I finally found the serial number on my pickup frame. I have what I thought to be a 1933 V8 Commercial vehicle (Pickup). If the Vanpelt listing of "Early Ford Serial Numbers" for Model 40 includes commercial vehicles I have a 1934 Pickup, with a 1933 hood. (The side panels do not have the "V8" emblem.) Darn, now I'll have to change my name.... Mack Hils indicates the '32 & '33 cabs are the same and the '34 is unique. Does any one know what the difference is?

 

Hey there 33,
Welcome to FTE.
The difference between a 32/33 and a 34 is the wide body line on the rear of the cab. On a 32/33 cab, the two body lines that are on the door will wrap around to the rear of the cab. Now the 34 has those same body lines plus a wider body line above the two on the rear of the cab. Let me know if you'd like a picture of my 34 cab. Also, as you noted , the 34 hood is a little different, along with the grill shell having stainless steel trim. Good luck with your project, and let me know if I can help.

Bob

 

Bob,

Thanks for the reply. I've checked the pictures in my Mack Hils book and noticed the wider body line, but the '32/33 pictures were open cab or the rear of the cab was not shown. I'll have to check mine again, but I think it doesn't have the wide body line. But, it does have a '34 serial number on the frame next to the stearing box mounting. In my reference books it looks as if 4 cylinder '34 pickups were offered.That being the case would you know what the digits just after the leading star would be? My serial number is *_ _ -460712. (That seems to make it a '34.) If there are two digits before the -, I can't read the first one. The second is either a "B", "3", or "8". If you have any pictures I would like to check them out. Thanks bunches.

Ralph

 

Ralph,

I don't know much about the serial number meanings, so I would not be much help. I do know that a 32 cab will bolt up to a 34 chassis with no modifications to the cab mount holes. I'm not sure what type of restoration you're doing, but I wouldn't worry too much about the year (look at all the guys trying to pass a '49 Anglia off as a '48 for the NSRA!). BTW, are you looking for any parts? I know a guy in Ohio who bought my bro-in laws 33 truck, and he's converting it to a 32, so he's getting rid of the 33 grill shell and hood. Also, I've got a few extra parts laying around.
I'll snap some pics of my cab tonite.
Bob

 

Bob,

Yes, I'm always looking for parts. My pickup was run hard and put up wet. The fellow I bought it from found it in the woods with a tree growing between the front bumper and body! Needless to say, it is in tough. I have completely disassembled it. Right now I'm rebuilding the engine and tranny. I have an extra frame and cab a fellow gave me, but cab is in worse shape than mine. Just keeping it for reference.

I see you and I are USN retired. I was a defense contractor for 24 years, just retired Dec 31, 2003. BUT...........I'm a NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS fan. Give up my season ticket. The price doubled in the new stadium. Need the money for the '33.

Ralph

 

Ralph,

I know the feeling when it comes to the abuses these old trucks took! My bed is bad enough that I decided to order a new bed last week. I posted some pictures of the 34 truck in my gallery this morning. The third body line I was referring to in my previous post is the one that has a slot cut into it for a LED third brake light. It's good to meet a fellow vet, there sure are alot of us out there (especially in my area!)
Keep in touch...
Bob

 

Bob,

Thanks for the cab pictures. I'll head out to the "barn" and check mine. I'll probably need to get a bunch of stuff. Might just jack up the rediator cap and drive a new turck under it.
There are a lot of vets here too. Sure hope the BRAC doesn't close the Submarine Base down this go around!!!

Ralph

 

Bob,

Checked my cab, it's a '33. Checked the Mack Hils book again too. There are pictures that ar 32/33 cabs. You really can see the difference. According to Mack Hils, the 32/33 cabs are the same and the 33/34 beds are the same.

Ralph