My first 1939 Ford Pickup

[Randy1944]

I just got my 39 truck home yesterday and I have many questions. First, what was the original setup for the original engine? I mean, did it come with a voltage regulator? Starter Solenoid? Generator Cutout? 2 or 3 brush Generator? Mine has a mixture of everything and I want to go back to the original setup as much as I can. I do now know that the heads are marked 59A-B and that indicates they are off a 46-48 motor. I don't know about the block yet? Help a Newbie!

[Brendan]

39 was the first year for a voltage reg

[39topless]

Get your self a Vanpelt Sales ,LLC catalog. Lots of great drawings that will help you identify your period correct setup.

[Randy1944]

Thanks, I will order a catalog tomorrow. In the meantime I have viewed and reviewed the on line catalog. It was helpful. Thanks again.

[V12Bill]

1939 was the first year for a voltage regulator on the Dulux models. Standard and commercial models all had the cutout on the 3 brush generator. Henry had to use up his supply of 3 brush generators.

[Randy1944]

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V12Bill, Thank you very much for the great information. It is very hard to come up with definite answers when it comes to the 39 pickup or is it commercial or is it ?? Anyway, thank you very much and that is a very good looking 39 that I'm sure would give off great detailed pictures if only allowed. Randy

[oldandtired]

V-12 is correct and in 1939 Ford made both an ammeter and a battery gauge depending upon which you had, the cutout or the regulator. I believe there should be a starter solenoid under the battery tray on your pickup's firewall.

[JSeery]

They were a mixture, the wiring diagrams would be a place to start. The engine is most likely a later replacement, might check the bellhousing are and see if it is marked as a 59a.

[Randy1944]

Oldandtired, Thanks, and you are correct about having the solenoid. It is difficult to determine what is period correct and what is not. I need help very badly in determining what to keep and what has to go.

[G.M.]

The original voltage regulator is about 3"s square. My 39 P/U has a 2 brush
gen and regulator.

[38bill]

My '38 came with a 59AB too. Its common to find them with replacement engines. I like the 59AB as it give you some options if you are not trying to be completely "as built" stock. One of the big differences is the distributor is easier to work on than the older helmet style. Does yours have a double groove crank pulley? PS: Post some more photos of your truck.

[Mike in AZ]

so, what are your plans for your pickup??....get it running and enjoy??.....then don't get rid of anything unless you know it's no good.....good luck...and have fun....Mike

[Randy1944]

I took more pictures this morning. Understanding that I would prefer the truck be close to all original - in light of the heads and now the distributor setup, should I rethink my position and go with what I have? Advice is welcome and needed from people that know what I am facing. Thanks I have many pictures and can put more on later if you have any questions.

[Seth Swoboda]

The "crab" style distributor is hard to beat, in my opinion. I'd stick with it. It is the distributor I run on my '39 pickup.

[JSeery]

Short of pulling the motor and starting over, I would vote for sticking with what you have. It was very common at the time for owners to make upgrades to their vehicles. So what you have is period correct for an owner in say the mid to late 40s.

[Shu47]

I agree, keep what you have unless it is giving you problems. A little mix and match is pretty common on these things. Getting it running and enjoy it.

[Randy1944]

There is one thing I think I need to add. It does not have an oil filter and I would prefer to have a period correct oil filter and maybe someone on here has one to sell. PM me if you might have one to sell. I would need all the fittings as well. Thanks

[Tinker]

Hey Randy have you started the engine or was it a runner?

You might want to work in that direction. Do like a compression check too. Things of that nature before maybe buying a bunch of parts right off. You'll have plenty of that as time goes on.

[Randy1944]

No I haven't tried to start it yet. I sprayed penetrating oil on all sparkplugs and all over the engine. After I get the plugs out of it I am going to put transmission fluid in each cylinder and let it soak as long as I can stand it. Hopefully then, I will try to turn it by hand to get just a little movement. The last time it ran was 2002 and the last license tag on it was in the sixties. Wish me luck and give me patience.

[Kahuna]

In 1939 there was a mix of items as mentioned by J. My 39 STD coupe had a regulator & a volt guage