The Ford Barn

snappydon · 10-20-2016, 08:55 AM

The transformation has begun...
I've removed all the obsolete hodgepodge of vintage fire gear, and am now getting ready to swap out the cab, nose, running boards, rear fenders and all the running gear onto an original 1937 1-1/2 ton truck, short wheelbase chassis that I drug home from western Montana. This will allow me to use the factory full length running boards from fender to fender with no seams or joints. I'm gonna retask the box off the firetruck to use as a pickup box. So essentially, when I'm done I'll have a 1937 Ford 1-1/2 ton dually pickup. Or so I hope. I got the gas tank back from being rebuilt and lined with a sealant, it's installed and the truck is running off it's original fuel system again. I'm picking up the seat tomorrow from the upholstery shop.

It's been a fun project so far, now I'm seeing actual progress.

corvette8n · 10-20-2016, 09:08 AM

Interesting project, it will be great to watch it progress.

GB SISSON · 10-20-2016, 10:13 AM

This is gonna be a really cool pickup and a fun build to watch!

expavr · 10-20-2016, 10:27 AM

Don
I like the flared look where the running boards tie into the rear fender. Very unique! My hats off to you for your persistence working out in the weather with all the rain/wind we've had in Oct. I'm looking forward to seeing your dually at Shelton next summer.
Les

tubman · 10-20-2016, 11:07 AM

Be careful with those rear fenders. I've never seen anything like them. I'll bet they are extremely hard to find.

snappydon · 10-20-2016, 10:33 PM

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I agree on the fenders...I've only been able to find 3 other pics of them on the net. And all were on wreckers. They are a factory option. I've got a 37 sales brochure that shows them and the running board flares. The running boards and fenders have kind of driven the direction of this project as a dually pickup.

Bored&Stroked · 10-21-2016, 07:18 AM

I think this will be a fantastic looking truck when you're done - so keep after it and get it done! The metal on your truck looks to be in top-notch condition, so you're very fortunate in that regard. It has a certain style to it that you won't normally see on big trucks - something a bit special in my mind.

Are you going to be using the original running gear, or modern stuff (like the transmission and rear)?

Okay, just pondering out loud here: Boy would I love to have a truck like this with a modern truck drivetrain - to really enable me to tow with it, be able to pull hills loaded - open road stuff. I could just see it with a modern diesel engine, 6 speed Allison trans, etc - but , with all that said, hopefully you're running it with an original flathead! LOL

snappydon · 10-21-2016, 04:35 PM

No I'm gonna retain all the original running gear. I found a correct 37 motor and the transmission S/N matches the frame S/N so everything is 37 correct. My plan is to keep it as vintage correct as possible!

GB SISSON · 10-21-2016, 08:07 PM

Found you a few fender pictures.....Ok the last one didn't have your fenders but it was so cool...Edit: If they can tow like that in stock form, I guess you can.

KDL · 10-21-2016, 08:41 PM

I like it!

GB SISSON · 10-21-2016, 08:45 PM

This is the one I sold last year. It's like your twin....

snappydon · 10-21-2016, 10:29 PM

I've seen the video of your old truck hauling logs!

I've never seen any of those pics you posted...

This is a pic of the 37 sales brochure regarding the fenders and flareout.

I'm also looking for the stainless center cap over the axles nuts in the pic, if anybody has one or knows where to maybe find 1 or 2!

10-20-2016, 09:08 AM	#2
corvette8n Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: 36 miles north of Albany NY Posts: 2,950	Re: The transformation has begun... Interesting project, it will be great to watch it progress.

10-20-2016, 10:13 AM	#3
GB SISSON Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Orcas Island Washington Posts: 4,935	Re: The transformation has begun... This is gonna be a really cool pickup and a fun build to watch! __________________ Owner/Operator of 'Jailbar Ranch' on the side of Mt. Pickett. Current stable consists of 1946 1/2 ton pickup turned woodie wagon with FH V8, 1947 Tonner Pickup (red) mostly stock with exception of a cummins 6at turbo diesel, 1946 Tonner Pickup (green) with 226 cu in 6 cyl flathead, 1979 Toyota landcruiser wagon, completely encased in 1947 Ford Jailbar sheet metal. Ok, cornbinder rear fenders..... 'Rusty ol' floorboards, hot on their feet' (Alan Jackson)

10-20-2016, 10:27 AM	#4
expavr Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Hansville, WA Posts: 776	Re: The transformation has begun... Don I like the flared look where the running boards tie into the rear fender. Very unique! My hats off to you for your persistence working out in the weather with all the rain/wind we've had in Oct. I'm looking forward to seeing your dually at Shelton next summer. Les

10-20-2016, 11:07 AM	#5
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 10,319	Re: The transformation has begun... Be careful with those rear fenders. I've never seen anything like them. I'll bet they are extremely hard to find.

10-20-2016, 10:33 PM	#6
snappydon Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Hoodsport WA Posts: 150	Re: The transformation has begun... Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I agree on the fenders...I've only been able to find 3 other pics of them on the net. And all were on wreckers. They are a factory option. I've got a 37 sales brochure that shows them and the running board flares. The running boards and fenders have kind of driven the direction of this project as a dually pickup.

10-21-2016, 07:18 AM	#7
Bored&Stroked Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 5,068	Re: The transformation has begun... I think this will be a fantastic looking truck when you're done - so keep after it and get it done! The metal on your truck looks to be in top-notch condition, so you're very fortunate in that regard. It has a certain style to it that you won't normally see on big trucks - something a bit special in my mind. Are you going to be using the original running gear, or modern stuff (like the transmission and rear)? Okay, just pondering out loud here: Boy would I love to have a truck like this with a modern truck drivetrain - to really enable me to tow with it, be able to pull hills loaded - open road stuff. I could just see it with a modern diesel engine, 6 speed Allison trans, etc - but , with all that said, hopefully you're running it with an original flathead! LOL

10-21-2016, 04:35 PM	#8
snappydon Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Hoodsport WA Posts: 150	Re: The transformation has begun... No I'm gonna retain all the original running gear. I found a correct 37 motor and the transmission S/N matches the frame S/N so everything is 37 correct. My plan is to keep it as vintage correct as possible!

10-21-2016, 08:41 PM	#10
KDL Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Central MA Posts: 186	Re: The transformation has begun... I like it!