Ford Firsts vs the other firsts.
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Posting Guru
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From: Raleigh, NC
Ford Firsts
What has Ford been the first to come out with?
Here's what I do know:
1959: First Pickup with Factory 4x4
1974: First Super Cab
1932: First V-8
What's some other Ford Firsts?
Here's what I do know:
1959: First Pickup with Factory 4x4
1974: First Super Cab
1932: First V-8
What's some other Ford Firsts?
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"1932: First V-8 "
Chevrolet had an overhead valve V8 that totaled 265 cubic inches. It was in production from 1917 to 1919. No Ford first there.
I'll have to research the others, but you may have at least two correct.
Chevrolet had an overhead valve V8 that totaled 265 cubic inches. It was in production from 1917 to 1919. No Ford first there.
I'll have to research the others, but you may have at least two correct.
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OK I looked it up. You're wrong on another one. Chevrolet/GMC had a factory 4x4 as early as 1956.
"Apparently NAPCO reached an agreement with both GMC and Chevrolet to supply them with the Powr-Pak conversion kits, and GMC began to produce 4x4 trucks on the factory assembly line (using NAPCO components) starting in 1956, with Chevrolet following suite in 1957. By the end of 1957 both GMC and Chevrolet trucks could be ordered from the factory with the NAPCO Powr-Pak conversion. The two offered identical systems other than the availability of a V-8 and an automatic transmission on the GMC trucks. The Chevy could only be ordered with the 235ci six cylinder and a four speed manual (although there was nothing stopping an owner from ordering whatever he or she wanted in a 2 wheel drive truck and then having a NAPCO Powr-Pak "upfitted" by the dealer). "
Excerpt taken from:
http://www.napco4x4.org/history.htm
"Apparently NAPCO reached an agreement with both GMC and Chevrolet to supply them with the Powr-Pak conversion kits, and GMC began to produce 4x4 trucks on the factory assembly line (using NAPCO components) starting in 1956, with Chevrolet following suite in 1957. By the end of 1957 both GMC and Chevrolet trucks could be ordered from the factory with the NAPCO Powr-Pak conversion. The two offered identical systems other than the availability of a V-8 and an automatic transmission on the GMC trucks. The Chevy could only be ordered with the 235ci six cylinder and a four speed manual (although there was nothing stopping an owner from ordering whatever he or she wanted in a 2 wheel drive truck and then having a NAPCO Powr-Pak "upfitted" by the dealer). "
Excerpt taken from:
http://www.napco4x4.org/history.htm
Postmaster
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From: Muskegon, MI (home)
Nooo! You're both wrong Dodge built the 4wd Power Wagons (I would love to have one, such a bad *** truck!) for the Military in the 1940s. But if you really want to get picky Ford did build a 4wd vehicle before GM did, they used to build Jeeps (I think before ****** started building Jeeps) for the military during WWII. I also seem to recall Ford building aircraft during that time as well. I am not sure if GM did or not. I think Ford even made a chainsaw at one time as well. I thought Chevy didn't build there first V8 until 1955 it was a 265 cid power plant that produced 140 hp (standard version with a 2bbl carb) or you got the "Power Pack" version that produced 180 hp it came with a 4bbl carb. I seem to recall reading somewhere that the new V8 for that year was nearly 40 lbs lighter than the ole "stovebolt" sixes. I would like to know when Dodge built it's first V8, anybody know?
Postmaster
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From: Coal Region
ur right, ford built its version of the original ****** in tandem w/ "jeep" so keep up the production. also during WW2 many automakers made whatever they could to help in the war effort. so yes ford did make aircraft and many other companies make tanks or trucks or aircrafts...etc...wierd huh.
the pow-wog (power wagon) was introduced into the military use in the mid 1930s i think but wasnt avaible for civilian use until after WW2...im really not 100% positive but those trucks rock! i believe it was called the M37...
the pow-wog (power wagon) was introduced into the military use in the mid 1930s i think but wasnt avaible for civilian use until after WW2...im really not 100% positive but those trucks rock! i believe it was called the M37...
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Postmaster
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From: Muskegon, MI (home)
You know I just realized something I forgot to mention! I also seem to recall hearing about the old Ford "Woody" Wagons Being available with a Marmon Harrington 4x4 conversion one of the first of many SUVs. Chevy Suburban- 1937 Ford Bronco- 1966 Chevy K5 Blazer- 1970 or 71? Dodge Ramcharger- 1973
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Was the Power Wagon every really considered a "pick-up" though?
If it was, then there isn't much out there that would compare to the Dodge Power Wagons of old!
Ford did build Jeeps along with *****'s Overland. General Motors was involved heavily in aircraft as was FoMoCo.
Wouldn't it be great to have one of the NAPCO conversions!!!!
Chevrolet did build the "small block" Chevrolet in 1955. But, they did build their first overhead cam V8 in 1917 and, ironically I suppose, it displaced the same amount as the first 1955 small block Chevy, 265 cubic inches.
If it was, then there isn't much out there that would compare to the Dodge Power Wagons of old!
Ford did build Jeeps along with *****'s Overland. General Motors was involved heavily in aircraft as was FoMoCo.
Wouldn't it be great to have one of the NAPCO conversions!!!!
Chevrolet did build the "small block" Chevrolet in 1955. But, they did build their first overhead cam V8 in 1917 and, ironically I suppose, it displaced the same amount as the first 1955 small block Chevy, 265 cubic inches.
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Ford was considered the best builder of Jeeps during WW2, as my research proved, by talking to people who actually drove them in wartime.
OK I looked at your site, and it said that GM 4x4's were not all GM until 1960, so Ford has it by a year there for having 100% Ford work.
Also, your site says that "Ford, Studebaker, and other manufacturers" had conversions before Chevrolet and GMC, before 1954.
OK I looked at your site, and it said that GM 4x4's were not all GM until 1960, so Ford has it by a year there for having 100% Ford work.
Also, your site says that "Ford, Studebaker, and other manufacturers" had conversions before Chevrolet and GMC, before 1954.
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"Ford was considered the best builder of Jeeps during WW2, as my research proved, by talking to people who actually drove them in wartime. "
Ever heard of the "X8" ? it was concept 8 cylinder engine Ford put together for the Jeep. It was truly shaped like an X, with 4 cylinders above in a V (2 on left, 2 on right) and another V4, upside down, below.
The engine ran well but, whenever drivers got "wild" with the Jeep and bottomed out the front suspension, it broke off all the spark plugs on the bottom of the engine.
Eventually, the *****'s design was selected and Ford helped produce the original *****'s design during war time.
Ever heard of the "X8" ? it was concept 8 cylinder engine Ford put together for the Jeep. It was truly shaped like an X, with 4 cylinders above in a V (2 on left, 2 on right) and another V4, upside down, below.
The engine ran well but, whenever drivers got "wild" with the Jeep and bottomed out the front suspension, it broke off all the spark plugs on the bottom of the engine.
Eventually, the *****'s design was selected and Ford helped produce the original *****'s design during war time.