They are still out there: my new 1934 ford pickup

[Chris]

A regular customer came into my work last week and was talking to a co-worker. I heard him say "1934 Ford" and my ears perked up. I asked him about it, and he pointed to a picture I have hanging up of my 33 pickup and said "my friend has a truck just like that...he's had it forever". I asked him if it was a big truck or a pickup, and he replied "it looks just like yours, it's a pickup". He mentioned it was going to be for sale soon...I asked him to find out more.

The next day, same guy comes in and hands me a piece of paper with a name and phone number. I called Rudy, the owner and got the full story

His granddad bought it in 1953. He drove it for a few years and when Rudy was 14 (1959) he went to trade it in and was offered 110.00 for it. Granddad said "if that's all I'm gonna get I may as well give it to my grandson"...which he did. It had a rod knocking when it was given to him, Rudy said he purchased a 1936 ford flatbed truck with a fresh motor and swapped em out. Rudy drove it regularly up until 1969. Then it was parked for something a little newer. He would start it now and again and it got moved here and there, but sat In Dry storage from 1969 until today. He had plans of restoring it, but it just never happened.

I don't know what exactly I'm doing with it. I have one damn near identical to it. Both very nice survivors. But I couldn't pass up such a clean original. No it was not cheap but you just don't find them like this. Something tells me my Dad may end up with it though. For now I'm gonna clean it up, get it going and go from there. We tossed a 6V battery in it after we got home tonight. The lights and heater work, it had spark and after a splash of fuel it fired and ran!! Needs a gas tank though. If it wasn't for that we would have a yard driver.

Here it is as found. No rot at all. Typical dings and dents that trucks got but man it is nice. Originally tan, the one reprint of black is wearing thin in spots.








And tonight in the garage. Pics are crappy, but it is pitch dark and this will just have to do for now

[Mart]

I love it.

Mart.

[40Pickup]

When the next guy comes in, send him to me!

/Jorgen

[coupe5w36]

Looks like an absolute gem! Fantastic!

[30A]

WOW!!! Very nice! Clean it up and drive it just like it is. Congratulations.

[Talkwrench]

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great find..

[Vic Piano]

Very COOL!

[41ford1]

Wow! That one is clean as far as the rust goes. Looks like a battery, a bath and a gas tank you have a driver.

[flat-v8]

Beautiful! Stories like that get fewer & fewer these days.

[JM 35 Sedan]

Very nice find. If I found one like that I would definitely keep it looking like the survivor that it is now. In my opinion there are already enough of those little PU's (32-34) that have been converted into jellybean colored, lookalike street rods. Sorry if that happens to offend anyone who has already done that.

[TomT/Williamsburg]

Wow, what nice find - congrats!

[2935ford]

really nice find......and good score!

[Joe AZ]

Chris...you sure have the knack of finding things.....or do they find you?
Nice looking truck.
Joe

[TJ]

Great score. I suspect that front bumper (2X12) may have been installed to make it a "push' truck at a race track. I can envision that little truck pushing a 50's midget to get it started for the race.

[bk53]

its good to see that my dreams have come true for someone anyway

[TStiles]

Awesome. You sure got a lot of envy stirred up...

[Barry-ct]

Nice truck! I've always liked those. Clean it up, fix what needs fixing and drive it!

[mhsprecher]

Like everyone else, I love these stories, too! A great truck!

[raisinhel]

Nice!!!

[Chris Nelson]

Chris;
I expect to see that truck at the next East meets West flathead run at Vantage, Washington.
Chris

[Firepower flyer]

Nice!!Chris you turn up alot of nice tin!!!!
Joe

[FlatheadTed]

Yeah its straighter than mine ,

[Henry/Kokomo]

Very nice! Perhaps I'll come across one someday (he said hopefully). Enjoy!!

[Vanspeed]

Win the lottery again Chris? I do not know where you keep coming up with the cash to buy all these cars.

[Chris]

Originally Posted by Vanspeed

Win the lottery again Chris? I do not know where you keep coming up with the cash to buy all these cars.

I get asked that all the time. I ain't close to being rich. I work a 8-5 job making a couple bucks over minimum wage...That pays my mortgage and other bills. I don't have a lot of money. But you gotta be smart with your money. I have never had a car payment, I don't buy fancy electronics, I don't drink (very much anyways) or smoke, I just don't spend a lot of money. What I do spend it on is old Fords. I do side jobs and other odds and ends to have fun in the ol Ford world.

