I own a '39 Ford 1 1/2 ton truck and wondered if the cab size is the same as the cab in the 1/2 ton trunk. I am redoing the interior and wondered if the headliner that I found in a catalog would fit both sizes. Also, is there a website that specializes in the Ford 1 1/2 ton truck?
'39 Ford
- Thread starter RBennett
- Start date
OldDad
Senior Member
Cab is the same, except for the filler hole for the tank. Headliner and interior parts are all the same, but the fenders are larger on the big trucks.
This to the best of my knowledge -- my buddy has owned one for the last 27 years. If you're looking for parts, Mac's has a surprisingly good selection of (Chinese) brake parts for the big trucks -- wheel cylinders and so forth.
This to the best of my knowledge -- my buddy has owned one for the last 27 years. If you're looking for parts, Mac's has a surprisingly good selection of (Chinese) brake parts for the big trucks -- wheel cylinders and so forth.
OldDad
Senior Member
Had to replace a few on my friend's '39. I bent them myself using off-the-shelf brake tubing, a tubing bender, and a double flaring tool for the ends. The biggest problem was the rear brake hose, which I could not find anywhere. Ended up using a front brake hose, and mounted it to the frame using a front hose bracket and clip. Worked fine.
I would recommend you use silicone brake fluid if you are rebuilding the brakes. My buddy paid somebody $1800.00 (!) for the first brake job he had done on his truck, which lasted the typical five years or so, I volunteered to do the second brake job after the truck had sat for about ten years with no brakes, and it is not much fun hoisting those 100 pound rear drums around. Some people will tell you that silicone fluid leaks and will give you a spongy pedal, but I've found that as long as I have good tight connections at all points, and bleed the system properly, I have no problems with it. Your results may vary, as they say. Your brake job should then last you a decade or more, and as these trucks tend to spend a lot of time sitting, that's a very good thing!
The truck is a blast to drive, with the crash box and all. Just don't expect to climb any significant hills at more than about 15 MPH in second! Enjoy it, and it's too bad we've got about 2000 miles between us, or I'd drive it over and take you for a spin.
I would recommend you use silicone brake fluid if you are rebuilding the brakes. My buddy paid somebody $1800.00 (!) for the first brake job he had done on his truck, which lasted the typical five years or so, I volunteered to do the second brake job after the truck had sat for about ten years with no brakes, and it is not much fun hoisting those 100 pound rear drums around. Some people will tell you that silicone fluid leaks and will give you a spongy pedal, but I've found that as long as I have good tight connections at all points, and bleed the system properly, I have no problems with it. Your results may vary, as they say. Your brake job should then last you a decade or more, and as these trucks tend to spend a lot of time sitting, that's a very good thing!
The truck is a blast to drive, with the crash box and all. Just don't expect to climb any significant hills at more than about 15 MPH in second! Enjoy it, and it's too bad we've got about 2000 miles between us, or I'd drive it over and take you for a spin.
I sure would like to see it! My truck was running about 20 years ago- the previous owner used it to haul hay. He parked it under a shed, removed the hoses and drained the radiator with the intention of restoring it but never got to it. We put a new carburetor on it, tuned it up, and got it started. The motor is running great now. Do you have any pictures that you could post? I'm looking for ideas for the bed. I can't find many pictures for the 1 1/2 ton. I'm really new at this so bear with me.