1940 3/4 ton pickup

MattMSr

Junior Member
I have what I believe to be a 1940 pickup. I know it is a 3/4 ton. Not completely sure on year. Does anyone know how to confirm? The plate on cowl is worn. Also, anyone have a good source for parts for 3/4 ton? Especially brakes?
 
Post pics and serial number to give our experts the tools to confirm the year and model of your truck. Serial number will be on frame by steering box and on transmission if not replaced ,above the inspection plate. Our experts here know all(usually). This is a lot of sarcasm as I've learned an incredible amount on this site.
 
The 41's (at least the 1/2 tons) have a much narrower front hood trim. The '41's are wider. If it's not one of those, you're on your own.
 
1940s would have V8 embossed in hood on both sides. 1941 did not, as there were 4 and 6 cylinder options. Plus, the 1941s had a small stainless tag stamped Ford on each side of hood. I'm sure 3-4 people will chime in if I'm mistaken, or jump in and repeat the same thing.
 
122" ladder bar style frame, no x member. 40 3/4 tons had narrow trim and V8 stamped in hood as has been mentioned before. a bunch of other differences post some pictures

my 41 3/4 ton stakebed
 

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In attached photo you will see serial number from frame which ends 578945OY with a star after. I presume the star should precede the serial number also. I am somewhat guessing but I've circled what I believe may be the the star preceding the serial number and then perhaps a 48-. If you can zoom you may be able to faintly make it out. My son with younger eyes suggested the 4. The 8 seems pretty clear. I am sort of guessing on the dash. You can see the numbers starting with the 5 are clearly stamped so not sure why if there are supposed to be numbers before they are not as clearly stamped. What are the correct number of digits for the serial number? I couldn't find one above inspection plate of transmission. Is it on the transmission bell housing or on engine block? In my 'Ford Trucks Since 1905' by James K. Wagner copyright 1978,1994 in 1940 section (no page numbers!) I always presumed it was 1940. It was definitely not 1939 because of grille. But I wasn't sure if it might be a 1941. My truck does have V8 on either side of hood and I do see that in the book for 1940 but not so for 1941. Based on this it would seem to be 1940. Any suggestions for brake parts?
 

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Brakes...check with Chuck Mantiglia of Chucks Trucks in CT. You could try NAPA also, you may be surprised what they carry. Shoes could be relined, if you have someone local.
 
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A good picture of details on a '40 3/4-ton Ford pick-up.


1940_ford_3-quarter-ton_truck.jpg


That "5789450" falls right in the serial numbering sequence of 1940 Ford vehicles (18-5210701 through 18-5896294). I would suggest that what you believe to be "48"....is in fact LIKELY the digits "I8", which Ford used to denote the prefix for an 85 horsepower vehicle. Ain't got a clue about the "Y"! Hope this helps a little. DD
 
For brake parts I'd suggest James at Gotham Auto parts in NY, Fred at Southside Obsolete in MN and Bill or John at All Ford Parts in Campbell CA. Good luck
 
But since you are in Conn. Chuck's trucks is the choice. He is a really good guy and knowledgeable on the bigger trucks. I agree you have a Dandy heavy duty truck on your hands. Green bwith envy btw.
 
Try N.B. Pease in Palmer, Ma. 1-413-283-7620. Nelson specializes in mechanical parts. I know that he used to re-line brake shoes, but I don't know if he still does that.
 
And there is always Bob Selzam in NJ. His business was always called 'half ton fun', but really he has a LOT of parts for the big trucks as well. He dropped his phone number and just does online now, but don't let that fool you. This guy is "OLD SCHOOL' . Hope someone chimes in with how to reach him these days.
 
Thank you all for suggestions and comments. No the truck isn't beat. Plenty to work with. It was even less beat when my father found it 30 or so years ago. It's passed back and forth amongst several friends and landed back in my lap. Hope to do it justice.
 
I have not looked this up in the parts book but I believe from experience the brakes are the same as cars. I have a couple of these trucks and one donated a set of rear end snouts and hubs to a dirt track car years ago and car brakes worked fine with the drums.
 
Hello, Real Nice Truck, definitely a ‘40. Tonner Express. Definitely a 3/4 hauler. These are great trucks. I got my brakes at Napa.
The wheels are of the wide five pattern, but are wider than cars with slots not the artillery type. Getting a bit hard to find.
Some had milk truck “High Clearance” very rare. The Y is your model 122” wheel base.
Chuck Trucks is a good source, he is very helpful and loves the Big trucks.
I have a bunch of stuff for these, doesn’t look like you need much. Enjoy !!
 
I recently aquired a 1941 and the stance was very tall, and I was starting to think it was a 3/4 ton because of the springs, not so
 
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