Need recommendation for Headliner kit.

[Tinker]

I think the confusion is just nomenclature. There was a substance between the driver and the metal roof. It was cardboard and it was only green cardboard, at least in 38-39.

The cardboard "headliner" or panel prior to 40 (maybe 40 too), the trucks weren't just an exposed metal roof.

Post are, of course, correct entirely that there was not a "traditional" cloth headliner like we think of when talking about cars/trucks.

There was certainly a panel in pre-40 trucks. Certainly 38-39. In 40 trucks too.


Not sure how we got to this point of no headliner vs panels? oh ya nomenclature

There was a overhead band in 38 also to hold the panel. Runs the length of the cab center.

[Cecil/WV]

I had a 1938 Ford pickup in 1953 that appeared to have never been modified and it had a headliner.

[Dan 1939]

Originally Posted by Tinker

I've looked hard at these. Look very good.


On the fence about abs for esthetics. Certainly not for authenticity. If it doesn't matter, you can get abs in a few colors and it's probably less likely to wick moisture.



Cardboard was only green. Not that I don't like green.


It's surprising there are options.

Tinker, Thanks for commenting on the headliner. I should have been asking about an interior "Panel" kit made of cardboard.
Is green the only color that the 1939 panels came in? I want my truck to be as original as I can make it.
Thanks, Dan

[Tinker]

Originally Posted by Dan 1939

Tinker, Thanks for commenting on the headliner. I should have been asking about an interior "Panel" kit made of cardboard.
Is green the only color that the 1939 panels came in? I want my truck to be as original as I can make it.
Thanks, Dan

1938 for sure was green only. Believe 1939 was also. 38 had door panels in cardboard, 39 was metal panels.

http://www.rasloto.com/specs/ospecs.html


https://www.macsautoparts.com/early_...cks-green.html

[Kube]

I'd like to know what proof anyone has that headliners / cardboard panel (whatever you choose to call it) was available prior to 1940.
I'm not talking about "well, my truck sure seems original" - but PROOF.
All of the documents I have indicate '40 was the first year the pickup trucks had headliner available and even then, it was optional for a good part of the year. Ford started to install them on all 40 pickup trucks early in 1940 as it was such a popular "option".
I am not saying they didn't get installed now and then and perhaps by a dealer but I find nothing that indicates any earlier release than 1940.

[GaryU.]

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These are taken from an original brochure I have that is for the 39 trucks. Artist rendering of cab interior plus description of the cab. My 39 had the cardboard interior panels that I believe were original, my grandpa got this truck in 1947.

[Tinker]

Kube, according to Mac hills truck book. 1935-39 trucks had the Art-Leather interior panels. 1935 cab picture dated 3-26-1935 (page 50).


I have nothing from Ford (outside of a tonner ad for 1938 with mention of new interior trim) that definitely says from Ford they had panel headliners.

[Tinker]

Originally Posted by GaryU.

These are taken from an original brochure I have that is for the 39 trucks. Artist rendering of cab interior plus description of the cab. My 39 had the cardboard interior panels that I believe were original, my grandpa got this truck in 1947.

Mack Hills book also shows this artist rendering only in black & white.


My 38 had the same interior pieces as pictured except with door cards. I'm very certain that it was original as it was a farm truck that didn't get upgrades or much care outside oil changes.


But it is true what Kube says. Saying it looks original does not make it so.

[Tinker]

Few pictures from my truck around 08. Had been off the road since 1962 and stored in a pole shed. Was used to pull bean wagons, etc. There was corncobs in the engine bay and soybeans in the ashtray. But maybe they installed a interior kit at one point, I don't believe so.

[Gary in La.]

This info from a 1938 ford commercial car sales brochure.
"The new cab has more headroom and is fully lined in attractive green art leather, rubberized and washable." The picture of the interior appears to be an actual photo not an artist rendering. Don't know why they went sideways.

[Kube]

Guys, I am more than willing to learn something new.

Please keep in mind that sales brochures were not always very accurate. My "specialty" are 39 - 40 Fords. Most of you know I've studied them extensively.
There are two brochures for '40 that depict a rear center seat (option) for a business coupe and a rear center bumper guard for all '40 passenger cars. Only problem with that, is neither was ever produced.

And, while I'm not knocking "I had this since 1960...: (as an example), but a LOT happened to these vehicles in ten, fifteen, twenty plus years that although may appear authentic, well, "it" isn't.

I'm enjoying this thread and welcome some documentation.

[Tinker]

Kube, please share your documentation. At this point we are just taking your word for it, no offense is intended. I know your research is right and your word is great. I'd just be curious what you have, if you are willing to post it.


The truck i posted received makeshift stacks off the cab once the exhaust and muffler failed. Guess they didn't want to spring for a muffler.


Kind of seems screwy they would take the time to weld in a center bow and 3/4 corner bows and install an interior.

[Kube]

Ya know, last night when I was supposed to be sleeping, I did my typical obsessing and it occurred to me:

Perhaps I am reading the service letters incorrectly. They state that because the headliner was ordered as an option so often that Ford will now start to install them on all pickup trucks from that date going forward.

I interpreted this to mean that 40 was the first year a headliner was available. How about it was the first year they became standard fare?

Methinks I got this one way wrong.

[JSeery]

Good input Kube, that may be the answer to the mystery.

[Tinker]

Kube, thanks for adding. My services manuals I have are for v12-v8 vehicles and only cover the mechanics, suspension, and electrical aspect. Seems as plausable as any other info.

I'm not sure where to ask, or find, other material to research this. Ford archive? It seems to me there isn't a lot of info on the 38-39 trucks.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by Tinker

Kube, thanks for adding. My services manuals I have are for v12-v8 vehicles and only cover the mechanics, suspension, and electrical aspect. Seems as plausable as any other info.

I'm not sure where to ask, or find, other material to research this. Ford archive? It seems to me there isn't a lot of info on the 38-39 trucks.

Tinker,
I have quite literally thousands of letters that were sent to the various assembly plants and dealerships. These letters would not show up in service manuals. They are very interesting to say the least.
The Research Center is an incredible vault of knowledge just waiting to be opened by anyone so inclined.

[Tinker]

Thanks Kube.

[Wyhomie]

Kube,
I have a 1939 Pickup and wish to tap your wealth of knowledge.
Would you be so kind as to call me if possible, as I live in Wyoming and it's
very difficult to connect with guys like you.
My cell: 307-203-8334

Thanks, Chip White