Very early 28 RPU question...

d.j. moordigian

d.j. moordigian

Well-known member
" The Restorer, 1979, vol. 24-3, page 11 ". When did Ford change the
position of the rear tail lite from UNDER the center of the bed to the side
of the bed?
Also, no " beaver tail " fenders?

Other questions from this Ford Archives photo #51173
 
my January 28 open cab pu has subrails extending rearward beyond the cab .. the bed fits directly on these subrails witout the wood block of the later style. the bed is 1/2" longer (57 vs. 56-1/2) than the later style ... dont know when they went to the cab without the extended subrail. the distal cross member of the extended subrail has stamped holes for the tailight bracket, placing the light 'under' the bed. i assume that when the subrails were dropped, the light moved to its familiar place on the rear side of the bed.
interestingly, the same stamped holes are on the passenger side of the subrail ... i assume for RHD bodies.
 

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Wow, I never knew about the subrail on the early PUs.

Learn something new everyday.
-Tim
 
28ford.jpg

Charles...at the angle of this photo the tail lite looks like it's in the middle. I didn't
know the sub rail runs the total length, does it fit another body style? Your truck
have beaver tails?
 
thanks for the pix ...i dont have this one in my collection!

i dont know if these subrails were unique to the early RPU or were used on another style (i.e. phaeton). i am not aware of any others with these. i am very confident that they are original to the vehicle as the rivets are all properly peened and there is no evidence of any tampering. i have known the vehicle since the 1950s and in fact used to ride in it back then as a kid. i acquired it from that owner. there is a unique wood block under the rail that secures the distal end of the tapered splash arpons.

beaver tails, yes
 
I've never seen the early sub rails either. Have you looked to see if they are at all like the 1926-27 T Roadster Pickup.
 
I have seen several of these early roadster pickups here in NZ. The subframe siderails are the same as an early roadster. The only difference being the rear body crossmember.
 
Bick,
Would that be the same for a closed cab pu ? Are the beds unique to this set-up
or the same bed with wood, besides the bed length ?
 
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