What do you think of this Truck? (PICT'S)

[KeansClassics]

I went and looked at this old 1938 Ford 3/4 Ton Pickup Truck today and am wanting to know what you guys think of it. The truck hasn't been on the road since the 1960's and from then on for about 15 years it was parked outside, then it was brought inside in the late 1970's and been stored ever since. The truck is really complete and was running when parked. The reason it was parked was because it couldn't pass the state inspection. Its been in the same family since new. The engine didn't want to turn over when we tried moving it with the crank. It has the 85 HP Flathead V8. The wood in the bed is gone. The tailgate has been cut and a lift gate was installed to pour grain from. There are dents here and there as well as the occasional rust spot. They want $1500 and are pretty firm at that. They do have a title as well. What do you think of the price? With everything being there I wouldn't think it would take much to get it back on the road. And I like the look of it, she has a rustic patina to that is very unique!

Thanks for the Replies!

[[email protected]]

Rebuilt a '38 Ford pickup about 6 years ago. Bought it for $1500.00. The metal we started with was nowhere near what your looking at there. For the kind of money they're talking you could afford to find a motor for a pretty good price. Look on the Estray or Craigslist or on FordBarn want ads. Then figure a new clutch and put in hydraulic brake system and some seats. The wiring will probably be needing some work. One thing you have to consider is the value of the parts. The Grille in that shape is worth about $500.00. The running boards are worth $200.00. The fenders are easily worth $500.00 for the set. The hood $500.00. The doors $200.00 apiece. Cab $500.00. And so on. Look real good at the frame. Especially above the rear Axle housings. That part of the frame and the x-members rot easily. Normally if the trucks been used pretty hard the front and rear cross members are usually cracked. The king pins will probably be loose as heck. So yeah the sheet metal has way more value than what the guys asking for it. But if the frame is in decent shape, and the frame is good and if you consider the repairs you'll be looking aren't too much than give that guy fifteen hundred bucks, load it up on the trailer and laugh all the way home.

[Ken/Alabama]

I like it ! Would make a great parts hauler and I would leave as it is. Just do the necessary things to make it safe and roadworthy,brakes,wiring,tires,ect..

[39portlander]

Originally Posted by Ken/Alabama

I like it ! Would make a great parts hauler and I would leave as it is. Just do the necessary things to make it safe and roadworthy,brakes,wiring,tires,ect..

I like Ken's Idea, Mech. perfect and driveable. There's triple that in labor/money to do all the body stuff. That's a great price and do not part it out, this is a survivor. Get it on the road again

[Scott H]

Is this an early April Fool's post?
For only $1500 I'm surprised you would even ask.
They (or you) could probably very easily get $3000 or more for it.
He who hesitates is lost. If you like it, get it.
I paid $2000 for my '36 in much worse shape than that.

And by the way, to get it on the road I would not bother with hydraulic brakes. Mechanicals done right will stop that truck just fine.

[Jack M.]

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What are you waiting for? Even if you parted it out it's worth more.

[Shadetree]

That looks like a deal! The fact that the engine turns over is a good sign. You may have some valves stuck from sitting but that is an easy fix. I have learned that drive them as they are cars and trucks get lots of attention too.

[Cecil/WV]

What's the rear end ratio in the first pic?? LOL, That's a real bargain. Go for it.

[jimTN]

That truck has a heavier frame than the 1/2 ton, in other words it does not have the passenger frame with x member. The rear end is a stump puller. The good part is that the frame under it is much heavier than the x frame and does not suffer from rust like the other. You can change the rear end out with a 60s 3/4 ton and use the same hubs, may have to change the backing plates. All in all you can end up with a very functional truck made of good metal. You can go to 53 with bolt in engine so if necessary an engine should not be a problem.

[Sid the Maineiac]

Buy it before he changes his mind! Great old truck!

[biggeorge]

well i don't see one on your list, so what are you waiting for?

[Tinker]

There is the 81Y Tonner that was in 38. Wheel base was 122"

Looks better then what I started with. I'm leaving mine with all the farm additions. Dents and what not. Soybeans in the ashtray still there :]. Did the engine overhaul and hydros.

Good buy in my opinion. Good luck!

[Tinker]

4sp has a pto option also, so you can run a little grain auger or something neat.

[38 coupe]

That is a 1 ton. Ford started making the 3/4 ton in 39. This truck is the longer 122" wheelbase and has a different tailgate, bed, running boards, fenders, drive shaft, and rear axle than the 1/2 tons. Parts for these can get very hard to find. Also, the available axle ratios were 4.11 and 4.86. If the truck has the 4.11 ratio it can be driven much like a 3.78 equipped car due to the larger rear tires. If the truck has the 4.86 ratio, it will cruise happily at about 45 m.p.h.

I'm not trying to discourage you, just help you make an informed decision.

[donald1950]

one word: fantastic! buy it and if you do not want it sell it complete. and a 3 didget phone number from the "number please" days. a bit of fixing and drive it... don

[Clem Clement]

Looks perfect to me! Love the door adds.

My suttle advice is: BUY IT NOW!!!!!!!
clem

[flatheadA]

I passed up on a 3/4 ton truck for the same price last fall,different year but same situation.Been kicking my self in the a?? every since.
Buy it.

[alanwoodieman]

I have the 41 version of the 3/4 ton, but mine is a stakebed and we really have a good time driving it. My looked like crap as compared to yours. Have you bought it yet???

[Panel Pete]

Well, since you ask my first thought is to BUY IT!!! I paid more than that for my field find 1/2 ton '38 (see avitar <----), and it's nowhere near as nice or complete as this one is. The fact that its been garaged ( or barned ) for the past 30+ years is awesome in itself. Fix it up mechanically, put it on the road and drive the heck out of it!

[joe plumber]

Lichti Repair .I believe they are still in business in Geneva ,Nebr .Buy. it .