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1952 Parcel Van

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Old May 23, 2015 | 10:46 PM
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1952 Parcel Van

Instructed to start a new thread which makes sense. I have a 1952 Ford parcel van P35. It was ordered for the FAA. Not much info other then it was at a small airport and then a hydraulic company had it.I know it sat since 1982 then I bought it 2012.I have had no locating any body tags on it telling me who built the box. It runs good and everything works.
Looking to change out front and rear axles so I have a better selection on tires it runs 8 x 17.5. Any one out their that might have info on this Box's configuration
Let me know. It's paneled with galvanized sheets. Thanks
 
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Old May 24, 2015 | 12:20 AM
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I don't believe your truck is a 1952 unless somebody changed the grill.
In addition, a 1952 would be a P3 or P5, the P35 indicates that it is second generation 1953+

1952 Parcel Delivery


 
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Old May 24, 2015 | 12:42 AM
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Maybe 53

I am going off my title /registration from past history. Here is my vin if that tells much. P35JH250754 It has a straight 6 in it with 3 spd. 8 lug front / 6 lug duals.
I am open to any ideas on my van. Thanks
 
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Old May 24, 2015 | 01:15 AM
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Originally Posted by 52 step
I am going off my title /registration from past history. Here is my vin if that tells much. P35JH250754 It has a straight 6 in it with 3 spd. 8 lug front / 6 lug duals.
I am open to any ideas on my van. Thanks
OK here is what I can tell you,
P35= P350 Parcel delivery
J=?? that is the parts catalog code for the same truck
H= 226 flathead 6
2= could be 52, but this serial number does not conform to anything we have seen.

The 8 lug on the front fits with a P3 or P350 but the 6 lug on the back would suggest a later P600.

If this were a 52 the serial number would start with P3H1 assuming it's the flathead 226 six cylinder

Have you got a Rating or Data plate on the truck?
Have you checked the frame for the serial number?

I don't know how much access you have to the front of the frame, but if it's a 52, the serial number would be on top of the frame rail near the passenger side motor mount, if it's a 55, as the grill is, it would be behind the motor mount closer to the shock.
 
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Old May 24, 2015 | 01:30 AM
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Does your truck have a flathead or OHV 6?
 
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Old May 24, 2015 | 02:11 AM
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OHV 6 I think it might have been changed. I will get a pic of data plate. Someone told me that the rear 6 bolt might have been part of the special order from the government agency. It also has a walk on roof and a access door on drivers side at the top you can see in pic with step near gas cap area. Thanks for the info.
 
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Old May 24, 2015 | 03:51 AM
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I'll add my welcome, and add my 2 cents to Joe's observations. As said, the grille says 1955 or later, the 17.5" wheels say 1956 or later, and the 6 lug x 7.25" pattern rear axle says 1953 or later. It would not in all likelihood be a 6 lug x 8.75" pattern F-600 type axle but rather a standard Timken B150 as used on DRW F-350s beginning in 1953. Also, having the OHV engine could be a 1952 feature, but I must then ask if the 3 speed is a floor shift or column shift. The 3 speed heavy duty would be correct for the truck, but would be floor shift in 1952, or column shift in 1953 or later.

Edit -also, the JH in the VIN designates a P-500 in 53-56 vehicles. The 1952 P-3 was a J. Neither the 8 lug x 6.5" pattern front nor 6 x 7.25" rear would be standard for a P-500, but I suppose unique specs could exist on a government GSA bid group of vehicles.

Now if I may express opinion. The 17.5" wheels on it are a good feature, not a bad feature. They are tubeless and sought after by guys trying to get rid of dangerous two piece wheels. The 8-17.5" tires are being reproduced, and a set would seem of modest cost compared to the expense of finding alternative 16" wheels, tires, and an appropriate replacement for the Timken B150. Below is a link to the Universal Tire page for their 8-17.5" tires. Stu

https://www.universaltire.com/truck-...transport.html
 
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Old May 24, 2015 | 05:56 AM
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Not trying to hijack your thread. On the box, I would guess Boyertown. I had a '63 on the Ford chassis, a bit longer than what you show. The body you show looks very much like what I had. Mine was a P30 chassis if memory serves me right, DRW, Built like a tank. I had final gears changed out to 4:10s by the local Ford garage. I want to say the rear end was Dana as I had several ratio choices at that time. I removed the 223 and installed a Y block. I removed the column three speed and installed a floor mount HD four speed. Lots of access to the engine room from inside. I converted mine to a motorhome/camper, pulled a boat, enjoyed it for years. The buyer headed out to Alaska.
Yes, welcome to the forum.
 
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Old May 24, 2015 | 12:11 PM
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Overload

Thanks guys you gave me amazing amount of info, major overload. It seems I have mix of things on my van. I will get the data plate info today that might help. Again thank you for all your help.
 
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Old May 24, 2015 | 12:50 PM
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Originally Posted by 52 step
Thanks guys you gave me amazing amount of info, major overload. It seems I have mix of things on my van. I will get the data plate info today that might help. Again thank you for all your help.
Look forward to the additional info. Post more pictures when you get a chance.
 
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Old May 24, 2015 | 01:39 PM
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Data

Here is my data plate info:
WB- 104
Color- P
Model- P350
Trams- E
Axle- 26
Max GVW- 8000
Net HP - 114
RPM- 3600
DSO- 5015 ?
I will hunt down the frame # later on. Thanks










 
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Old May 24, 2015 | 01:47 PM
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Wow, that is a very cool truck. You have had it since 2012? Makes me feel better about my two trucks still unfinished
Subscribed to this one, looks interesting to say the least. I really like the defroster.
The history on this truck must be pretty crazy with all the different parts, but it looks pretty unmolested.
What are your plans for it?
 
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Old May 24, 2015 | 01:53 PM
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Drive it

Drive it till it drops.I just recently got the title for it so this summer i will drive it then during the winter figure out whats next for it.
 
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Old May 24, 2015 | 02:21 PM
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Originally Posted by 52 step
Here is my data plate info:
WB- 104
Color- P
Model- P350
Trams- E
Axle- 26
Max GVW- 8000
Net HP - 114
RPM- 3600
DSO- 5015 ?
I will hunt down the frame # later on. Thanks


Well, I knew that plate was not from the era of our trucks, here is the breakdown

 
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Old May 24, 2015 | 02:25 PM
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Whats next?

Originally Posted by harleymsn
Well, I knew that plate was not from the era of our trucks, here is the breakdown

Thank you for explaining this to me.So i guess i need to talk with DMV and change this that should be fun.Again guys thanks so much.
 
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