1938 Tonner Express (Pic heavy)
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,927
Likes: 135
From: Houston
1938 Tonner Express (Pic heavy)
A friend of mine in the Houston area is almost finished with the restoration of a 1938 Ford Tonner Express (1 ton pickup truck for those not familiar with the lingo). All he has left is to touch up a couple places in the paint, clean the tires, and install the hubcaps. Here are pictures:
I have a few more pictures here: 1938 Ford Tonner by Fred_Mills | Photobucket
Looking at the truck this afternoon it seemed larger than my F-2. I find that odd since they both are basically the same size (same wheel base and bed size). Maybe it is because the tall 7.50-17 tires on the 38?
I have a few more pictures here: 1938 Ford Tonner by Fred_Mills | Photobucket
Looking at the truck this afternoon it seemed larger than my F-2. I find that odd since they both are basically the same size (same wheel base and bed size). Maybe it is because the tall 7.50-17 tires on the 38?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,104
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From: Orcas Island Wa.
Looks like it has the 'heavy duty' 3 speed. I have read that there was a special 3 speed tranny for these, but never seen one in a tonner. I'm basing this on the shift lever. And yes the 7.50 x 17s are just under 34" usually and give it that stance. Does he have NOS hubcaps?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,104
Likes: 138
From: Orcas Island Wa.
Looks like he's still running the cable brakes. I found them to be very effective, even when loaded.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Mandan, ND
Hey GB, Have you room for a 46-47 tonner with a 6 cylinder and I believe, an original script stakebed? Got a guy at work that keeps pestering me about buying his.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,104
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From: Orcas Island Wa.
Heck, I got me ten acres of room. Just not the money to buy more trucks. If it were an express pickup, rust free, I might just have to sell something, but I have a lot of flatbeds already. Out of curiousity, how much?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,104
Likes: 138
From: Orcas Island Wa.
Someone probably told him only a few 'eccentrics' were willing to buy the trucks larger than a half ton. Seen any of them around lately?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,927
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From: Houston
The original hubcaps are somewhere in new england getting the stainless straightened.
I agree, cable brakes in good shape work very well. The cable brakes on my 37 sedan will out stop the hydraulic brakes on my 53 sedan. The cables are a lot more work to adjust though.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,104
Likes: 138
From: Orcas Island Wa.
When pulling a trailer with my '38 tonner I always relied upon the trailer's electric brakes. At first I kept a 12 volt battery on the trailer to run them, hooked up negative ground, with a wire to the controller in the cab... Truck was 6v positive. I have no idea what went on between the trailer ball and both truck and trailer polar opposites. The brakes worked but I was so green then. Why didn't the ball arc weld itself onto the trailer's coupler????
