My first 1939 Ford Pickup

Randy you are about to discover what your made of and how far your patience goes:D, your in with a good bunch of guys here on Ford Barn.

My 39 has a 59AB rebuilt by Walt Dupont and with out him I may not have come to know about this site and enjoyed that sweet Flathead sound.

Start getting it mechanically together and running, then worry about the correct this and that. As Seth has stated the crab is the way to go. One thing to keep in mind, our trucks got all the leftover parts so you never know what you really should or shouldn't have. I had that luxury with my cab wood.

Will get you those pictures we talked about up here for you. One other thing, I bought about every book about Flatheads and early ford stuff before I started even thinking about buying parts. Scott
 
If you don't have an oil filter, you won't have the hole for the return line, if I understand correctly.
I have wiring diagrams
 
Many thanks for the great information. Without your help, I would never go in the right direction. Thanks again and would still love to have detailed pictures of the motors in your trucks.
 
Clem Clement said:
If you don't have an oil filter, you won't have the hole for the return line
Click to expand...

There are a couple of solutions to this, there is a special bolt that can be used in the timing cover for a return. There is also a set up that uses a return though a bolt in the fuel pump stand. The first diagram is the oil cover setup, the second on is the later model system with the oil pan return. Be sure you understand how the bypass system works before attaching one, they must have a restrictor in the input to the filter!
 

Attachments

  • Oil Line Diagram.jpg
    Oil Line Diagram.jpg
    68.3 KB · Views: 13
  • Oil Diagram.jpg
    Oil Diagram.jpg
    61.9 KB · Views: 15
Last edited:
I have a couple 59 oil filter units and I'd sell ya one. Clem makes a good point it's not a bolt on.
 
Last edited:
Hey Tinker, Thanks for the offer on the oil filter, but I think I will pass. I would appreciate it if you would keep on the lookup for a 39 pickup column drop. I will have to have that pretty soon and it may be hard to find one for a pickup. Thanks Randy
 
Today's update: I was able to put a socket wrench on the nut (where a crankshaft cranking ratchet usually is located) and finally I was able to turn the pulley a little bit - back and forth. I then removed the sparkplugs and poured some A.T. fluid in each cylinder. I plan to let this soak and maybe in a few days I will try to get the motor to turn over. I then plan to run a little kerosene thru the motor to flush out "stuff" that doesn't belong there. Another update will be forth coming. I'm still looking for a column drop. Any help out there? It needs to be for a 39 pickup.
 
Randy, I just drug a '39 tonner home a couple of months ago and have been doing what you're looking at. I jacked up the r rear wheel and with all plugs out and a mix of motor ail and gas to dilute it a bit in the cylinders, worked it through several times in high gear by turning the wheel around and around. Then, again with all plugs out so no pressure on the engine, and fresh oil installed, we pulled it around the block in high gear a few times with the engine turning over getting everything some fresh oil. When we started her up, she ran fair. After a complete ignition rebuild it now runs like the proverbial sewing machine. this on a truck with last license plates, WYO 1958

These are very forgiving machines. Don't be afraid of it. In the picture I'm rebuilding all the hydraulics on the brakes getting her ready for a drive. Have all new brakes and rubber, everythings greased and oiled, seat is recovered, and currently I'm fighting with the front windshield gasket. New glass is installed.
 

Attachments

  • DSC_0001s.jpg
    DSC_0001s.jpg
    60.6 KB · Views: 24
Hey, I love the picture. Now that is "character". It is great that you have helped it come back to life. More pictures and information. Thanks again . Randy
 
Jim that grill assembly appears to be in very good shape compared to the fenders ect., that is a good find. My 39 when bought was an old orchard truck with a flat bed. Having the driver and passenger door glass is a plus, good templates.

It's nice to see more of these great truck being discovered and brought back from extinction.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top