War-Era 1945 Ford Truck Represents Rare Find
By Brett Foote

Ford didn't sell 1945 model year trucks to the public, making this one a really rare sight.

 

nice pickup ! would not mind having it in my garage.

 

I agree, it's a very nice truck, set up the way I like them. Henry's way!

 

In September 1944, the War Production Board said the automakers could begin producing trucks for the civilian market.

Ford did manage to sell a few 1945's, but they didn't begin to roll off the assembly line until summer 1945.

One reason why, there was a worldwide shortage of steel. When Henry J. Kaiser began to assemble cars, he flew steel in from Europe to keep his assembly lines working.

 

I have a 1945 that I am building into a hot rod. One owner from a farmer in North Dakota.

 

Why would you run a nice old truck by turning into a hot rod?

 

Because that’s what I want.

 

That's a good-looking truck I just recently acquired one myself. I am not able to measure my lug nut bolt specs though since it is in another state at this time, is there any chance that you knpw the lug nut pattern size and wheel size? I read somewhere on the internet that it was 16 inch 5-4 1/2 is that correct? Thank you. I'll post a picture of mine as soon as I get back to it.

 

The half ton pickups came with 16" wheels and 5 x 5-1/2" lug spacing.

 

Hey thanks. Now I just have to find me some wheels and tires to take with me to put on the old girl so I can drag her up on a trailer and bring her home. I'll be posting pics on here as soon as I am able.

 

The bolt pattern stayed the same into the '80s, I believe, for most half ton Fords.

 

So, I found a set of 16" wheels 5 x 5.5 off of a dodge pickup, will these fit my ford so I can roll it around?

 

They should work providing the center hole is large enough to accommodate the hub.

 

Thanks Rust Wrangler, I was actually just reading about this in another section of the forum. This is going to be a long process for me and my first restoration. Thanks for your help, I plan to post an introduction when I get the 45 home.