Horn for 1938 Ford 1/2 ton pickup

[Maznblu]

Hey there. I am hoping someone here may be able to steer me in the right direction. I have a 1938 Ford 1/2 ton pickup which does not have a horn. I have searched the net but have not been able to find even a picture of what the correct horn might have been, much less where it should be mounted on the truck. If anyone has any information that might help, would you please post a reply?

Also, my truck also does not have any turn signals. I have recently purchased two different sets of old turn signals that should work nicely, and plan to use a "Signal Stat" turn signal mechanism that I picked up years ago on the steering column. But I find it difficult to believe that Ford never had turn signals on the 1938 Ford 1/2 ton. Any information on this subject would be greatly appreciated.

As always, thanks.

[petehoovie]

See > https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=88896

[tubman]

I have the original invoice for my '51 Ford car (not a truck) and turn signals are listed as a $15.00 option. I'll bet they weren't even a twinkle in Henty's eye 13 years earlier.

[corvette8n]

Here’s what drivers did in 1939 and earlier, I remember doing this on my road test in 1964.

[Seth Swoboda]

Originally Posted by corvette8n

Here’s what drivers did in 1939 and earlier, I remember doing this on my road test in 1964.

I still do this today in my V8's. Although at times, if I'm making a right turn. The fella coming the opposite direction thinks I'm waiving at him. I'm usually pretty friendly too. Although in Dearborn this June, I got passed by a local and called a "dumbass". I'll take it as a compliment.

[Don W/Norfolk]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Seth,
It was probably the same guy who was seen carving his and his girlfriend's names into the stone of the Coliseum. Or, the 14-year-old who followed his mother's direction and shot someone.
The world has become infected with intelligence-lacking bodies.
dw

[Maznblu]

Thank you all for your help. Much appreciated.

All the best,
Tom

[1939mars]

You can barely see them in this picture, but for the big trucks for something like 40 & 41 they made bases for the headlamps with lights in them. I'll keep trying to find a better picture, but these would be perfect for turn signals. https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...6234466%29.jpg

Here they are
https://www.ebay.com/itm/32520565206...hoCoVQQAvD_BwE

[51504bat]

Originally Posted by 1939mars

You can barely see them in this picture, but for the big trucks for something like 40 & 41 they made bases for the headlamps with lights in them. I'll keep trying to find a better picture, but these would be perfect for turn signals. https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...6234466%29.jpg

Here they are
https://www.ebay.com/itm/32520565206...hoCoVQQAvD_BwE

Also COE's up until 1947 IIRC

[52flthed]

I personally like turn signals on an early truck. Most trucks had them back in the day. Being commercial vehicles by and large it often paid an owner to add safety features.Turn signals werenÂ’t really from the factory on ford trucks until I think 1956 or 57? Even cars didnÂ’t have them until early 50Â’s.

But if you look thereÂ’s a lot of early period correct, and very cool lights you can get from companies like Signal Stat, my personal favorite, Teleoptic was another very early innovator. Yankee and Deitz as well being some of the most common, but there are others. I know in 1948-52 trucks they had a factory optional turn signal unit that was self canceling, a really big deal. Most of the aftermarket ones werenÂ’t. Remember passenger side tail lights werenÂ’t even on most trucks and front lamps werenÂ’t used that way, so these kits used to come with 4 separate lights, mounted all different ways, that just were blinkers. ThatÂ’s why early trucks look like Christmas trees on the back with all kinds of lights mounted, one set for brakes one set for turns, maybe a back up light or two, one set just reflectors.

[Maznblu]

Thank you all for your input and pictures of the horn I need to find for my 1938 Ford 1/2 ton truck. I have also been searching the net for any picture of where the horn should be placed on the truck. I found one picture on the net that shows it mounted to the inside fender wall on the driver's side, but that was for a 1939 truck so I'm not sure if that is correct. I am converting the truck back to 6 volt and figure, if I am unable to find the correct 1938 horn, I can use any 6 volt horn until I do. Any advice you may have would be greatly appreciated.

[1939mars]

The horn on '38 and '39 pickups was mounted on a bracket mounted to the front cross member right in the middle. The bracket had flexures on it. I've never tried the horn with a bracket without the flexures so I don't know what it would sound like. Unfortunately almost all of the brackets I have ever seen have broken flexures.

[petehoovie]

Under the radiator...

[Lamar Wadsworth]

Turn signals hadn't even been thought of much in '38. Many pickups as late as the mid-'50s had only a single taillight unless it was sold new in a state that required two taillights. I used to have a '55 Chevy pickup (ex-Georgia State Highway Department truck) that came with a single taillight and of course no turn signals.

[Maznblu]

Thank you all so much. Solved the mystery for me!