[jim1932]

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Originally Posted by Chris

I get asked that all the time. I ain't close to being rich. I work a 8-5 job making a couple bucks over minimum wage...That pays my mortgage and other bills. I don't have a lot of money. But you gotta be smart with your money. I have never had a car payment, I don't buy fancy electronics, I don't drink (very much anyways) or smoke, I just don't spend a lot of money. What I do spend it on is old Fords. I do side jobs and other odds and ends to have fun in the ol Ford world.

Yep, some peoples wallets are like a bucket with a little hole in it.... $4.00 coffee, imported beer, high-end clothes and they piddle their small money away, then wonder why us wrangler jeans, Budweiser, Maxwell house guys can afford the cars.

[Chris]

Originally Posted by jim1932

Yep, some peoples wallets are like a bucket with a little hole in it.... $4.00 coffee, imported beer, high-end clothes and they piddle their small money away, then wonder why us wrangler jeans, Budweiser, Maxwell house guys can afford the cars.

Yep, I don't even drink coffee...can't stand it I quite drinking soda too. It's all bad for you. Thats beside the point though. I have a mortgage from a house I bought 10 years ago, regular bills, a cell phone, internet service, etc. But no Cable TV, no facy stereos or modern cars, nothing fancy...it's not that I'm cheap and just choose to live without stuff, It's more that I just don't need much to get by and like ol Fords. My wife drives a brand new car, I drive a 15 year old car with a million miles on it that I paid cash for years ago. These 32-34 Fords...or most of em really, have become a bit of a "rich mans game" and I just jump when I get a chance. I have turned many away too because I simply could not afford them. But if I can do it making well under 15.00 an hour, anyone can.

[Chris]

Originally Posted by 41ford1

Wow! That one is clean as far as the rust goes. Looks like a battery, a bath and a gas tank you have a driver.

Yeah, I had a spare 6V battery we tossed in it. Tank is rotted though. Brakes seemed to work and almost all electrical works...so I think with some cleaning, new tank and fuel lines it will be driven.

[cuddles1]

What is your address and when do you go away????? (ha) Its Beautiful!!

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by Chris

I have a mortgage from a house I bought 10 years ago, regular bills, a cell phone, internet service, etc. But no Cable TV, nothing fancy...it's not that I'm cheap and just choose to live without stuff, It's more that I just don't need much and like ol Fords. They have become a bit of a "rich mans game" and I just jump when I get a chance. I have turned many away too because I simply could not afford them. But if I can do it making well under 15.00 an hour, anyone can.

There's an awful lot of WISDOM in Chris' words above! If only a lot of folks were "wise" enough to UNDERSTAND his words. There's a lot to be respected in the way you live your life, Chris. DD

[Chris]

Here's my 33 pickup when I got it. Really similar, both parked away in dry storage for years. Only difference is my 33 was a 4 cylinder, and even as nice as it is, the rear fenders were swapped out. This new 34 has a NICE pair of rear fenders!!

[Ken Crans]

Chris, Those trucks are beautiful! Nice find. I bet your eyes lit up when you seen it. Too cool! Ken

[Vanspeed]

Yeah I know, just seems like I try and do the same as you as far as money but it never works out. Cars/trucks like that just are not around in Michigan anymore and if they are, the price is so outrageous that nobody can touch them. Congrats on the new truck. P.s., can you give me a little of that luck? Just bottle it up and send it to me. Lol.

[Chris]

Originally Posted by Vanspeed

Yeah I know, just seems like I try and do the same as you as far as money but it never works out. Cars/trucks like that just are not around in Michigan anymore and if they are, the price is so outrageous that nobody can touch them. Congrats on the new truck. P.s., can you give me a little of that luck? Just bottle it up and send it to me. Lol.

Well, I don't know what it's like to live in other parts of the country...but I suspect that the West coast has quite a bit more then other parts of the country.

But, think of it this way- I bought my 33 pickup at a swap meet, my 41 Ford in the local newspaper, and my 34 roadster on Ebay. None were hidden or took a secret handshake to get to look at...just keep your eyes open.

[1937pickup]

Great truckg-great find.

[dinokruzordinance]

Nice. You should buy a lottery ticket next. =)

[dick lyons]

Some guys have all the luck!!:d

[Chris]

Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

There's an awful lot of WISDOM in Chris' words above! If only a lot of folks were "wise" enough to UNDERSTAND his words. There's a lot to be respected in the way you live your life, Chris. DD

Thanks, but I wouldn't call myself wise at all HAHA, just old fashioned? I dunno, it just works for me. Some guys make way more then ill ever make, but they never have any money. It's all what you do with it. And... I always say If there's a will, there's a way.

[Byron Warwick]

I also always liked those little pickups. What a nice find. How will you decide which one to drive? Great that you didn't pass it up even if you already have a '33. Byron.

