1938 Ford 1/2 Ton Pickup

Henry Ford changed the world with the Model T in 1908, and more importantly, the manufacturing process used to churn out inexpensive cars to put America on four wheels. The Model T truck arrived in 1917, using the same engine and front passenger area but with a stronger frame that could support a 1-ton payload and any number of coach-built pick-bed configurations. It sold well enough at $600 a piece until Ford decided it should manufacture the truck complete with a pickup-bed itself, and the first factory-assembled Ford pickup trucks emerged in 1925. By 1928 Ford had built and sold over one million Model T trucks and then built the Model AA and BB trucks with similar success.

For consignment, a story: This model now for consignment started out being purchased in 1938 for a Quakertown, PA Ford dealer for $580.00. It stayed in the original owner's possession for 67 years and barely ever ventured more than 40 miles from where it was initially purchased. It went through a phase after the first owner's 67 years, and at one point was painted to look like a John Deere Tractor with green paint and yellow striping. Reaching the 3rd owner who was bringing the truck home when the engine gave up. So, his restoration began but was cut short due to health problems and having to move south. Now it landed into the hands of our consignor who brought the truck home virtually in pieces, using the justification for the current COVID crisis as needing something to do. A year later and countless hours spent researching the truck came together. Since the consignor likes the thrill of the build, he's now moving on to his next project so this one is available. And now you have the rest of the story! Good Day.

Exterior
Fieldstone Gray with Ford Black fenders and running boards make up the rust free and dent free steel of this truck. It is not a high gloss finish for a reason that being the builder/consignor wanted to use the original bumpers and grille, and if the paint was too shiny it would not have looked correct. Speaking of which the oval grille is just beautiful as is the corresponding simple curved bumper below and snazzy art deco styled hood ornament above. The bed sides are beautifully restored and roll over at the top so you don't scratch yourself when leaning over the side of the bed. Wonderfully curved back end heavy in design fenders in Ford black are framing each wheel. A Rhino lined running board connects the artfully designed fenders which prevents slippage when it's wet (capital idea!). The stainless-steel chain for the tailgate is wrapped in poly to protect the paint from getting scratched off and has a new hinge on its bottom. The bed is lined with “pickled stain” oak to ease the transition from the bed to the exterior paint. A spare tire was mounted in the bed for the builder's wife to have easier access to her side. All original glass with new weatherstripping and trimmings are seen, black side view long stalked mirrors are on and black wall Lester tires sport shiny trim rings and a Fieldstone Gray larger wheel covering with a shiny chromed V8 badged moon cap I'm the center. Beautifully done.

Interior
Not to be outdone by the exterior, the doors start out with Fieldstone painted metal surrounds and then a gray stitched edge vinyl panel is in the center. This has the shiny actuators and cranks within this field. Moving inside a simple utilitarian gray vinyl bench stretches from door to door and is in excellent condition like new. Rubber now covers the floors and above in front is a Fieldstone Gray painted dash now with vintage looking Dolphin gauges in circular form. The rest of the dash is simple with the ignition, a few pulls and a chrome banded ashtray and metal glove box. The original black steering wheel reaches for the driver and the big bakelite wheel is topping this column. Very tight gray broadcloth covers the vertical interior surfaces and the headliner. Awesome job!

Drivetrain
After coming home on the hook for the 3rd owner it was decided to replace the worn 85hp engine with a newer 1953 Ford 8BA flathead motor. A total rebuild ensued boring the cylinders, adding in larger pistons, new bearings, adjustable valves and Isky cam, Offenhauser heads and intake manifold and new dual Holley 1-barrel carbs. A Mallory coil and distributor were added on, and a set of Red's headers. A new Holley fuel pump was put in and suddenly 85hp jumped to 125hp! All this to the tune of nearly $7K just for the drive line. Now that's quality! A 3-speed manual transmission sends that newly found power back to a 3.78 geared rear axle assembly.

Undercarriage
Because it was in parts it is frame off and the underside looks like it. Nary even a drip is seen on the black framing, suspension, floor pans and body hangers. A fiberglass fuel tank replaced the rusted old original, and mechanical drum braking took on some “juicing” with updated hydraulic brakes. Tube shocks replace the old lever shocks. Virtually every nut and bolt was replaced with stainless hardware, and the electrics were made to be 12V. Attention to detail x 10!

Drive-Ability
Of course you'd expect a truck that looks this good would drive equally as nice, and Viola! it does. Quick starting, good acceleration, good braking, and a cushy new ride were experienced by myself as I took a few laps around the test track. A very enjoyable drive and I looked great doing it (we have it on video!).

A nice backstory for this classic blue oval truck, and literally rebuilt from pieces, so meticulous attention to detail could be paid to every aspect, yielding a virtually new truck. Good things DO come from COVID!

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.