Please point me to the right spot. I have a 1941 ford 1 or 11/2 ton stake bed. I really don't know which. How do you tell them apart. And where would the serial # be located. Thanks in advance.

 

Welcome to FTE
That is a good question, I am also curious. maybe same chassis just more leaf springs??? (way out on a limb?)
I've got to figure this out as well, Ive got a 1938 Ford COE firetruck and I beleive its just a 1 ton?? its a 101" wheelbase.

The number should be stamped on the bellhousing top flange on I believe 47 and older trucks, should also be on the frame rail but not 100% sure of where, probably near the engine mounts/front crossmember??

here is a picture of a mid 30's trans with the numbers, starts with a star and ends with a star. and as you will see in the link below that this trans lands right in the middle of 1935. (oops 1934 I think )


also check this website, lots of good stuff in there.
http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/f...ialnumbers.htm

http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/f...el_IDchart.htm

also at the very bottom of this link be sure to visit the homepage, lots of additional info there.


Cheers

Josh

 

was reading through Vanpelts info and it appears that all the 38 COE's listed are 1.5 tonners? still not sure how you would know the difference on yours though? maybe serial number info? post up some pictures of your truck. so we can see it.

Josh

 

According to the Mac's catalogue, 1939-47 3/4&1 ton trucks have a122" wheelbase. 1939-42 all 1 1/2 ton truck models have either a 134" or 158" wheelbase. So I would say measure your wheelbase and go from there? It also says that all C.O.E. (1938-47) are 1 1/2 ton rated capacity. Hope this helps.

Red

 

In general, 1 1/2 ton trucks 1952 and earlier have single speed rears and single frames. 2 ton trucks have 2 speed rears and double frames. Everything else is the same, except that 1948-52 F-6's have a slightly heavier front axle than an F-4 or 5. But, you could have optionally ordered an F-5 with a 2 speed, and a double frame, so the rules were starting to change.
For 1938, there weren't any choices for the COE's except for the wheelbase. 101" and 134" were the only 2 offered. The later COE's could be had in more wheelbases, and in both 1 1/2 and 2 ton configurations.
Chuck

 

It is a 122 inch wheel base. I was cleaning the truck and saw a leaf spring was replaced and it has ford 1 ton written on it. So I guess I have a one ton. Now who has the parts to get it going again. It sat inside for the last 25 years but needs brakes and the engine is full of rust.

 

One good source has already provided you help. Chuck48-50 is Chuck Mantiglia of Chuck's Trucks. He's as good a source as you'll find for hard to find parts like you'll need for your tonner. Here's his link. Chucks Trucks LLC., Chuck's Trucks, Chucks Trucks

 

If I remember right the 3/4 ton and 1 ton were the exact same but the 1 ton wheels were bigger and had a few more springs in the back. I was never really interested in the bigger trucks and just assumed that the bigger trucks just didn't have the wheels with the hub caps in the center but you know what happens when you assume.

The VIN was found on the top of the bell housing as Josh shows, on the cylinder heads (assuming they weren't replaced), and maybe on the top of the frame close to the passenger side engine mount.

I've asked the local parts store to looks up random parts for these out of curiosity and to my suprise they have a few suspension and brake parts. You can also bring universal things, like a u-joint, in and a good store will bust out the micrometer and 10,000 page catalog and get the part for you. Mac's Antique Auto Parts is a source I like for parts and they have free catalogs. Look them up on google.

 

I also have a 1 tonner, I was curious if they all were singles or did some have duals. Does anyone know of an alt wheel that will fit the 17" big 5 bolt pattern, non tube type?

 

Not your lucky day. Ford tonners of the '40s were all single rear wheel, and they are the ONLY vehicle I've found record of that used the shallow offset wheels having the 5 lug x 6 7/8" bolt pattern. No tubeless wheels have ever been made having that bolt pattern.

There is a good side to the story, though. All of these wheels that I have catalog records of were the safer lock ring style construction. The killer "widow maker" multi-part design became dominant on Fords in later years.

If you are intent on having tubeless one piece wheels, you'll need to look at having custom wheels made. Stu

 

I've found a '41 3/4 ton as the seller calls it, would these be the same wheels?

 

No, the 3/4 tonners shared the half ton's 5 lug x 10.25" pattern wheels. Stu

 

Thanks, Stu. I'm still waiting for pictures so I can tell for sure what it is. It got buried under snow the last couple days.

EDIT: Still no pics, but he says it's a flatbed. He also wants $1200, and so I'm a bit hesitant. It would only be for the potential to make an MH like the Dick Cutting truck I'm fond of.

 

somebody have picture of serial number on a 1 ton 1947 frame??

 

Thanks for the info!