31 Mail truck on modern chassis
 

I would like to build a wood bodied truck to appear like the '31 Mail truck and use it for our business. It would have the '31 cowl, hood, radiator, front fenders, headlights, running boards, etc. To make it reliable and safe for employees to drive, I would like a more modern chassis and running gear.


I'd like suggestions on what frame, running gear, suspension, etc to start building the vehicle.

Re: 31 Mail truck on modern chassis
 

There was a company that made replica 36 Ford pickups on older (mid sized) Ford ranger
chassis. Perhaps that would work for you

Re: 31 Mail truck on modern chassis
 

Have you looked here?
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/

Re: 31 Mail truck on modern chassis
 

S 10

Re: 31 Mail truck on modern chassis
 

This is a pretty broad statement really. How accurate or authentic do you want it to be? What kind of budget do you have? Neither the S10 nor the Ranger chassis has the engine located in the proper relationship to the front axle. Therefore they always look awful IMHO.

The next issue is many (i.e.: most) "employees" these days cannot drive a vehicle that is a manual-shift or non fuel-injected, and most would need to be power steering & brake equipped. Also, most are likely going to want air conditioning to be happy in a closed vehicle. So where does this leave you?


Personally I would suggest you go find a street rodded Tudor that has already been built and remove everything from the Windshield posts rearward to build your faux postal body onto if you are wanting something that has any sort of a ROI when you are finished.

Re: 31 Mail truck on modern chassis
 

Re: 31 Mail truck on modern chassis
 

Brent is correct about the engine and front axle position on a modern chassis. They always end up with a bucktoothed appearance, like the old Walter trucks :eek:

Re: 31 Mail truck on modern chassis
 

If you're not set on a mail truck, "woodie" station wagon plans are available from the National Woodie Club. As for a modern, reliable chassis I would also recommend TCI, as Chris suggests. You can order anything from a basic frame to a complete chassis with running gear, steering, brakes, etc.

Re: 31 Mail truck on modern chassis
 

My concern would be a liability issue for my employees. What does your insurance agent think of the idea? Are you going to have seat belts, head rests and air bags and has their design been approved? Sounds like too much risk.

Charlie Stephens