As we slowly restore our home I've been digging for information about it's past. I discovered the house was first owned in 1926 by the Dykstas and a 1940 Census revealed they owned & operated Dykstra Motor Sales. The library in nearby Grand Rapids maintains a photo archive and I was able to locate some images of the business, which turned out to be a Ford dealership that stood just a couple blocks from the house. It seems fitting that I, a longtime Ford enthusiast, have been unknowingly restoring a home that was first lived in by the family who ran the local Ford dealership.

1958, Earliest known overall photo of our home:


1940, Dykstra Motor Sales Co., later demolished for new highway:


1940, Dykstra truck on grease rack:

 

It is good that you now know the early history of your house! The truck on the lube rack is a 1939 Ford 3/4 ton Stake Bed. Correct me if I am wrong. I am going to post this pic on the vintage shots page here.

 

Very cool story Josh. Keep us updated on your progress and any old Ford pics you find.

 

AND it's a dealer display model. Black with yellow fenders. Also extra chromium trim. Most I've seen have a stainless windshield frame. Never seen those 'under the bed fenders'. They are not the usual 3/4 ton pickup rer fenders. They have a flatter crown. It's really fun to explore the history of old houses and how nice would it be to be able to walk a few blocks to work? Thanks for sharing this.

 

I have an idea about those rear fenders: I think that the dealership ordered the '39 as a cab and chassis and installed the stake bed from their earlier shop truck. Notice the ill fitting running board. These tires look more light duty as if this truck may be a 1/2 ton. Also the 3/4 ton had the same wheelbase as the 1 ton. It would help to see this in the side view. '39 was the first year for the 3/4 ton so maybe they wanted to show off the new model.

 

I'm with you Mike. They look like earlier fenders and many times we still see a company keeping their old service box or other bed that's still in good shape. And in all these old service station photos I can look at the backgrounds forever. I have always loved how the walls are two tone. Grey or something half way up and white where it stays cleaner.

 

I'm pretty sure that is a 39 1/2 ton stake.

I agree with GB, those look like 37 rear fenders to me. Compare:
37 stakebed
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com...7176cb9065.jpg
https://www.hemmings.com/blog/wp-con...ake_02_700.jpg

39 stakebed
http://i2.wp.com/www.happycarz.com/w...014/01/2a1.jpg
http://i0.wp.com/www.happycarz.com/w...014/01/291.jpg

 

Had a feeling you guys would be able to shed some light on the truck for me. Glad I could contribute to the photo thread as well. Thanks guys.