I have a 38 1 ton express pickup that has mechanical brakes and looks like a bad motor. I was thinking of using the body (in pretty good shape) and putting it on a newer 4x4 frame. The truck has a 122" wheelbase. I wanted to stick to Ford products, but it looks like a Chevy frame is closer to the correct width.

Any suggestions? The original frame is in excellent shape. Would it be better to try and add different running gear to the original frame? The mechanical brakes are my biggest concern. There doesn't seem to be a conversion kit for this application. ( it has huge brake drums and 17" wheels, single rear tires) I have not been able to find a 39 to rob the hyd brakes.

I appreciate any input!

Thanks

Terry

 

I have a '41 one ton, my plans are to use an F-1 suspension on it, Mainly because I have given up trying to get the drums off the stupid thing, they're not stuck, I just can't figure out how they are supposed to get off. Anyways, this could be one option, to use an F-1 suspension, if you have parrallel springs on the front like mine does.

One ton exspress deliverys are pretty rare so I've never seen if the hydralic brakes of a later year would seem to be fit on the same kingpin of an older one, But maybe you can do it with the big trucks like the cars can, or even just put the entire striaght axel and all onto your pickup. The only problem with that is finding someone with the right size lug patterns and all that other junk. Of course if you really want to do something like that I have the front and rear axel, with 4 huge wheels availible for the moment.

Of course if you want to go with a 4X4 suspention or just putting in an independent front all that I have no clue about that, it's all according to what you want to use the truck as, what you want the truck to look like and feel, and of course your budget.

Putting in a new drive train gives you options gallore. If you always wanted to have a certain engine this could be your chance to put it in, like what I did on my '52. And then again, you may just have an old engine sitting around your shop, and it could do the right job for you in the truck. On top of that, if gas prices are a consern, you can put in a little four banger. Remember that putting in a carburated engine ia easier than fuel injection, and an auto tranny is alot easier that a stick. But either can be done with enough effort and planning.

You could put in new indie front suspension, like the volare, or call up and find the deminsions of the kits availible to find one closest to your frame width and tallness. It's all according to your budget, skills, and time. The rear of course is the easiest part. Just find one that's the right width, with the lug pattern you want, and the gear ratio you want.

Now with my truck, I want the truck to look near stock with a touch of 50's hot rodding, none of this billet crap that's going around. I'm keeping the flathead because of the fact that it's so famous, looks good, and is now getting rare. I'm going to retain the basic stock drive line, but put on a 9" Ford rear end and an F-1's front axel, for availibility, parts availibility, looks almost just like stock (who would ever notice), and that I can get some wheels for this bolt pattern pretty easily. The truck is intended to be more of a Sunday driver, garage beast (aka. occasional driver) so I'm too concerned about ride quality and all that stuff.

Anyways, I hope this made some sence. Good luck with your project, and keep visiting this forum. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Clayton

 

I appreciate the info!
I am not really sure what I want to do yet. I do know that gas mileage is not a concern, since this will be just another toy. I would like to have a V8 with a standard tranny.
I hesitate to stray from stock since I don't know if this truck is something rare and better off restored.
The reason i was thinking about going to a 4x4 setup is because of the size of the truck (long bed and huge fender wells). It would definately be something different!!

I am open to any ideas.