After a couple hours of web surfing and reading, it seems like the bed could be an early 1926 Model T, as they used the stamped half moon fender locators but had the front pockets mistakenly placed to the forward ends of the box side. But...no cutout for the battery? Or is it a very early Model A box, using left over Model T side panels but the front panel for the A. Tailgates for T's and A's seem to be interchangeable but hinges have slight variations. A bit of a mystery, more sleuthing to be done.
Turns out I'm not very observant, it sure looks like remnants of a battery access port in the left front of the bed panel; So here is my best guess at what I've got; A '26 or '27 Model T box, with sort of rare (?) forward mounted stake pockets and with a random Model A tailgate. There are many interesting discussions on the interweb about how to identify the various years and incremental changes and why. At this point I'm just gonna use what I have and make it all work, it's a hot rod after all.
Warning - a bit off topic; Had a hard crash on our dual sport Friday, up on a dirt road and hit a rut that threw the wife and I off the bike. She came out of it ok, with just some bruises, I've got bruised ribs and a few other dings, boy do those ribs hurt. We were wearing our riding gear and were very lucky. With so many projects going on; 29 RPU, 55 Dodge, multiple bike projects, could only sit in the house for so long. Hobbled out to the shop Monday and got back on the 55 Dodge cooling system, only lasted two hours, went back out Tuesday for a couple more hours, yesterday I just stuck it out until I had the 55 back together. After converting from Chinesium fans and weird multi belt arrangement to single belt and mechanical fan, needed a shroud; Using the old electric fan mounting plate as a shroud adapter, scrap aluminum as filler pieces; The shroud is far from perfect, but initial test drive seemed promising. Still planning to open up the fender skirts to increase air flow and also a less restrictive exhaust system. The rear end is the next project for the 55. Apologies for the off topic. I need to get the 55 done and out of the way so I can go all out on the RPU. Also have several old bikes for sale to help pay for more RPU parts.
I work best off a list, decided to start one today on the RPU. This list will help keep me on track and has things that can be done without spending money so the project moves forward between parts purchases; 1929 Roadster Pickup To-Do List as of 4-24-25 (*indicates parts need purchased) Check frame for square R&R front cross-member (pay attention to caster!) Mock up front end on frame *Mock up split wishbone mounts *Mock up spindles n front brakes *Determine over or behind transverse spring or coil-overs *Determine track arms n K member Z rear frame *Box frame Mock up Vega cross steer *Install steering box mount Mock up steering column *Replace turn signal switch n horn adapter *Mount steering wheel Install water pump n pulleys (might have?) Clean intake n carbs *Rebuild carbs Install intake n carbs *Build linkage Gas pedal install *Mock up engine n trans mounts Master cylinder and pedal Cut n gut factory fuel tank Mock up gauge panel Replace door pillars n dash parts with roadster pieces Mock up windshield posts *Install windshield Cut n modify phaeton tub to fit pu box Determine channeled or high boy *Firewall *Floor *Box bed Install aluminum fuel tank Work on title (start 3 ring binder for all paperwork) Lots of gaps in this list, but it'll help...
I hope your ribs are starting to feel better. Nice progress on the project. I agree a list is very helpful.
Thanks Grumpy, turns out two are broken. Sneezed at breakfast this morning and was in agony, could hardly breathe, wife took me to emergency and after more X-rays they found the breaks. Now I'm really gonna have to take it easy for a couple weeks! Wife will be watching me like a hawk, so will have to sneak out to the shop. LOL
Yes, it take some time to heal broken ribs. You can expand your list into smaller tasks to complete each item on your list. May help keep your mind and hands busy while you ribs get better.
Well.....from a practical standpoint if you channel it that'll be less firewall you have to clean up and less of a cab back you have to make.
The Jalopy Journal
