1935 Ford Pickup

J35ford

J35ford

Member
Hello, new to this forum and I have a VIN question I am sure has been asked a 1000 times but I am asking anyway. Haha. The truck has been in our family since the late 30's and I just recently inherited it and want to do some work with it. My grandfather did remove the flathead many years ago like in the 40's or 50's and replaced it with a Oldsmobile V8. (At least my uncle told me that). I will have to research the motor more to determine if it is an early Olds motor. I found the VIN on the frame and wondered if someone could help me decide or share a site to view this information. The VIN is *18-1904361*. Just has me curious.
 

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Van pelt has a good site but there is not a lot of production info on the 35 pickup. A book was in the works but unfortunately it was cancelled for some reason. I myself also have a 35 and I am bummed at the info available. My model A is completely different, I know the exact day, plant and number she was when she was built.
 
Another pic. My grandfather I think added the bumper ends as I think they are from a 40 Ford based on my searches.
 

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The frame number was copied from the engine number when the engine was lo
lowered into the frame during assembly. The engine number indicates a production
date of approx. Mid-May 1935.
 
J35, you have an amazing piece of family history on your hands!!! I started out on this site with a similar situation. I have my father's 35 Cabriolet that he bought from a buddy of his in the early 40's. Four kids were raised in this car. Early on, my question was if I should put it back to original or preserve the car the way my dad had the car. The resounding voice here was to keep it the way my dad had the car. I restored it and kept many of the changes that my dad made intact but changed a few things back to original because the old stuff needed replacing. You've got a family treasure there and keep that treasure alive. There's a 1000 people that have that same truck but there's only one family story.
 
Agree and thank you. Exactly what I plan on doing. My dad and his 2 brothers grew up riding in this truck. My grand mom learned to drive in this too. My grandfather owned and operated a welding and crane outfit in PA his entire life. He made some changes like different rear fenders and rear bumper. He used it to work. The first time this truck ever left PA is when I picked it up and brought it home. So that is why I am almost tempted to do as little as I can. Keep original suspension just replace bushings etc. Only rust is rockers and drivers rear corner cab. Heck both doors open and shut like new. So I have plenty of time. It even has an original clock mounted on the glove box door that I cannot find any info on. Pretty excited to get this as it has been sitting around for about 30-40 years now. This will be my 3rd classic vehicle. Finished a 68 Mustang Coupe 5 years ago and also have a 48 Chevy 5 window. All I know is this 35 will be in the family forever.
 
Don Rogers said:
The frame number was copied from the engine number when the engine was lo
lowered into the frame during assembly. The engine number indicates a production
date of approx. Mid-May 1935.
Click to expand...

I do not believe that the engine has a number--Research indicates the transmission has the number and that number was stamped on the frame--
I have not found any sure way of detecting engine date on the flathead V8 of this vintage--
 
Even though the number was actually stamped at the top of the transmission bell, above the clutch inspection plate, in many Ford publications it was implied that that number was also the engine mumber. Maybe because the engine and transmission were already an assembly as they dropped down together and were mounted into the frame.
 
J35- You are a lucky man. I also have a family heirloom truck and can tell you it will provide great satisfaction to you and your family. Its not uncommon to find these old vehicles have been altered over the years by many different hands. I know mine sure has. I like to look at these as a type of folk art and myself as the steward of it. Heck, if the Olds motor can be salvaged you might consider using it. Although not as Henry intended, it must have seemed like a good idea to your Grandfather. Have fun daydreaming while you bust your knuckles, thinking of those that worked on it years ago and "why in the hell did they do that?" Good luck
 
welcome to the 'Barn....and thanks for the pics....we love pics..lol....ah, the Oldsmobile V-8.....one of the early engine swaps hot rodders made when the Olds came out.....ID the year of the engine and then have fun with the truck....lol....congrats on keeping it in the family....Mike
 
j35ford---- neat story neat truck. Definitely restore this pickup and keep it in the family. Don't ever sell it you will greatly regret doing that.

Keep us posted from time to time with your progress. We have a '36 pickup, and I'm highly biased towards the '35 and '36's two of the nicest early Ford pickups ever built. (the '40 and '41's are pretty sharp too though:p:p)
 
J35 Welcome and congratulations on your truck and its history. Like Capt Kirk and Banjo, I've got my grandfather's '37, that I learned to drive in. You're a leg up on many '35 pickup owners having those rear fenders. I think my truck had the same turn signals on the front fenders. '35's Fords are great looking cars and trucks, as many here will attest to!
 
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