The Ford Barn - View Single Post

Joe K · 12-18-2019, 10:48 AM

Plus 1 on Jim/GA.

Another aspect is that the truck line is where Ford frequently "used up" parts which were "blems" or non-acceptable to the car line. It is thought the black radiator shell are "painted over" nickle shells where the plating was imperfect.

Also finding black painted dash escutcheon (surround around the speedo & gas gauge) and black e-brake levers and gearshift levers.

The painted finish on truck body parts was not nearly as much "rubbed out" and modern "grape peel" and other surface defects was not addressed. If the body showed color it was considered "good enough for a truck" by many of the assembly plants.

I've thought that 76A (RPU) and 82A (CC pu) were very much sent out as "body kits" to the remote assembly plants - and put on loose chassis and sold as "commercial" units. It may be possible that a truck COULD have a "black nose" and a green body as coming from this assembly sequence.

GE (General Electric) bought a fleet of service trucks which were made up in this manner - black nose and white bodies with the GE Logo.

So in many ways trucks are "less demanding' in restoration and the "afterthought" and the commercial use and origin of many trucks gives more freedom to the restorer.

Joe K

12-18-2019, 10:48 AM	#17
Joe K Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Cow Hampshire Posts: 4,188	Re: Early 30 Pickup questions Plus 1 on Jim/GA. Another aspect is that the truck line is where Ford frequently "used up" parts which were "blems" or non-acceptable to the car line. It is thought the black radiator shell are "painted over" nickle shells where the plating was imperfect. Also finding black painted dash escutcheon (surround around the speedo & gas gauge) and black e-brake levers and gearshift levers. The painted finish on truck body parts was not nearly as much "rubbed out" and modern "grape peel" and other surface defects was not addressed. If the body showed color it was considered "good enough for a truck" by many of the assembly plants. I've thought that 76A (RPU) and 82A (CC pu) were very much sent out as "body kits" to the remote assembly plants - and put on loose chassis and sold as "commercial" units. It may be possible that a truck COULD have a "black nose" and a green body as coming from this assembly sequence. GE (General Electric) bought a fleet of service trucks which were made up in this manner - black nose and white bodies with the GE Logo. So in many ways trucks are "less demanding' in restoration and the "afterthought" and the commercial use and origin of many trucks gives more freedom to the restorer. Joe K __________________ Shudda kept the horse.