My "new" Truck!

[michelle]

Almost a year since I picked up my '06 F-150, I was ready for another truck. I have been eyeing up a truck that was about a mile down the road from the house. He was looking for a grass cutting garden tractor and I might have 5 .... or 20 of those laying around. Arrived home on Friday after work and found this in my yard!

1947 Ford 1.5 Ton with a stake bed. Bed tilts too, well it should anyways. (:

(no worries, cutting grass later today)
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/530013_10101364659415588_219700023_37312655_796719 996_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/534824_10101364659465488_219700023_37312656_999708 181_n.jpg

woohoo, 60 mph!
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/544698_10101364659809798_219700023_37312662_938314 080_n.jpg

mmm... flathead
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/578873_10101364729669798_219700023_37312910_199312 2915_n.jpg

Started working on it yesterday. Finally got spark. It has a dual ignition system and the points were stuck.
http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/576472_10101365620624318_219700023_37317172_138643 8183_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/532984_10101365677370598_219700023_37317480_167885 9577_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/543227_10101365620749068_219700023_37317177_108752 6065_n.jpg


Should be fun and keep me busy this summer. Plenty to learn about 1940s technology.

[GTSLOW]

Looks like it needs a can of degreaser or 20. I like it! What's the plans for it?

[michelle]

As of now, just get it running smoothly, get the brakes working (pedal just goes to the floor, but the emergency/parking brake works great!), rewire it, clean it up, and then see what I have to work with. The tires are going to be a big expense, but are obviously very important. And probably have to get new wheels since I doubt I can find anybody who wants to dismount and remount on wheels nicknamed the "widow makers". :goof

[wrath]

Nice find. I can't believe it isn't mangled from 50 "farmers" cobbling it together. Modern rubber isn't bad to mount on those wheels.

[WickedSix]

2 speed rear axle?

Very cool find, fun old truck

[Cryptic]

wtf is 1940 technology? Is that like 1 step up from steam engine?

Very cool truck though. Is that flat bed hydraulic? Is it operational?

[michelle]

2 speed rear axle?

Very cool find, fun old truck

How would I identify if I have that?

[michelle]

wtf is 1940 technology? Is that like 1 step up from steam engine?

Very cool truck though. Is that flat bed hydraulic? Is it operational?

It's supposed to tilt. Haven't tried it yet, but will try once it's running. Need to rebuild the carb and that should help get it running for more than a few seconds.

[Prince Valiant]

well, 1930's era technology at least :)

When people say "rides like a truck!" this is the era that they talk about...today's trucks, even 3/4 and 1 tons, all pretty much have ride and handling that's not too far off the pace of cars...heck, many prefer the rides of trucks to cars. But in those days trucks rode worse than semi tractor trailers of today.

You know Adam is eyeing that thing for how many tractors he can get on the rear of that thing, don't you :goof

[WickedSix]

How would I identify if I have that?

Its been so long since I worked on the one a friend had... I believe it has a lever on the rear axle that operates the two different ratios. There is a photo of the rearend here http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1038239-1940-ford-trucks-unsure-of-model.html

[bikedad]

How would I identify if I have that?

Is there a floor mounted push button? (like the old high beam switch of old days)

You would double clutch the truck while pushing the button and it would shift the diff. I can't remember but I think once you went below a certain speed it would downshift itself. (trying to remember an old 50 era delivery truck I used to drive)

[-stew-]

That's a cool truck! I'd look into putting in modern axles to get your self modern brakes and rubber. I'd find out what rear axle ratio you have and take some width measurements and look at some bread trucks/top kicks/f700's in junk yards. What size tires are on it now?

[michelle]

Is there a floor mounted push button? (like the old high beam switch of old days)

You would double clutch the truck while pushing the button and it would shift the diff. I can't remember but I think once you went below a certain speed it would downshift itself. (trying to remember an old 50 era delivery truck I used to drive)

This is what I have.

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/549185_10101366704352518_219700023_37323061_125347 5915_n.jpg

I have these levers, but I think the other two are for tilting bed and the other being the emergency/parking brake.

