversion to 12volt.

[Dick]

Great looking '41....The F-1 looks good as well. Looking forward to seeing it on the road!

Thanks Pete, for the enlargements!