[Big Z]

I don't know how you do it. Now you need a dragster to push start.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by Chris

It's all what you do with it.

Chris...You've said it ALL right there. You are living proof that modest, yet wise consideration of spending WHAT YOU DO HAVE can still lead to a "happy" lifestyle. You're living proof of what many will never understand. Good on ya! Oh yeah, the new truck is another great one. How about showing these folks on the F'Barn the AMBR contender from the I.E. guys? SOME here will get it. Y'all more than outdid yourselves on the Woodward Car. DD

[47COE]

Really nice.

I like the official rear fender brace. JC Whitney must have sold them back when. Got one on the 36 pickup here too.



Tom

[Lawson Cox]

The Lord just reminded me, "thou shalt not covet." Super nice find.

[Chris]

Got it running!!!

[Chris]

And took it for a spin. Not too shabby for just out of retirement!!!

[Chris]

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Cleaned on it a little, hand waxed a couple spots, took the little lights off the headlights and removed the horn.

[Chris]

Some pics of the as-is interior. Is that rear view mirror correct?

[31chevy]

I have a 34 that was about 98% original when I got it. As I understand they did not even come with a rear view mirror, please someone correct me if I am wrong. However I added one.
Gary.

[Chris]

Originally Posted by 31chevy

I have a 34 that was about 98% original when I got it. As I understand they did not even come with a rear view mirror, please someone correct me if I am wrong. However I added one.
Gary.

My 33 has a rear view mirror too, but it does not look factory. The way this one curves up around the windshield header makes it look very correct

[Byron Warwick]

Mirror looks right to me. Mine lost the silver and I bought one of those with the bevel glass, looks too nice! Looks like a deluxe model with the right side wiper. Byron.

[V8COOPMAN]

Chris...You know ANYTHING about this little roadster? DD

[woodypecker]

Keep on trucken

[Chris]

Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

Chris...You know ANYTHING about this little roadster? DD

I know my Dad built then engine, and all my closest friends have helped John get it together to go compete Don't think it would fly too far over on this site however

[joe plumber]

Some guys have all the luck

[tiquer]

Nice find Chris , congratulations

[2ndgeer]

Delightful tale! If you look at original Ford factory photos or early 1934 showroom photos of 1934 pickups you'll see there is no inside rear view mirror. I don't think Ford supplied them. I surmise most owners have added one as I have done on both of my pickups, which didn't have inside mirrors.




I really enjoyed your tour in the dark, too.

[35cab]

Beautiful trucks these 33/34s and your new find is one of the best, congratulations.
I wait with baited breath for the next instalment.

[Chris]

Originally Posted by 35cab

Beautiful trucks these 33/34s and your new find is one of the best, congratulations.
I wait with baited breath for the next instalment.

Well, my dad wants it... I mean, he wanted it as soon as he saw it, but he didn't know how to get it. He has a stock 31 wide box pickup that is his "good weather daily driver". He decided to sell it and another project and use this as good weather driver duties. His plan- clean it up as is, install a new gas tank, go over the chassis and brakes, new tires... And just drive it for now. I'm really excited, as we will have matching pickups!!

[1949FORD]

i love that front bumper!

[Scott/Mn]

Nice story Chris, looks like a great little truck! I bought mine in a similar fashion from a neighbor who had it stored since 1961. Mine was in pretty good shape although didn't have a nice rifle rack like yours. I see yours also has a "dispatch box" on the right kickpanel. The '34 trucks didn't come with inside rearview mirrors but that is no reason not to use it, with safety in mind. Scott

[hardtimes]

Hey Chris,
Yup..they are indeed still out there! I know an old dude (older than me..lol), who has that same truck , minus the engine. It is original down to the original paint. NO rust whatsoever! It's in his barn mostly covered and surrounded by world war 11 jeeps. He's too old to wrench for years now...but not too old to know not to sell it,eh!!
Congrats on your ...er,ah..your dads new truck!!

[Chris]

Well, here is a small update. My Dad is the new caretaker of the ol girl. He has been cleaning on it, fixing things, and collecting parts. The gas tank was garbage, so he has a new one. He picked up a set of nice tan (Tacoma cream?) 17" wire wheels at a swap meet, and ordered a set of 7.00x17 and 6.00x17 Firestones for it. He does want to lower it 2 inches all around when he puts hydraulic brakes on it with a kit from the Early Ford Garage. He also picked up a nice original bumper and brakets, he is going to have the bumper plated.

So here it is as of yesterday. It starts, charges and runs well. The brake swork, but need attention. Needs to install the tank, look at the brakes and grease everything, do some wiring and will be on the road.



