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/545105_10101366704412398_711181216_n.jpg

[bikedad]

That button on the floor below the clutch is probably the high beams switch. (The truck I drove had a button similar but it had a pedal to it and it was located next to the gas.
One way to really make sure is just crawl underneath and see if there are any cables/rods or wires to a solenoid on the rear diff. The truck I drove was an International Harvester about 1955ish or newer (it was almost 30 years ago LOL)
This truck might not be heavy enough for a 2 speed rear axle. Plus, I think it's too old to have an electric switch actuated solenoid type.
Your best bet is to follow those levers and see where they go.

I did find this interesting link regarding 2 speed axles.

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/20470-how-does-a-two-speed-axle-work.html

Read the post from this guy: 59_F-700 Pretty interesting.

[michelle]

That's a cool truck! I'd look into putting in modern axles to get your self modern brakes and rubber. I'd find out what rear axle ratio you have and take some width measurements and look at some bread trucks/top kicks/f700's in junk yards. What size tires are on it now?

7.50 x 20

Another old Ford guy confirmed I didn't have the "widow makers" and my rims are still usable. I still don't want to spend $1200 on tires, but I have thought of your idea about doing some swapping. I'm sure others have done it, so I will have to look into what works well.

[lilws6]

that pedal to the right of the gas pedal? the one your talking about?

[lilws6]

nvm that is the gas pedal :goof

[michelle]

nvm that is the gas pedal :goof

Haha, I know. It doesn't have much travel, but then again it has a top speed of 60 mph according to the speedometer...

[lilws6]

we'll see about that

[350-Z28]

If you need help or advice with the engine my dad is a Flathead fanatic and has done many high performance and stock builds with extensive knowledge and resources, shoot me a PM if you want his shop number and what not. 60mph is very optimistic, my dads 36 panel truck does about 50mph and thats cookin pretty good for that. Willing to bet 45-50mph will be where the truck is most comfortable. Cool truck though, not many people like the bigger trucks of that era. We have a few here if you want more =P

[jbiscuit]

Space is gonna be a problem if Adam starts collecting these old Ford trucks instead of tractors lol

[michelle]

It's my truck. But I sure wish it fit in the garage. Time to look into those canopy structures once it comes time to pull out some windows and clean it up.

I picked up my carb rebuild kit today. Um, lots of little parts.

[SSDude]

Don't be scared by those little parts.

[Prince Valiant]

Um, lots of little parts.that's what she said. truly.

[michelle]

A bit of some Kansas sand in there!

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/531230_10101372555396978_219700023_37338972_138892 4596_n.jpg

[jbiscuit]

I'd tank all those parts in a carb cleaner solution. I bet that gunk is everywhere

[michelle]

Soaking as I type this!

[michelle]

Ugh, got the spring out, but the little ball won't budge!

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/533362_10101372873354788_219700023_37340940_148970 4880_n.jpg

[lilws6]

magnet?

[SSDude]

Ugh, got the spring out, but the little ball won't budge!

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/533362_10101372873354788_219700023_37340940_148970 4880_n.jpg
I wouldn't try to hard to get that out. It could be intentional to close off a passage.

[michelle]

All of the directions I found said to remove it. Gave up and put it back together.

And..... it runs!!!

[OxmanWI]

Looks good, have fun with this project!

[michelle]

Thanks!

[Prince Valiant]

I know some are saying to put a modern drivetrain in the thing...and not that I think you are considering it, BUT, if you were to consider doing something radical, then I'd suggest just putting that old body onto a whole modern frame...that way, EVERYTHING, even the ride, is substantially upgraded.

good job on the carb rebuild though :)

[michelle]

I'm a long way before I even think of things like that, but we'll see. It's fun making a little progress each day after work though!

[jbiscuit]

It would be a crime to ditch the flathead motor!

[michelle]

Even with a rusted out exhaust, it sure sounds good!

[michelle]

Every girl's dream.... a tilting bed.

vnsCAHSipfk

[Gregor]

Nice truck.

Get those brakes working and take it for a spin.

[Wagonbacker9]

just think how many tractors can fit on the flatbed at once!

[michelle]

Nice truck.

Get those brakes working and take it for a spin.

Having some issues with the clutch. Seems a bit.... stuck. The PO said they have a tendency to do that when sitting for so long, but that it would "free itself up" over time.

