This thing came to life in Argentina as a 4-door convertible. It was converted into a truck long long ago using unknown pieces and questionable methods. But it is super cool!!! My friend and boss "Revhead" (George) has had this thing for years, and since I've started working for him we decided to rebuild it and make it roadworthy. The goal is to drive this thing to the Roundup in April. We have a month and a half left.... Here is the original story....anyone who would like to debate what to call it, please feel free to do so in that thread http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=357214 George bought the truck to be a shop vehicle for his engine building business. The truck looked good on the surface, but underneath was a basketcase. We did get it to run a few years ago, but that was all. George had started replacing and repairing some of the suspension a while ago as well. Here's what it looked like before the tear-down. Day 1 of the build was dis***embly. Day 2... The original frame had a lot of issues, so we found another. But all we could come up with was a truck frame (didn't have time to wait for a p***enger frame). But the new one came with a car front crossmember and body mounts, so it worked out. Swapped the front crossmember out and added the body mounts. Then we had to swap over the steering box mount, but it was broken and had been welded at numerous times. Fixed and reinforced it to keep it from breaking again and welded it on. Then had to repair the pivot for the wishbone. [sorry for all the different pic sizes!]
Everything on this truck was worn out, broken, or hacked! Here's a few examples. I guess when something is broken in Argentina and you can't find new parts, you have to make do. The pin on the original rear end and driveshaft broke, allowing the shaft to move just enough that over time it really beat itself up. The '38 transmission had some pretty trashed gears, and we wanted the better synchro's of a later trans in the '38 top loader case. We had a good '40 transmission for the swap. Unfortunately, once I took the '38 case apart and cleaned it, I found a crack. Damnit! Elrod to the rescue with a good case. (I put the side loader back together with all the leftover parts...still good for mockups!) Also scored a top load shifter with the correct 3" fork. It's a single detent though, so I'm hoping I can swap some parts around and come up with a double detent "'39" shifter. If not I'll use it as is. While the frame was being blasted and painted at North Texas Customs, I did the same with all the parts going back on it. Also blew the steering box apart for a rebuild. The rear end is out of the same '40 as the transmission and in great shape. A few changes are being made to this thing...a dropped front axle is one. We ordered the axle on a Monday from Nostalgia Sid, and had it at the shop on Wednesday. Great service! Got an order in from Mac's with the pin I needed to reconnect the driveshaft to the rear end...then got the torque tube on. I'm waiting on a tubular front shock kit to come in to finish the front...it contains shackles that have a built in shock mount. But here it sits... That's Elrod's coupe re-build going on right next to the '38. It's been a lot of fun with these two going together side by side, both headed for the Roundup! Got the steering box rebuilt thanks to another Mac's order, and the ch***is is a complete roller now minus wheel cylinders and the front spring (still waiting on that shock kit with the shackles). The rear panel was not finished out very well at all at the top, and it was pretty weak. Had to fix that. Having been a 4-door convert, the door posts are cast pieces....meaning I can't weld to them. But they did have pockets for the rear door hinges! Made some plates to bolt on there, then welded on from that. Backside of the post... Plates bolted on, giving me something to weld to. Made a new top piece, tied it into those plates. Added some bracing down to the floor, now it is very sturdy. A lot of progress today! It looks like either "FCS" or "FOS" was sprayed inside that rear panel....someones initials perhaps? Might have already been on the s**** metal they used to make the panel too. Having reinforced the rear piece, I cut the cowl away and removed the floorboards (what was left of them) Wood doesn't hold up too well as a rocker panel... Cut the floor braces out of the floor. After blasting, they will need some work! To the s**** pile....very glad to be rid of the Argentinian (Argentine??) Death Tar soaked burlap covered flooring! Cut, chipped, hammered, and ground away everything that was left of the old floors so we could start fresh. The toe board area that is under the rear seat is useless in this thing, but since it helped tie everything together I repaired the bottom part of it to tie it back into the rear panel.
New rockers from EMS look like they will fit pretty well. Stuck it on the frame before I left today, the cowl is next!
A '38 Ford *4-door convertible* that someone converted into a truck??? AHHG!!! Idiots....the butchers....what a waste...what a sacrilege...how could they!!!??? You're doing a super nice job with it though! A definite 'three thumbs up'! Keep the pics and updates coming! Mart3406 ==============
Outstanding ute like vehicle, the 38 front if my fave of that genere. I had a 38 tudor sedan, my first v/8 car, which seemed like a rocket after my little 33 Chevy six. Following this build all the way, thanx for sharing. Best wishes. ~sololobo~
Well Anderson, my guess is that it would be called a Ute. It has obviously been used and abused but it appears as though the Doctor is in the house. You have a long ways to go and a short time to get there, but my money is on you making the trip. I'll have to keep watch on this.
More progress....Shock kit came in so the ch***is is fully suspended. Finished the cowl patching, floors and rockers start tomorrow.
And thanks for all the comments guys. Going to be cutting this one close to make the show. Got the front and rear halves aligned pretty well, started on the rockers.
Cool, I've always loved the 38 dlx front metal. Someday I would like to have a pickup with it. I'll be watching the progress of this one.
Anderson is really working his magic on this truck. It looks great in person. I'm really happy he is bringing it back to life!
Been stuck in the machine shop for the last week and a half, so no progress. Not looking good for Roundup, bummer. Might get back on it next week...
Way cool. I loved this when I read Ryan's article. Looks like you are making fast progress. I don't care what it was, it makes a great truck. But then again, I like most things that have a box.
I don't know why but I have a thing for 38 Fords........ At first I thought 'What a travesty!' cutting up a Phaeton but unless it was manufactured in Argentina Ford didn't do a phaeton in 38. Anyway, besides that it would have been a cool car to cruise around in! Now watching your work on it, its easy to see that it is every bit as cool as a phaeton could be!! Very nice, keep up the great work! Doc.
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