I still haven't figured out what year truck I have! Looks like a 38 1 ton with the 122" wheelbase, 17" tires, pickup bed and mechanical brakes. The VIN number begins with BBI8 and ends with OIY. Everything looks too original to have been hacked up by someone trying to make a truck out of parts. The numbers on the tranny and the frame match. Does anybody know what the BB18 means. I am not having much luck getting answers.

 

Hey there. I tried to find the info on the VIN for you, but the furthest back I can go is to '39. Usually I've seen the BB for bigger trucks, which you already know you have. Most of the VIN decoding stuff available is the '46 and newer stuff. The 01Y is still a head scratcher. Wish I could help you further, but i'm stuck now.

Gary
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1946 pickup-ongoing project
1946 pickup-waiting for resto.
1947 pickup-parts truck
1957 Ford FL 500 Town Victoria
1970 Mustang FB-daily driver
1972 Olds Vista Cruiser-4 sale
1988 Bronco II-for sale

 

Thanks for trying. I hope that someone out there has a 38 1 ton that has been through this already. I wish i knew where else to check! Oh well, I guess i will keep on scratching at what little hair I have left!! Thanks again.

Terry

 

Did you ever find the information that you requested? I have a 1939 Ford pickup that I believe is a 1 ton, but am having difficulty finding definitive information about it. Its VIN also starts with BB18, but ends wity 5Y. If you've learned more on issue, I'd appreciate you sharing it.
Thanks

 

I am still looking for an answer about my truck. It seems hard to believe there is not some kind of record on what was built. If you find out anything, let me know.

Does your truck have hyd. brakes? They only built this body style for 2 years as i understand it. I am curious how many 1 tons were built in 38 and 39!

Hang in there. I am sure somebody has the answers.

Terry

 

First, you might want to read my comment titled "Old Ford Identification" Apparently according to Ford Archives, the "VIN" indicates engine identification, and has no connection to what the vehicle actually is.

However, since that message, I've received email from a Dale Sandman. dandmand@jps.net. He says: The best answer I can provide you with your truck's identification is what I found in Lorin Sorensen's bood titled THE COMMERCIAL FORDS. This was in the 1938-39 section of this book. Lorin states: "In January, 1938, shortly after the intrtoduction of the 122-inch "one-ton" Ford chassis, a new super-sized pickup based on this chassis made its appearance. Developed at the request of farmers who wanted something that would carry bigger, heavier loads, the "Express" had a box measuring 96" x 54" and could be had with either the standard 85hp V8 or the optional 60hp V8 engine. The price was $730- against $590 for the regular 112" Pickup, and options included a 4-speed transmission, long or short running boards, spare wheel carrier and front shocks. The same style Express was offered again for 1939. Only now it was available with either 3/4 or one ton capacity with a new 95hp V8 version.

In a subsequent email, Dale writes:
I leanred what the difference was between the 1393 3/4 ton Express pickup and the one ton model. The one tonner had a FULL FLOATING AXLE and 17 inch wheels while the 3/4 ton truck used the standard 3/4 floating rear axle and used regualr production 16 inch wheels.

Hope this helps. If so, send Dale your appreciation for the research.
Ron

 

Looks like I owe Dale a big thanks for the info. I knew this truck was different when I saw it for the first time. I am still curious just how many of these "express" trucks were built.

If the 39 had hyd. brakes, I would like to find one so I can convert the mechanical brakes I have now. I have a feeling the brake parts for these monster 17" wheels are going to be hard to find!

Thanks for the info you have passed along. Every little bit helps.

Terry