1938 ford truck
 

I'm 13 years old and thinking about buying this truck. Its a older flatbed used by a small country store years ago. The cab is good but the bottom part of the doors need to be replaced and one running board. The frame on the drivers side is eat up from fertilizer sitting on the bed. The flathead is complete but I don't know if its stuck. Look at these pics and what do you think its worth. Thanks

[IMG]http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/y...psc5a21dde.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/y...ps245584b3.jpg[/IMG]
http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/y...ps4669bc51.jpg

How much is it worth?? thanks

It's hard to say. I'd see if they would give it to you and you spend your dollars on getting it running. What are your source of funds?

You said the frame is rotten from the fertilizer, right? The damage from fertilizer sitting like that can be unbelievable. With that being said, you have to consider that you probably have a good hood, two front fenders, and the cab itself, and possibly nothing else. From the looks of the engine compartment, it honestly looks like somebody restored that truck probably a few decades ago. It's an absolute shame that it was allowed to rot away like that. Honestly, I think it has more value sitting right where it is as a decoration and a photo opportunity. You just about have to assume that flathead is stuck and/or seized, and would require a lot of work, and probably thousands of dollars. So I'd say you need to offer him not much more than what it's worth in scrap. I live just up the road from you in Kentucky. I pass through there quite often. So if you and your parents would like somebody else to look at it for you sometime, I'd be willing to stop and take a look.

truck engine
 

hi,
I have one way to get an idea about the motor - look at it to see if all the normal holes are covered - spark plugs still in their places, carb throttle plate closed, etc, to prevent rain water, bugs, mice, from getting in, etc. then
if you can take off the belt - on each side of a flathead is a water pump - a flathead is more like two 4 cylinder engines put together.

try to turn each of the round pulleys on both sides of the engine. if they turn, it is a good sign, not a guarantee, but positive sign.

with the belt off, you may be able to get a socket wrench or a tool to try and turn the crankshaft over. all you need is a quarter turn to make sure it is not seized up. this is about as much as you can do to get an idea.

the truck will likely need a good mechanic and a few hundred dollars min to get it going if all these parts turn over. change all the plugs, wires etc. and fluids... remember these old trucks are 6volt, not 12 volt systems! get help.

the biggest problem will be if the rear frame (not the bed - no big deal) is rusted out, then BIG issue. don't buy it unless someone can help you make new frame parts.

these trucks are worth whatever you pay for them, it takes a ton of work to get them going again. for spare parts to part out - prob several hundred dollars..

i restored a 1940 one ton, paid $500, so far it has cost me about $5000.00 plus untold sweat equity hours.

hope this helps.
-mpr

thanks for the info!

Let us know how it plays out.

Ok sure will

I love the 38's, they're just a good looking truck! That one looks fairly solid, body wise at least. Maybe get some picture of the frame for us to see just how bad it is.

Are you very mechanically inclined? Do you have a friend/mentor that can help you out with it? I'm 20 now, but I started out when I was 15 and it really helped to have someone show me what to do.

It would be a big project, but you could put that body on a newer chassis.

What is your goal for it? Hot rod? 4x4? Restore it to factory original specs?

Sam

There is SO little interest and info about the 38-39 fords. 'Horse collar grilles'. Was my only vehicle for ten years. I got it by trading for a cabinet that housed Sitting Bull's shirt. Best deal I ever made. I'll send some pics in the morning. That is a cool truck you are looking at......

Frame
 

Ill get some pics of the frame soon.

Take your time, I hope the rust isn't too bad!

Sam

I like 'em. I'd find space for it in my garage if someone was giving it up for adoption because no one wanted it. Of course, I feel that way about just about every old Ford truck. I even like that horse collar style grill on the 39 Plymouth pickup. They are unique that's for sure.