Lucy the Hound and Stanley the pup approve

[Bruce in southern OH]

Great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[Chris]

Originally Posted by Bruce in southern OH

Great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Thanks Bruce! Your new Cabriolet is sure a bitchin find!!!

[Sid the Maineiac]

Hey, Lucky dogs!! They get to ride in that handsome truck! What a find ! Great that you and your Dad have very similar trucks to tool around in!!

[Chris]

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Well, it is officially a driver! Everything works, it runs and drives well aside form a front end shimmy that needs corrected. My Dad got his replated front bumper mounted, it looks great! Still gotta put a windshield in it, some seals and such...but she's back after being in a slumber since 1969!!

[pokey]

That's a beaut! I am just starting on a '34 pickup that was my grandfathers. He put it together from two wrecked parts trucks, so it has a few creases, crumples and welds and some questionable stuff. I'd love to ask you some questions, for example, my truck has nickel plated headlamps with flat glass and nothing on top, while yours are painted with rounded glass and something on top of the light. Do you think those are original?

[Chris]

Originally Posted by pokey

That's a beaut! I am just starting on a '34 pickup that was my grandfathers. He put it together from two wrecked parts trucks, so it has a few creases, crumples and welds and some questionable stuff. I'd love to ask you some questions, for example, my truck has nickel plated headlamps with flat glass and nothing on top, while yours are painted with rounded glass and something on top of the light. Do you think those are original?

The lights on this pickup are old aftermarket units, yours sound more original but they should have a slight curved lens...1928-1929 had flat glass, everything up from there was curved. Do your lenses have FORD on the bottoms?

[pokey]

Yes, they have a script Ford, and the words Two Lite Headlamp. I am intriguid by how my Grandfather mixed and matched when he put this truck together. Who knows what other mysterys I'll find. For example, I noticed there are some brackets on the front of the cab with holes for bolts that look like they should bolt down to the frame, but the holes in the frame are at least 1" off, to the outside. I wonder if this is the correct frame for the truck?

[Ken N]

Great story Chris and cant wait to see it in person.

[Mart]

Love it.

Mart.

[Chris]

My Dad has really enjoyed his 34 pickup. The engine turned sour so he rebuilt a 34 engine for it (truck had a 32 engine in it!) and also had the seat recovered. It sure is a nice driving old Ford

[Lawson Cox]

Super find. Looks like a good, solid old truck. Enjoy.

[nobey]

Thats sure a nice little truck Chris, and a great find. Was wondering if you have
any photos of how the remote throttle linkage attaches to the fire wall behind the
dash. I can't figure out where the bell crank mounts. Thanks Rich.

[FlatheadTed]

Sounds like Model A HLs .You can get the frame measurements some one has them here .

Originally Posted by pokey

Yes, they have a script Ford, and the words Two Lite Headlamp. I am intriguid by how my Grandfather mixed and matched when he put this truck together. Who knows what other mysterys I'll find. For example, I noticed there are some brackets on the front of the cab with holes for bolts that look like they should bolt down to the frame, but the holes in the frame are at least 1" off, to the outside. I wonder if this is the correct frame for the truck?

[totto]

GREAT find and love the 1934's...... have had one since 1969,

Henry

[BlueSunoco]

REAL nice thanks for posting pictures!

My old '36 had those rear fender braces too!

[marcos17]

beautiful pick-up, good luck driving.

[al's28/33]

Good job bringing it back to life now keep it on the road!!!

[ccnelson]

Nice Truck.

[Bradzx9]

What is a barn find like this worth? I have located one that hasn't run since the 50's. It's been in a machine shed the whole time.

[GB SISSON]

Just call me .... We can discuss this old worn out truck on the phone.... Love that Spokane '34 and those 17" wheels/tires really look great!

[Vics Stuff]

Sweet truck. I would keep it that way . I have a 1935 pick up which is stock and I am the 3rd owner. My truck is like yours and I plan to keep mine untouched original. Neat old trucks.
Vic

[OhioRick]

what a find. Its perfect as is.

This is a picture of my mirror. It seems to fit well and i always thought it was original.

[totto]

GREAT FIND and good luck with your project..... bought mine in '69 and finished it 2009 and a labor of love and a few$$$ and now the best part: I can drive it and have FUN!!!

[55 dude]

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you never can tell what might fall into your lap!

[FrankWest]

Wonderful truck...
Looks sound!

[Sal]

Great story, beautiful truck, good luck with it!

[vulture]

Chris love that truck as well as yours. The trucks in our area has seemed to dry up. We have been looking for a few years and find 1932 1933 1934 coupes and sedans but zero trucks . You can't carry lumber with a coupe or tudor