[Gregor]

just think how many tractors can fit on the flatbed at once!

or SHO's or parts

[michelle]

Got some new (well used) inside door handles today. Should prevent me from getting stuck inside the cab now.

Delilah likes to sit shotgun in my other truck. Will be pretty cute to see her in this beast.

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/340503_741962860518_219700023_36656214_1390608554_ o.jpg

[pOrk]

Dogs shouldn't be in the front seat...

[RZNCAIN]

Looks sweet.

[michelle]

Dogs shouldn't be in the front seat...

Backseat was full at the time. Only way to transport both of them. The only thing I miss about the big conversion van was the room in the back for both!

[michelle]

So what are some tips to free up one of these old clutches?

[Wagonbacker9]

Google returns this "solution":


I have a car that sticks after sitting.
The way I get it loose get it warmed up good,then aim the car in a safe direction and crank it in 1st gear.
When it starts,it will take off!Keep the clutch pedal to the floor and bounce the throttle.
Does it every time.

[michelle]

The PO's idea was to tow it around to try and play around with it to break it free. No such luck last night, but we'll keep trying.

Another idea was to jack up the rear, have it running and "driving", and then drop the jack. Didn't seem like a super safe plan...

[Slow Joe]

Did you check any cables or similar to make sure they're moving and not broken? I'm not too familiar with 40s technology, but from a troubleshooting standpoint that's where I'd start.

Oh and btw, sweet ride!

[GTSLOW]

The jack idea for some reason does not sound like a good idea.

[Wagonbacker9]

one way or another, you basically have to shock the clutch. I don't really know that a 'safe' way to do it without a lot of wrenching exists.

[michelle]

Still having clutch issues. Pulled stuff off today and looked around. These pieces fell out after removing the inspection plate from the bottom. Oh fun!

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/543307_10101395489656538_1067225905_n.jpg

[GTSLOW]

Could be pressure plate pieces. Either way small metal pieces in there probably means there's a piece stuck between something and has it locked. When the spring broke on my TDI the clutch was locked.

[Gregor]

I will talk to a friend of mine that specializes in that vintage of old truck. There has to be a safer way to do this task.

[michelle]

Transmission has to come out. Just need to figure out the best (easiest) way to do it.

[Gregor]

its just like any other trans removal except you can unbolt your floorpan to get more access. Your gear box is bolted from the inside like a C4. (Divorced Bellhousing) So you will need to yank it all at once.

Talked to my friend about the clutch and when he drove his for the first few times he drove it around a farmers field till the clutch free'd up. It took a few weeks of shocking the clutch and spraying down the linkage with AC Delco Heat riser pentrant spray.

He went thru Coker for the tires.


Pardon the spelling way over tired.

[michelle]

Adjusted the clutch pedal today and I can shift gears! Drove it around the neighborhood a few times under it's own power. And the best part - I have a working taillight! Ah, the little things. (:

[Gregor]

It always feel good to get something running again. Was the linkage froze up or did it just need adjustment?

[michelle]

Needed adjustment. Big relief not to have to pull the transmission, that's for sure!

[michelle]

Thanks to Russ for his help last night!

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/306837_10101409300424648_657480893_n.jpg

[michelle]

Silly Fords keep multiplying!

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/376591_10101423622962168_277932172_n.jpg

I have to blame Andy (BOSS LX) for the '51 though.

[jbiscuit]

the red one is badass!!!

[BOSS LX]

Silly Fords keep multiplying!

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/376591_10101423622962168_277932172_n.jpg

I have to blame Andy (BOSS LX) for the '51 though.

Hey hey hey, I had nothing to do with it! lol Gotta blame that crazy old guy!

[DynoTom]

Hey hey hey, I had nothing to do with it! lol Gotta blame that crazy old guy!


Did you get that truck from Bill ?

[michelle]

Yeah, the red one.

[nextime]

Nice new ride.

[michelle]

Took the '51 for it's first official "drive" tonight.

h4DoBbjdTnQ

You can kind of hear what the 337 Lincoln flathead V8 sounds like.

Yz_qMIkFZ_8

[73MACH]

That's awesome! I love the old trucks. Put a couple old tractors on there and go to a show the way they sit.