Progress of the 1938 Ford One Ton Express (PICS)

[KeansClassics]

I am going to use this thread to keep everyone up to date on the progress that is being made on my newly acquired Barn Find 1938 Ford One Ton Express Pickup Truck.

After getting the truck home I pulled it into the shop with a tractor and put it on Caster Wheel Dollies to be able to move it around, that way I can pull it out of the way if I need to move something else in. I then removed the hood and the side panels to have better access to the engine. The 85HP Flathead V8 is unfortunately stuck. I put some penetrating oil into each of the spark plug holes to soak it, but would like to know what I am dealing with underneath the heads. I removed the head bolts on the right side of the engine last night but am unable to break free the head. Does anyone have a technique on how to remove the head? All those years of being on doesn't make it for an easy job to get it off!

I will upload photos onto the forum here as well as my Facebook page. Here is a link to all the photos of the 1938 Ford One Ton Express. If you are on Facebook friend request me, I have found it to be a great way to get to know other Enthusiasts and to share whats going on.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?s...3&l=3f6aa9504e


Enjoy!

[38 coupe]

There are various type of pullers to help remove the head. The type I used has two identical parts that clamp on between cylinders #1 & #2 and cylinders #3 & #4. the parts have bolts that push down on the studs between the cylinders. Worked well for me.

I have seen other types of head pullers that use the spark plug holes to pull on, but that puts the force off center and tries to cock the head.

[Gumpy]

I don't know if its the wrong thing to do but ive always taken a rubber mallet and tapped the head around the edges.....a long neck flat screwdriver and brute arm strength to take mine off...just did an 85hp flathead that way...

[Scott H]

Originally Posted by Gumpy

I don't know if its the wrong thing to do but ive always taken a rubber mallet and tapped the head around the edges.....a long neck flat screwdriver and brute arm strength to take mine off...just did an 85hp flathead that way...

Yeah, that's probably wrong because that's the way I did it too
except I used long prybars, one at each end and 'walked' the head up the studs

[KeansClassics]

I was able to free up the right head on the engine yesterday and pulled it off. Glad I did as I would have never been able to turn that engine over with the crank. There sure was a lot of crap in the cylinders, especially in the second from the right. There's a few inches of scale and other junk. Anybody have any idea what it all is? Both the Exhaust and intake valves are open, and the rings behind the valves have come free and are just hanging there. I'll get that cleaned up and see the condition of the cylinder walls. I was able to get all the head bolt nuts off the left side of the engine as well, with only one stud coming all the way out. I'm thankful to say I didn't break any head bolts when getting them off. Now I am having trouble getting the left head off. The right one came off rather easily compared to what I am going through to get this one off!

Time to get back into the shop!

Thanks!

[38express]

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I hate these forums, I typed up long reply to your post, and it ate it. Long story short, I have a 38 Express project too. I live in the KC area and have been working on mine for over 7 years. I have a few parts and lots of experience by this time. You may contact me anytime. There were a little more than 700 of these trucks made in 38 and they are nothing like 1/2 tons. Very few people have experience with them. good luck.

[Mart]

I missed this before, and don't suppose the OP is waiting for comment, but it does appear that two of the valve seats have popped out.

I had this happen on an old 21stud and was able to buy an oversize seat and (by a miracle) made up a cutter to cut the seat to the right size.

It's all repairable.

Mart.

[expavr]

Originally Posted by 38express

I hate these forums, I typed up long reply to your post, and it ate it. Long story short, I have a 38 Express project too. I live in the KC area and have been working on mine for over 7 years. I have a few parts and lots of experience by this time. You may contact me anytime. There were a little more than 700 of these trucks made in 38 and they are nothing like 1/2 tons. Very few people have experience with them. good luck.

The "Tonners" are rare birds. Not many around. It took me 5 years to get my 40 Tonner Express (photo attached) back on the road. They definitely worth the effort. Keep the faith.......

[41panelmark]

Great Project!! keep the photos coming.