'37 Ford pickup....

[1936 ford pickup]

Hello,

I am posting this for a new friend (John).
He has acquired this '37 Ford pickup from his grandpa.
This '37 Ford pickup has been in his family for years and years.
Grandpa gave it to him on one condition, that he did not "hot rod" this pickup.
What can you tell me about the year of the flathead V8 and Vin. number on frame. I am trying to get him (John) to join the Ford Barn. He plans on keeping this pickup as much as possible as it is now.

Thank you,

Bruce in California.

 

[TJ]

The 54 at the beginning of the serial # indicates it had a V-8 60 motor from the factory. The truck has already been modified as it has a later 8BA motor from 1949 to 1953. In addition someone cut a hole in the firewall for the battery which is also not stock. Battery was originally under the driver's side floor. It's great that he is saving grandpa's pickup, but he will have to determine if he wants it bone stock or just repair/restore it in it's current condition.

 

[Kens 36]

Tom,

I hate to ever second-guess you, but I was under the impression that the battery on the '37 Pickup was on the firewall, similar to the passenger cars.

The engine is an 8RT that was used in trucks from 1948 up. I'm guessing that it is from 1950 based on the oil filter being mounted directly to the head rather than under head bolts.

Ken

 

[deuce lover]

In '37 Ford but the battery on the firewall. 47-48 front drum so has hydraulic brakes.The rear end has been changed also -doesn't appear to be banjo style.

 

[TJ]

Thanks guys you are correct on that battery location. The poster's name "1936 ford pickup" threw me off and I failed to look at the title of the post.

 

[Roger W Gerow]

In picture number 2 the floor jack is visible. I don't see a jack stand. This picture is past history. Floor jacks only is dangerous. Don't mean to be a nit-picker. I had to learn this a number of years ago.

 

[Gary in La.]

Look closer, it's under the frame.

 

[tubman]

The 54 at the beginning of the serial # indicates it had a V-8 60 motor from the factory. The truck has already been modified as it has a later 8BA motor from 1949 to 1953. In addition someone cut a hole in the firewall for the battery which is also not stock. Battery was originally under the driver's side floor. It's great that he is saving grandpa's pickup, but he will have to determine if he wants it bone stock or just repair/restore it in it's current condition.

"Bone stock" would mean returning to a V8-60. While that would be interesting on the concourse, it would be a disappointment if he tried to use it as intended on a regular basis. Since the 8RT is already in there, it would probably be best to leave it (unless it was installed incorrectly).

 

[jayvee34]

In picture number 2 the floor jack is visible. I don't see a jack stand. This picture is past history. Floor jacks only is dangerous. Don't mean to be a nit-picker. I had to learn this a number of years ago.

That looks to be a jack stand just right of the floor jack. You are absolutely
right about floor jacks only, I learned that years ago also. "Safety First"

 

[Clem Clement]

Concur. Back in the day I jacked up my '54 Merc convert on a flat floor to change the ******. While under it, it rolled forward. Always have a jack stand(s) involved. A fraternity brother jacked up his ride using a bumper jack only. As he was loosening the ******, the jack failed and the car dropped: his head was where the ****** had been. Lucky to be alive.

Use chocks as well.

 

[CA Victoria]

Bruce,
Pass onto your friend the pickup looks great. Hope the rest of it looks as good as what is showing in the pictures.
Depending on your location, encourage your friend to join the early ford v8 club chapter. Usu lots of in person help can be found.