Hello,

Proud owner of (2) 1940 Ford trucks. New to me, but in typical shape for old farm vehicles. Not exactly sure what models they are. I've read about VIN decoding the older vehicles here. I know it is not really the VIN, but it is an ID number, and both have the riveted tin plate on the firewall. Mine both say 99Tnnnnnn. I thought that 99T indicates Commercial, but I could be wrong.

I found some illustrations on Ford Barn showing the different models and configurations. Based on the drawings of the front ends, I'm now thinking that these trucks are 3/4 ton. But that raises the question why they have ID numbers indicating commercial..

One of them has a monster heavy duty 2 speed rear end. Helper leaf springs and extra saddles suggest they once had tilt beds. Both trucks had dual rear wheels, 8.5 x 20, 5 lug.

Frames have been modified, with extra 3/8" plate steel welded along the frame from cab to rear leaf shackles on the outboard sides.

They have flathead V8's which appear to be stock. Hood trim shows 95 on both, but there are subtle differences in the grilles.. Sorry for lack of better info, I have much to learn.

I can post pictures, if that helps ID them.. I'd like to find out what I'm working with before getting busy on the teardown. Any help or suggestions are welcome.

Thanks in advance.

 

AFAIK, the half up to one ton truck have the smaller fenderwell opening, and the large trucks had the bigger opening. The wheel lug pattern might be what will identify them better. Pics would certainly help. Wish I had a '40 myself, as I'd love to replicate Dick Cutting's '41 M&H.

 

with that split rear and duals, these are at least 1.5-2 tonners. usually, those frame plates are bolted on. check those rails for hidden cracks. would love to see pics.

 

Havi - thanks for sharing that picture. What an awesome ride, that is what we're striving for. So many details there to drool over..

Petey - you may be right about 1.5 or 2 ton. Here are some pictures. Let me know if specific shots of something will help ID them. Thanks again.


Truck #1



Truck #2





Truck #2 - frame reinforced with steel plate. Yep, it's welded.



Truck# 2 - 2 speed rear axle



Truck # 1 - dash



Side by side comparison

 

Great looking trucks, they look to be in decent shape. Those are big trucks, not 1 tons, but 1.5 or 2 ton trucks. What are your plans with them? Those are such great looking trucks with that front end, very tough looking.

 

Awesome truck's, I like truck # 2, What's the interior like of truck # 2?

 

Thanks!! Yea, the consensus so far seems to be 1.5 or 2 ton. And that body style is very tough looking. Sitting on a 4x4 chassis looks very stout, the 41 M&H above is Awesome. That truck is just the real deal, where we want to end up.

They are in decent shape, typical rust at cab corners, door bottoms, cab floors, fender seams.. But the overall shape is there.

Our plans are not firm. Welcome suggestions from the FT community to help us decide what to do. One idea is to take these bodies and set them on a modern chassis and power train, something 2000 or newer. The idea here is, a modern chassis is more attractive to a wider market. Potential buyer does not have to be married to the hot rod lifestyle, he can go to Checker and get brakes, tune up kit, etc.

Another idea is to get the bodies straight by doing the metal work (not just bondo,) and use the steel parts as template or mold for creation of carbon fiber parts. The resulting truck would weigh a lot less, and in theory, would then be an easier chassis swap with a wider variety of donor vehicles available - and better gas mileage in the end result. That's a lot of work, with many unknowns, especially "would anyone be interested in buying such a thing?"

One thing pretty much certain, I do not think we will attempt to restore them - eg put back to stock condition. The thinking is, too difficult to find critical parts, old parts breakage risk, newer parts are better, etc etc.

But no wrenches turned yet, no sins committed and our minds will change. Any ideas are welcome! This is the best Ford truck site out there, the folks here have good ideas and hopefully will share them.

Hi, Thanks!
Truck #2 interior is maybe rougher than #1. Dash is more rusty, windshield retaining rings are more rusty. But the cab floor is marginally better. The seats were rat haven for a long time..

 

The front fenders look different between the two. Great starts to projects, though.

 

looks like you have some good stuff. the windshield trim is hard to find in good shape. #1 has what appears to be good trim. #1 looks like 1.5 tonner. #2 looks to be 2 or 3 tonner. are there 13 leaves in rear spring pack? it does appear that #2's fenders are different. maybe late 39 model? do they have engines? do they spin over?

 

You should restore both of them, as they are both pretty complete.