My first real project and build. I'm really excited to get started. Learning a lot from all the posts and comments on the forum so thank you!
Good luck on your first build. Your cab looks to be started from a cut down Tudor sedan in car you didn’t know.
Good luck on your first project. Try to get something done every week and don’t give when it takes longer than expected, plug away a bit at a time
The 30-31 pickup cabs didn’t have the vertical seams up the back side, like sedans did. That, and we can just tell by looking cause the shape is a bit different at the corners. As an aside, I’m pretty sure the doors are the same for pickups and tudors in 31, so those are “real”.
I agree with @alchemy The rear is from a sedan. But, that's OK. It will still make a cool hot rod!!! '31 Pickup '31 Sedan
...and with the sedan panels, it looks like you may have gotten an extra 3 or 4 inches length inside the cab...which is a real bonus.
Thank you for the input! I thought it looked a bit off compared to all the pickups I've seen online. At first I was bummed but I think it'll add to the history of the truck. The truck has been in the corner of a shop for 30ish years. Trying to find out some more information. Would the serial/VIN be specific to a sedan or truck?
Nice project! I'll be following; since it has a Washington title I assume you are from the Lake Stevens that is just up the road from me. As alchemy notes, serial numbers are not model-specific. They are sequential, however, so you can figure out the month/year the frame and engine were assembled. Presuming everything is original, which isn't the case more often than not. No serial numbers on the body, btw, unless Washington State added one. And as said by hotrodjack, the fact that the cab is made from a sedan is a good thing in the eyes of many. Space is at a premium in Model A trucks, and the sedan back can make for a slightly bigger cabin. (I have a '29, which is even worse!) No reason to be bummed, it's a hot rod! I wouldn't blink an eye.
Also, I see you have a stainless radiator shell. That is also passenger-car specific. I'm pretty sure a PU would have come with a painted steel commercial shell. This was PU specific in '31, and not to be confused with the big AA commercial shell. Thing is, stainless doesn't rot and a lot of guys prefer the shiny look, so the shells got swapped out a lot.
Again thank you everyone for your input. It's amazing how much people know about these rigs. Plan to get it all cleaned out and the cab off the frame. Then make sure the frame is straight. Want to go as traditional as possible but also don't want to spend a fortune and take forever lol
Picked up a 1967 327. I haven't done much to it besides pulling valve covers and intake off to see what's under them. I will drain the oil and see what all needs to be done in the next week.
I also put the chassis up for sale. It's a little rough for my ability at this point. So I have been debating on which frame manufacturer to go with. Boling brothers is what I am leaning towards.
Ripped all many layers of fiberglass and wood out of the roof. You can see where they spliced the Tudor rear section in.
Got the doors off finally. Between work and the royal pain it was I didn't think I would ever get them off. The roof was about 4 layers of plywood, Bondo and fiberglass sandwiched together. Currently working on getting the gas tank out. It was going good until I got to the forward flathead screws. If anyone has any advice I'm I've love to know. The first two stripped right away. The frame went to an awesome person in Centralia. Renea Julson, they have been building cars for nearly 60 years. Once I get the funds I will order a new frame from Riley Automotive.
If the serial number matches the frame you might consider keeping it and boxing it. If you sell the frame and the number matches the title you might have a problem when the buyer tries to register their car with your serial number. Worry about the paperwork now and it will save you headaches later. I also have a '31 pickup but mine is the cheap one without a solid top and rollup windows. Charlie Stephens
this is great! you get a few inches extra room inside and you want that. I have collected the back panel to do this. you will need to move the bed back or shorten it or stretch the frame
Awesome! The plan is to shorten the bed for sure. I am planning on shaping the front of the bed to line up with the cab.
I looked all over the frame and did not see anything that would identify it specifically. I'm pretty sure the buyer is going to chop it up to repair another one. I wanted to run the original but I would like to get the truck pretty low. I work a lot so I decided I'm going to get one built.
the vin number is underneath the cowl post on the top of the frame, You have the body off so clean it up and see if it matches title.
Clean it carefully, preferably with a brass brush to just attack the rust and not the steel. Being too aggressive with the cleanup can diminish the stamped steel numbers. Cars and trucks begin and end with a star. If it is a car, it is followed by a capital A, then the number. If it is a truck, the star is followed by two capital As, then the number.
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