Saving a family treasure...(1936 1and1/2 ton)
 

I'm new to the forum, and excited to find this, as I see there's a wealth of knowledge on here that I may need at times, and also some may enjoy my sharing of the story and full restoration of this old truck.

This truck was purchased by my Great Grandfather in 1936 and was used on his farm for hauling grain, cotton, cotton choppers, and cotton picking crews on his farm. He used it for years until he passed away in the mid 60's. His son, (my grandfathers brother) wound up with the truck and used it as well. Sometime in the 70's it was parked in a barn where it sat for a couple decades. When he passed away suddenly in the 80's his son had the truck, and eventually it got put in a fence row. The truck meant a lot to my grandfather as he was 14 years old when the truck originally came to the farm. He asked our cousin if he's let us restore the old truck, but it could still be his, he just wanted to see it preserved, he actually afforded to shed it for him as well. He said he would think about it, but wanted to restore it himself. Well about 10 years went by after than, and I got a call from my cousin as she had heard I was interested in the old truck. She said it weighed heavy on her heart, that this old truck of her Grandfathers was waisting away. So we made a deal, and after not seeing the truck for myself in several years, I bought it basically sight unseen...lol But my Grandfather who has now passed, wanted his dad's old truck fixed up so, that I feel obiligated to do what he always wanted.

When I arrived to get the truck, this is what I saw, it was overgrown in vines and brush, but somehow in incredibly decent shape. We loaded the truck and now have it home. I had some time to work a bit on it today, I soaked the pistons, but curiosity got the best of me as I wanted to let it soak, I gently turned engine at the pully, and in amazement, the engine turned freely, not seized in the least, it did appear some valves might be stuck, but I plan to pull the engine and fully overhaul. I plan on fully restoring this beauty with my dad! Any help along the way from you guys would be so much appreciated!

If you look close on the door panel, you can still see my Great grandfathers name on the side! I have to say I got a bit emotional when I saw that. I'm excited to own and restore a piece of family and American history!

Thanks...Bret

Re: Saving a family treasure...(1936 1and1/2 ton)
 

You are now living in the heart and soul of this hobby. I couldn't be happier for you and your new project. The best V8'rs in the world are on this forum and are eager to help along your way. Please keep all of us posted on your adventure!

Re: Saving a family treasure...(1936 1and1/2 ton)
 

Bret, the truck looks incredibly complete, even has the original mirror bracket. You are correct that there is a wealth of info available here. Lots of truck guy too! (I have a 40 COE project.) keep us posted with your progress. You might update your info, there may be a barner that lives near you. Welcome!

Re: Saving a family treasure...(1936 1and1/2 ton)
 

Way to Go!!! That is SO COOL!!!! Best of luck on the project!! Looks like a good solid truck to work with.
Dave

Re: Saving a family treasure...(1936 1and1/2 ton)
 

Wonder if it started out life as a Demonstrator truck with the yellow paint. Is there any lettering visible above the windshield? Glad it came out of the brush for you.

Re: Saving a family treasure...(1936 1and1/2 ton)
 

Thanks guys.... Gary, my dad remembers the truck from the 50's and 60's and said it was blue, it appears blue paint was brushed on it, but the lettering on the door that is still partially visible with my Great grandpa's name and town, was stenciled over the yellow it looked like? I like the yellow and black myself, my dad wants it blue? We will see....gonna get it running first, got a long ways before we are to that point. I will look above the windshield...

Re: Saving a family treasure...(1936 1and1/2 ton)
 

Loading her up!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tygKu3iJZqo

Re: Saving a family treasure...(1936 1and1/2 ton)
 

Like Gary said maybe one of these.

Bob

Re: Saving a family treasure...(1936 1and1/2 ton)
 

welcome to the 'Barn.....great truck.....have fun with the project.....Mike

Re: Saving a family treasure...(1936 1and1/2 ton)
 

Bob, was the stripe on the wheels standard on these, or on the demonstrator ?

Re: Saving a family treasure...(1936 1and1/2 ton)
 

Bret,

Welcome to the forum and to the world of Ford V8s. As you get into your project, you may find the big truck parts are a bit less common. However, don't get discouraged. Parts are out there - my '47 COE shares wheel bearings with 2003 F-150 pickups if you can believe that. There are a number of folks with the big trucks who have plenty of knowledge to share and are great leads on where to get parts or data. Just ask - it's what I do all the time and I've never come up empty handed on FordBarn.

Dan

Re: Saving a family treasure...(1936 1and1/2 ton)
 

Welcome. And a warning. This hobby can be habit forming, so be careful!! I have been in it for nearly 70 years and still enjoying every minute. You have something very special there. There are a lot of great guys on this forum who will help you. Keep us updated. Congratulations. (I wish mine had looked that good when I started on it!)

Re: Saving a family treasure...(1936 1and1/2 ton)
 

Great looking truck and worthy project. Welcome to the barn.

Re: Saving a family treasure...(1936 1and1/2 ton)
 

Love trucks, many parts available to fix them up. My biggest worry about that on is the frame. Yes, welcome and the best luck with your project.

Re: Saving a family treasure...(1936 1and1/2 ton)
 

Welcome and the best of luck with your restoration project.

Re: Saving a family treasure...(1936 1and1/2 ton)
 

Kool, I wonder if its a Demonstrator also, could the black you say be Washington blue. it is a dark blue and could look like black

Keep us posted!!

Re: Saving a family treasure...(1936 1and1/2 ton)
 

That sure looks like the demonstrator model !

Re: Saving a family treasure...(1936 1and1/2 ton)
 

Cool !welcome Bret ,plenty of help here .Ted

Re: Saving a family treasure...(1936 1and1/2 ton)
 

What he said...
Badly rusted frame on my '37 required a replacement donor chassis, in this case tho a car chassis.

Re: Saving a family treasure...(1936 1and1/2 ton)
 

Bret- neat story and neat truck! Good luck this deserves to be restored and kept in the family! Are you going to have it re-lettered in your grandfather's name? Pretty far down the road but that would be cool!

'35-'36 Ford Trucks and Pickups are the best! Love 'em!