Projects 1939 Ford Panel Truck Project

WV is still behind the times. My wife's 62 Falcon is titled as a 63 because that was when the original title was issued. All the identification of a 1962 model year and have to run a 63 YOM license plate. People that know the nuances between the model years point that out too. "Ha Ha he has the wrong year plate on that Falcon, you cab see it is a 1962 but he has 1963 plates on it." Leading to the explanation that the WVDMV is stupid.

 

Then it wouldn’t be a 38/39 panel truck , you really don’t see many of these.

 

Also this 38 is mine , being shipped to the uk this month ready to build.

 

Exactly!! Good luck on your '39!

 

I hope yours turns out better than many. One in particular is my (now deceased) friend Johnny wanted to lower his big window '56 Ford pick up so he ordered new reversed eye springs for the front. No one took into account that the original springs had sagged over the years. After the new ones were installed the front sat higher than it did with the original worn out springs. I've heard similar stories over the years.

There used to be a '38/'39 panel truck around here that was a completed hot rod at one time back in the 80's/90's. Fresh paint and very nice interior. Last time I saw it, about 20 years ago, it was sitting in a gravel floor barn and the mice had just about destroyed it. Don't know what ever happened to it. b-t-w; the storage barn belonged to "weeds" on here, if anyone remembers him.

 

HOLD IT RIGHT THERE MISTER! DROP THAT MOUSE AND MOVE AWAY FOM THE KEYBOARD! Aren't you forgetting you are the one that plans to do this to your 38?

 

indeed I am, the 38/39 panel truck and 38 ford deluxe are my all time favourite vehicles , but unfortunately I can’t afford both , this way I get the best of both. I will be keeping the front sheet metal just in case I want to change it back at some point.

 

OK finally getting some traction. Been collecting parts and just hauled it to my neighbor's shop. Going to get the carb, motor and brakes taken care of first then we'll pull the trans. I have an extra one if we need to pilfer parts.

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You got the rear brakes unstuck then?
Exciting to see progress.

 

Yessir. Took some heat, oil and a whole lot of hammering but we got them loose. Motor turns freely so time to get her to fire.

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Neat looking truck. Have just finished a 1/2 ton pickup for a client, and wish it was mine!

 

Pics or it didn't happen.

 

Here,s one in the Czech Republic. Original sold new in Belgium. Now how about those tail lights. ( compared to those on the OP van ). The Czech lights are probably from a 1950s Opel.

 

It happened. Eventually!! Also a pic of the stainless windshield I made for it.

 

Heck ya! Thats a really nice truck. Windshield is beautiful.

 

The ole '39 is purring again. Rebuilt carb and distributor. Brakes done with rebuilt masters. Fuel tank cleaned out and fuel is flowing. Next up is to rebuild the fuel and water pumps and then the generator. She shifts through all gears and stops on a dime.

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Ino, do you know if the rear passenger license plat mount works for the panel truck? Getting close to having her back on the road and need to figure that out. thanks.

 

So quick update on the panel. We have her running and stopping. Rebuilt the fuel pump and water pump. Just picjed up some Coker Tornels to get mounted up. Next up will be the glass and a clear over the patina. Gonna be ready for some springtime cruising for sure.

 

I don't know if I'd clear it. Try buffing it, then some good polish.

 

x2. You'll never get that patina back if you clear coat it. Try rubbing compound and wax. You'll be amazed.

 

Thanks guys! I'll try that for sure. She will stay garaged so this might be a better option.

 

She made it up the hill from town under her own power. Can't see a damn thing out the mirror though. Generator needs some work.

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I love seeing these 38/39 panel trucks , my absolute favourite , I’m glad to see your getting their with her and in such amazing condition.... I’m jealous ..



I’m a bit further away from completion then you on my 38 . Keep up the good work

 

Looks like you have a solid truck there to start with which helps. What year is yours?

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Only the bottoms of the front doors need repairing and two sections of wood between the body and the frame rails , but over all it’s good. mine is a 38 , but it isn’t stock like yours which I love , it was made in to a hot rod many years ago so has that type of history to it , which Im going to try and preserve and keep as much as I can. Still has what I assume is the original yellow paint on the inside in some areas , especially the inside of the rear doors . Over the years I have been learning the little differences between the 38/39’s Thanks to posts and people on here.

 

this is a 38

 

I haven't posted here in a while. Earlier this year I got her some new shoes, coated her in Penetrol and cleaned the interior really good.
Still looking for a pair of hood emblems if anyone has a connection.

 

Nice.....