I ran across a 1934 1-ton V-8 truck referred to as a Model BB. I asked the owner why it's a BB when it doesn't have the B engine and he said it was an original truck with BB stamped on the frame. So I'm wondering if anyone can clear up my confusion on model naming. I had previously thought only trucks equipped with B engines would be properly referred to as BB. Were all '34 1-tons BB regardless of engine? Did this stop in '35 and what were 1-tons referred to as?
1934 Ford Model BB Nomenclature
- Thread starter Jeffstag
- Start date
mercman from oz
Well-known member
Australian 1934 Ford BB V8 Truck
GB SISSON
Well-known member
And actually, a BB is not a one ton truck. It is a 1 1/2 ton truck. Ford did not make a one ton truck until 1938 with the launch of the 122" wb tonner series. Even the big truck version of the model A called the AA was rated and sold as a 1 1/2 ton truck even though for '28 and '29 they had single rear wheels. Like you, I never really understood the 'BB' nomenclature continuing past the model B 1932 era. The James Wagner book 'Ford Trucks Since 1905' chronicles all this info in great detail and is loaded with page after page of Ford factory photos of these trucks. Might be outa print but amazon always has good used.
mercman from oz
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Sales Brochure Cover - 1934 Ford V8 Trucks
rotorwrench
Well-known member
The BB was just a follow on to express the same meaning as the AA truck designation. The purpose evolved to also designate a lighter commercial vehicle with the 4-speed and heavy duty clutch installed as an option. The transmission bell housing was stamped with BB at completion of the engine transmission package before it was installed in a frame.
Ford eventually stopped stamping the transmissions as an engine/transmission assembly designation.
Ford eventually stopped stamping the transmissions as an engine/transmission assembly designation.
Model51
Well-known member
In the Model T era, Ford trucks were designated as Model TT trucks. In the Model A era, Ford trucks were designated as Model AA trucks. Starting with the 1932 Model B cars and pickups and Ford trucks were designated as BB trucks.
In 1933 and 1934 Ford cars are Model 40, Commercials (pickups) Model 46 and trucks as Model BB.
In 1935 Ford cars are Model 48, Commercials Model 48 and trucks as Model 51, however truck serial numbers retained the "BB" designation.
I mention all this just to show how the car, pickup and truck model numbers Ford used during this time can get confusing.
In 1933 and 1934 Ford cars are Model 40, Commercials (pickups) Model 46 and trucks as Model BB.
In 1935 Ford cars are Model 48, Commercials Model 48 and trucks as Model 51, however truck serial numbers retained the "BB" designation.
I mention all this just to show how the car, pickup and truck model numbers Ford used during this time can get confusing.