1937 ford 1.5 ton

3739ford

Senior Member
I'm going tomorrow to look at a 1937 Ford 1.5 ton truck. The price is decent enough, but are they any parts available for 1.5 ton. From the pictures the bottom of both doors will need replaced. the cab and front fenders seem pretty solid. My concern is the brakes would 38-48 backing plates and shoes work on it?
 
Don't know about '37 1 1/2 tons but when I had my '40 1 1/2 ton flatbed the doors cab was the same as a 1/2 except the big truck had the gas tank under the seat. Fenders, hood, and grill were different than a 1/2 ton on the '40. As far as brakes are concerned the big truck was completely different than the p/u. On the '37 both will be mechanical. If you want big truck hydraulics you'll have to go to '39 (I think) but '40 big trucks were definitely hydraulic. '40 big trucks had parallel leafs up front and I think '39 big trucks were still a single buggy front spring but I could be wrong on that.
 
Hi; Easiest brake upgrade is to use the hydraulic axles and brakes. Not a hard swap as the 34 up are the timken/eaton rear axles. wheels should interchange. Newc
 
37 is closed driveline, 39 big truck also enclosed driveline (and maybe other years) backing plates and a master cylinder would be the easy way to go, I had a friend with a 38 cabover with cable brakes and they worked very good, if you are going to haul a big load you may want hydraulic brakes. I have a 41 1 1/2 ton and there are to or three other ones around. lots of fun to drive and you should see the looks when you pull into lowe's, etc for some wood, garden supplies
 
The truck has all the parts to it, the bottom of both doors and rockers would have to be replaced. The engine is complete with a two piece hood like a Model T, or A. I thought it would have a one piece hood, with removal side panels like my 39 pickup. It has all the 20 inch wheels with one rim that separates in the middle while the other five have the bead on the edge. I will have to work on the wife a whole lot more, but here is the link if someone else is interested. I think the truck is cool.
https://dothan.craigslist.org/cto/d/hartford-1937-ford-ton-and-half/6915922846.html
 
It looks to me like it is a 1936 with the single piece windshield and the grill that is shown.
 
Based on the hood, grille, engine, windshield opening and cowl ('37 has a battery box under the hood on the right side), it is a '36. The rusted areas, doors and rockers, all have reproduction panels which are available. The cab, doors, hood, windshield frame and grille shell are all the same, either pickup or truck.
 
Definitely '36 over '37 in my opinion. If you get it, I have some big truck parts you might be able to use should you need them.
 
I would love to have it, but wife not as excited. I may decide to sell 27 Model TT and get it and would definitely need some parts. Stay tuned....
 
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