Projects 1947 Ford Panel Truck

After looking around for the last few months, I found a panel truck project for my wife, and picked it up Saturday afternoon. The truck was out of Montana at some point, as it was formerly part of the Montana Forestry Service. It appears to be pretty much original.
I just started digging into it today, looking it over a little bit. Here’s what I know for thus far. It has the original industrial Ford flathead 6 and manual transmission. Come with a 59AB flathead in the back. Much of the rear wood floor is in great condition. It does have some issues at the rear. Rear panel doors are good metal, but I think they used a log to close them

 

I’d drive it
Wouldn’t paint it either

cool ride

 

Yep, that’s cool. I have a buddy that has one sitting in his barn but he won’t sell it to me. Good luck on your project.

 

Nice! Looking fowrd to your project. Are you going to put the v8 in it?

 

Right now, the plan is to install a 60' 302 / C4 combo that I built and moved around a bunch. I have no idea how the flathead is, so it will be shelved for a different time. We have no plans on painting it, however the back door, drivers side is rough.

 

Nice find! Those old '40's panels are really cool.

 

Finally had time to get the shop cleaned up and the panel inside this weekend.

 

The motors are fancy, but they are of old iron and starting to add up.

 

After a couple different transmission mount styles, I was finally able to get the motor/transmission mounted in the truck without modifying the transmission crossmember more than an extra hole. I also opted for an 80' drivers side manifold that drops down between the last two cylinders, instead of straight out the back. That will help with pedal clearance. Next step is to final weld the mount brackets and reinforce them.

 

Always love a nice panel.
Thought you said a project for your wife.
She has made some good progress.
Does that mean you were relagated to supervisor position?

 

Project for her = me work, her drive.