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I've got my hands on what I believe is a 45 1/2 Ton. The title states a 45 and VIN differs slightly from the numbers I've located on the frame this morning. My guess is the previous owners did little to clean up the stamping. The number I have is 99C639282, between stars. Also there is a 59 on the bell housing, which I believe indicates a 45 V8? I've already started tearing it down, planning a full restoration. I know I have my hands full, but it's a journey and it's become a family project with my wife and I. I'm thankful I found this website and group, so much info, tips, ideas!
Chicken Truck finds a new home. I'm not big on the running lights on the cab. We'll correct that.
First day tear down, got a late start but I think we did ok.
The wife thought I was a genius, but I fessed up, youtube
99C simply states that your truck came from the factory with a 239 cubic inch V8 and that your truck is a commercial vehicle.
639282 shows that your truck was built before 1946. A nice Ford VIN reference is here: http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/f...ialnumbers.htm
The 59 on the bell housing shows that you have an engine with a block design updated for 1945. Almost all Ford V8 blocks cast from 1945 through 1947 have a 59 cast on the bell housing.
I would clear up any title problems you have before putting work into your truck. I have heard horror stories about title problems.
Thanks for the response and numbers info. We've discussed the title / VIN issue today and we're pretty much resigned to the fact it will be a hassle, but we'll be calling DMV tomorrow to find out for sure. We just love this truck and any problems will be worth it in the end.
There are no VIN's prior to 1948, thru 1947 trucks were registered by their specific engine number which also was stamped on the hogshead.
The problem is, if the engine was swapped , the numbers no longer match.
Les Kelley, the largest used car dealer in the world located on downtown L/A's auto row came up with the VIN system which registers the entire vehicle.
Kelley was also a Ford dealer and the originator of Kelley Blue Books.
1932 to 1948 Fords technically never had an engine number. The number was stamped on the transmission when it was bolted to the engine. This was done specifically with engine swapping in mind. The number stamped on your frame should match the number stamped on the top center flat area on your transmission.
Welcome to the site. Yours is a '45, judging from the serial number range. If that is the original trans it will have the same number stamped on the top middle of the housing. Looks like a good solid start. What are your plans with the truck?
Thanks Gary, I'll have to do a bit more buffing today, my curiosity is piqued. I haven't done much the last few days, it's been one of those weeks. Always busy with something. Our plans are to restore as original as possible. Paint will be green, from what we've found so far, it's the original color. But I'm also going to paint the fenders and boards black, and despite costs chrome the trim and bumpers to make her stand out. The engine and trans will come out this week and we will start with the chassis and work our way through. It's going to be a lot of work, but when we take The Chicken Truck to town for that first time, it will be all worth it. Love this truck!
Well it's been a while since my first posts. What with the Holidays, surgery, new grandbaby, and work time hasn't been on my side. But with the better weather this spring and early summer we've managed to fit in some time to labor on the '45. Got her down to the chassis, cleaned, primer, paint. New rear springs, pins, bushings, swing arms. Axle done, wheel bearings done. Brakes done, master cylinder done, brake lines done. The flattie torn down and looking pretty good, parts being ordered this week.
Subscribed. I have a '42 that has a data plate on the dash. Keep the pics coming as I am ready to start mine and this will get me going have you found patch panels yet?
Thanks folks. I really enjoy the time I get to spend on this old truck. I have a whole new respect for the guys doing restoration before the Internet though. Finding parts, information, videos, and sites like ford-trucks.com sure makes it easier. I'm always sifting through the posts on here checking out other people's work and getting inspiration for my own build . And as for patches, there are a couple of spots on the rear fenders that appear to be poorly done patches that I'll deal with when the time comes. I found a complete floor pan at C2C and will be ordering rear and front corners soon. The bed is pretty much scrap so I'll be replacing it with a kit. In the meantime I'm focused on getting the flattie ready for the rebuild.
have you found patch panels yet?
