The Pickup Book

[rfitzpatrick]

Just received the Model A Ford Club of America book Were there three different Bed sizes as stated? Narrow-Body, Standard-Body and in 1931, the Wide-Body beds. This is my first reference to hear that there were three
TKS

[32Ford13]

To my understanding, the standard width bed has the Ford script on the tailgate. The wide bed (I own one), does not and is rarer. There is an even more rare version on display at the Gilmore Museum with flatish sides, that is the rarest. I think less than 100 copies of that one.
I’m open to correction….

[rfitzpatrick]

'flatish sides" -- aka De Luxe -- 325 bodies were made-- 66-A
I have a Budd-Cab

[32Ford13]

Yes De Luxe! Thank you. I knew I heard that name at the Gilmore, just forgot it. Now that you're rattling my brain....didn't they contract for the 325 and only end up making a hundred ish?

[Keith True]

Wasn't there a very early 28 pickup bed also? We knew an older guy back in the 70's that had an early open cab,and the cab subrails didn't end at the cab,but went all the way back to the rear of the pickup bed.He wanted to replace his damaged bed with a better one,and when he took it apart he found the bottom of the newer bed was much different.I remember him tracking the scrap guy down and retrieving the old bed before it got hauled into the scrapyard.I think there was a length difference in them also.

[rfitzpatrick]

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The book says they were first built for General Electric, numbers 325 is the only number mention. Personally, I don't like it -- doesn't look period correct.
That book is interesting read if you like trucks. Someone in Largo, Fla said he knows of only 21 still in existence

[Hitman]

Originally Posted by Keith True

Wasn't there a very early 28 pickup bed also? We knew an older guy back in the 70's that had an early open cab,and the cab subrails didn't end at the cab,but went all the way back to the rear of the pickup bed.He wanted to replace his damaged bed with a better one,and when he took it apart he found the bottom of the newer bed was much different.I remember him tracking the scrap guy down and retrieving the old bed before it got hauled into the scrapyard.I think there was a length difference in them also.

Yes, that is correct.

[CarlG]

The early '28 pickup beds were most likely Model T leftovers.

[rfitzpatrick]

Originally Posted by CarlG

The early '28 pickup beds were most likely Model T leftovers.

Then might this be the source of the 'Narrow-Body' Bed?

[Hitman]

Originally Posted by CarlG

The early '28 pickup beds were most likely Model T leftovers.

No, they were drastically different than T beds.

[Dave Mellor NJ]

There was an express bed. Basically 2 beds welded together on AA frame. Walton's truck

[Osage Orange]

The AA express bed isn't two beds welded together, although some have done that. Personally, I like the idea, especially since the tailgate with the embossed Ford logo (small bed) appeals to me. But a true AA bed (ala Walton's '29 AA) is its own animal and is closer to the '26-'27 TT express bed. The AA frame is angled, wider at the back than the front. The TT bed is parallel, so it's not a perfect fit on an AA frame. Some people adapt to fit. I want to put a AA express bed on my '29AA but they are rare and pricey when available. A TT frame was available a couple of years ago less than 15 miles from my house. They wanted $700 and I kick myself for not pulling the trigger. Now I'll have to fabricate an express bed, trying to emulate the original as best I can. That's for another day.

[spdway1]

Originally Posted by Osage Orange

The AA express bed isn't two beds welded together, although some have done that. Personally, I like the idea, especially since the tailgate with the embossed Ford logo (small bed) appeals to me. But a true AA bed (ala Walton's '29 AA) is its own animal and is closer to the '26-'27 TT express bed. The AA frame is angled, wider at the back than the front. The TT bed is parallel, so it's not a perfect fit on an AA frame. Some people adapt to fit. I want to put a AA express bed on my '29AA but they are rare and pricey when available. A TT frame was available a couple of years ago less than 15 miles from my house. They wanted $700 and I kick myself for not pulling the trigger. Now I'll have to fabricate an express bed, trying to emulate the original as best I can. That's for another day.

At the MARC Gettysburg meet this June is a seminar on the Express Bed and the differences between the TT and AA Express Beds. A sure not to miss. If you need more information, send me a private message.