1946 Ford Half Ton Pickup

The new series of Ford pickup trucks featuring all-new styling that was instantly recognizable. The front end now had a slightly protruding flat-faced panel. It incorporated the headlights and the waterfall painted vertical bars grille. The Ford name was printed in the molding on the face of the hood, just above the grille. The parking lights were mounted on the fenders near the headlights. There were louvers on the side of the hood. Originally, the floor of the welded pickup bed was steel with steel strips stamped in a hardwood floor beneath. The Ford script on the hubcaps was stylized to give a winged effect. It was available with both a six cylinder and a V8 engine. The styling which began in 1942 continued through 1947.

For consignment, what was once a yard truck for Roadway trucking company then sent off for scrap at the end of its useful life. The owner prior to our consignor rescued this truck from said scrap yard and started a restoration. The truck then sat until our consignor came along who then performed the mechanical end of the restoration. A short list of work done is as follows: The top end of the engine was removed, gone over, and new gaskets installed, cleaning the fuel system, rebuilding the carburetor, a full tune up, a complete overhaul of the brake system, a 12-volt electrical system conversion, and a new driveshaft and u-joints. Now ready for you to enjoy in its patina riddled form or to take to the next level. The choice is yours!

Exterior
The 1946 Ford Half Ton was still part of the prewar design but with some cosmetic upgrades to make it more flashy for the returning GI's. A flat faced front end with bulbous fenders house headlights on either side of the white waterfall grill. Patina covers the orange body, (a signature Roadway Trucking Company color), in the form of dents, surface rust, fading, and some invasive cancer. The passenger cab floats atop black steel running boards which have both surface and invasive rust but still remain structurally sound. A small but effective bed sits behind the cab and has a steel plate for its flooring along with a spare tire mounted on the driver's side. Twin taillights & signal lights front a simple tailgate with a nifty 3 panel design, the Ford logo being pressed into the center panel. 16" white painted steel wheels adorn all 4 corners and are wrapped in Goodyear blackwall rubber.

Interior
Swinging open the driver's door and we are met with full on utilitarianism. Black painted steel makes up the door panels that show patina along with spots of the original green paint peeking thru. Worn chrome window cranks and door releases break up the sea of black and stick with the bare necessities' motif. A simple bench seat sits between the doors, has a black cloth cover over top of the vinyl, and provides seating for 3. Well as long as you're all good close friends. A worn and taped over black steering wheel fronts the original gauge cluster while the rest of the dash is blank, no radio, no heater...all business. A section of household area carpeting covers the floors and has the long armed shifter poking up to the driver's reach. A glace up shows no headliner at all, just black painted steel.

Drivetrain
Opening the hood we see a patina filled engine bay with an orange painted block residing within. This flathead V8 specs out at 239ci and is topped by a 2bbl carburetor. The top end of this engine was gone over along with the carburetor being rebuilt. Backing it up is a 3-speed manual transmission and on the way back is a 3.54 geared rear axle assembly.

Undercarriage
Surface rust abounds underneath but both the frame and floor pans are invasive rust free. The same surface rust coats the suspension which is leaf springs on both ends. Drum brakes are seen on all 4 corners and we note new parking brake cables along with new brake hoses. A rusty exhaust system dumps spent fumes underneath the bed. While the steel plate in the bed is solid, the wood slats underneath are showing some signs of rot, especially towards the front. A new driveshaft and u-joints are also noted as shining stars down below.

Drivability
Since I'm in recovery from minor surgery I let my partner in crime take the wheel for this drive and I took the passenger's seat. A quick starter thanks to the 12-volt conversion and off to the test track we went. Acceleration proved to be very smooth and adequate while shifting was a breeze. Rebuilt brakes made stopping happen on a dime and handling was well, trucklike. All was good on our drive, but we did notice the speedometer was not operating due to no speedo cable and as per the consignor, the temperature gauge reads a little higher than actual temp. All in all, a great driving truck with tons of character.

Not everyone wants a full restored or street rodded truck in their garage these days. This truck gives you the ability to enjoy it and its history as is thanks to the consignor's mechanical work or you can even take it to the next level with your imagination being the only obstacle.

VIN DECODE
699C1065086
699C-V8
1065086-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.