Hi Guy,s, I'm about to collect a 41 Ford Pickup but it is missing it's bed, I have all of the fenders etc. I have seen a 46 bed for sale locally. Will it fit? I was wondering what the differences are. Thanks, Alex
The 46 bed is 3" wider Actually, the side panels are the same but the front panel is 3" wider. This can be a good thing for your pickup since it allows wider tires or a wider rear axle Or you can get the 40 front panel replacement from Mack Products
'38-'41 bed is the same (except for no V8 emblem under the Ford script on '41 tailgates), '42-'47 is the same. The sides are the same '38-'47. The '38-'41 bed is 46" inside width, the '42-'47 is 49". Ford widened its beds because of plywood and other building materials being made in 4x8 sheets. Same goes for rear fenders, '38-'41 are the same, and '42-'47 are the same.
http://www.northerncl***ictrucks.com/3841tailgate.htm http://www.northerncl***ictrucks.com They have complete 41 bed
I've worked on old orriginal beds before until I was blue in the face and I will never do that again. My advice is to get a new one. These trucks were used a lot. Unless you are extremely lucky and have found a rust free/dent free bed that you wish to take apart to replace the front & structural frame underneath...Well, you get the message. You may save a little $ but the time you will spend taking it apart may not be worth it. I used Northern Cl***ic Trucks and I highly recommend their parts. Check them out at Hershey, on the web, etc.
I wonder if they could build a bed wide like the late model but mount the early stuff on it. For example, late model front panel and tailgate, crossmembers, early side panels, etc.
What bolt pattern and diameter wheels did these trucks use? I have three 16s and a 15. I need to find one of either, I may put big and littles and use the orphan for a spare.
'40 up was 5 x 5 1/2" bolt pattern ....so far as I know, diameter was 16" to at least early/mid 50's on pickups Ray
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