Hi folks, just signed in and was happy to find your forum. I just picked up a 47 Ford flatbed and was wondering if you guys could help me determine what size the truck is. The VIN # is 799T1782410.

It has 750 x 20 tires on with duallys on the rear.. Of course I have a gazzilion questions and I can post photos. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks, Jack

 

Here is one of the best web sites that I have found. I hope it helps

Early Ford Serial Numbers For Cars and Trucks Manufactured for the USA Market from 1932 to 1953

 

Thanks for the reply. I had seen that website and have been doing a lot research since your post. I've decided I have a 1 and 1/2 ton. The truck bed is 12' long, with 750x20 duallys in the rear and helper leaf springs in the rear also.

I was hoping to put this truck on the road soon but it seems the remaining 10 % restoratation are critical items.

Again thanks for your reply.,

Jack

 

Must be a V-8 Model 59. 134" wheelbase? You are correct, I believe, in calling it a 1.5 ton. If it had an H, it would be a 2 ton, as far as I know. You would have a Warner Gear T-9 spur gear transmission.

 

44Jack

What are the critical areas that you are looking to find info about?

 

5 Star, I posted this question when I first got the truck. Since then I've been reading as much info on the internet as I can. The PO had gerry rigged the radiator fan (mounting it on the front of the generator) and I was interested in what I needed to correct this. After checking out the recccommended website for flatheads I was able to determine the fan shroud was missing and the bracket for the fan to position it center it on the engine was also missing. I was able to purchase these items on EBay and am waiting delivery. To my knowledge, this is all I need to get the truck on the road.

Thanks for replying,

Jack

 

Jack, sounds like that Gen you have with the Fan mounted is off a 39 down, which was the correct setup.

Are you sure your engine is a 239 C.I.D. 59A Block & should have 24 studs on each head, and a 2 Bolt on Dist, to the Timming Cover.

The Fan Shroud is a must, as well as the Belly Pan below the Rad. All this helps with the cooling.
I have some info on the larger Trucks as you have, but limited as it comes from a Dealer Brochure.

 

Five star, I just got off the phone with my brother in law who has done a lot of work on flatheads and he agrees with you. The generator is for the up to 39 engines. I'm able to see my engine number because the floor is open and it is exactly the same as my vin number.

I purchased a fan shroud from ebay and I think it will work however I didn't know about a belly pan. Do you know of where I might see a picture or drawing of one? I know I have to find the correct generator and I also have to find the crank pulley for the fan belt.

Thanks for the information,

Jack

 

Jack, I don't have a pic of the Belly Pan, but if you look under the Rad, you will get a good look at the space you have to fill.

I guess I could tak a pic of mine and post it here. As for the Crank Pulley the one off a Car is the Same 5/8 inch Groove.

 

I agree with you 5 Star about seeing what needs to be done to safe off the bottom of the radiator so no air would by pass the radiator. That part wouldn't be rocket science.

Here's a photo of the truck.



Thanks for your responses and I'll let you know my progress.

Jack

 

I have a generator off a 46' if You need one. I converted to 12v and no longer have a use for mine. Let me know if You're interested.
Dan

 

44 Jack good looking Truck you have there, and the Grille Bars look nice a straight.

The Belly Pan on my 1/2 Ton wouldn't be the same as the one you need, I don't think as the Frame in your Truck would be a little more beefy. Anyway you got the idea of what you need and there are a lot of those larger Trucks in the West.

 

dbdbb, I would be interested in the generator. I think my email address is in my profile. If not let me know and thanks.

Jack

 

An update on my progress which is a learning curve for sure. I purchased a fan shroud and fan hub assembly from EBay. While attempting to install these I find my distributor is in the way. Further checking online and I discover that I have the wrong distributor. The Dome type that's for 37-41.

I think I should have a 59A-12127 which is illustrated in VanPelts Sales website. I'm 99% sure I have the correct engine in this truck as the engine number is the same as my VIN. The heads are stamped 9T.

Anyway I'm on a quest to get this cleared up and am still looking for a generator. Does anyone know if I can use a newer one say for the 49-53?

Thanks in advance,

Jack

 

Thanks Stan. I'm enjoying working on it and have given up on trying to get it on the road immediately. Takes a little longer to get parts for these gems.

Jack