The mid-1930’s were great years in Ford automotive history. The success of the ’32 propelled them into making additional styling enhancements that are still stylish today. This 1936 Ford pickup features the big front fenders with mounted headlights, curved grille, and running boards that make them famous. It can be found here on eBay with a current bid of $6,600. The truck is currently located in Upland, California and is said to have been in a Southern California barn for 30 years!
For the most part, the interior appears original. The ad does state that the seat is from another vehicle, but doesn’t mention any other non-factory parts. The doors are missing the glass, but the mechanisms are there, so that isn’t too big of a deal breaker. You have to love the simplicity of the dash and gauges.
The engine is supposedly a 1940’s Flathead that has been converted to 12-volts. The truck is said to have been started and driven, but only from a remote fuel tank. The seller indicates there may be an aftermarket fuel tank that hasn’t been hooked up yet. There are some minor mechanical things that need to be done, but it appears that it won’t take much to get it up and running well.
The underside looks very solid. The ad states “…the frame is all Clean and rust free, just original patina surface rust color but very solid.” Based on the photos, there doesn’t appear to be many big rust holes or major rot.
Overall, this is a pretty cool truck! It looks like it may have been a project that didn’t make much progress? There is enough of the original truck left that the new owner could do a period-correct restoration. It could also go the other way and become a really neat hot rod or custom. Either way, it seems to be a good starting point for a project, what do you think?
A California barn-find should mean no road salt, therefore minimal rust. I would guess the side windows are flat glass, and thus easily replaceable
I would keep it stock as much as feasible. New brakes and brake lines would be essential, probably new tires as well. Beyond those updates, I would be open to suggestions or recommendations, because I just don’t know what is next.
Original brakes would have been mechanical, so they could still work. Would want to eventually replace with juice brakes though.
The ignition switch in the dash in not stock,it is supposed to be in the column drop. Not a big deal to fix,as it looks like the original drop is in place and they now make switch components. The engine is fine,looks like 38-40 maybe. At least it is still a flattie. The truck looks to still have mechanical brakes,if I were to drive it daily, I would recommend 39 hydraulic brakes for sure. Looks like a darn nice truck. The glass is no big deal at all.
I have always wanted to build one of these as a hot rod since high school, so my answer to Montana is obvious. If it were me and some lottery money it would be Ford powered (will an FE fit)? Manual ‘box, 9 inch rear, maybe chop an inch or two.
Absolutely no GM crate motor/slush box. I know it’s cheap and easy, but yawn.
Keep the flatmotor and drive!!! Great little truck!!I’d give the mechanical brakes a try–set up properly they work well, IMHO. Good luck to the new owner!
Cheers
GPC
Nice but acting the role of eccentric or
living in the 80s as ad states wants cah in person.
I hope the locals like it as the market was narrowed by 49 stares .
Nice truck and old school flathead ..
This one is way too clean and complete to mess with. You’re just not going to find many more unmolested ’35s, and whatever the current mod/rod trend is will look dated in a decade. I’d do a few basic things like a hydraulic brake conversion (almost a bolt-on mod), warm up the flathead, and buy a new set of tires each year because it’d get driven so much.
On my ’28 RaTT Rod I have the classic brake set up: ’34 beam with ’48 P/U spindles and ’53 F100 self energizing brakes. I’ve read that by using slightly later drums and hardware you can even add self adjusting to that set up. All of this is basically a bolt on upgrade. In the old days you had to find an old timer who knew the correct combo of bearings and races, but now Speedway Motors has the kit. Of course you need a master cylinder and lines.
The truck listed is as good as it gets in the subject of barn finds. :-) Terry J
This is the holy grail of barn finds, desirable body styling, and near mint condition. Im usually a hot rodder, but this should be a preservation. Id fix the 2 holes in the bed and the cracked fender but preserve that paint. Id chemically treat the underside to prevent future rust. Id also upgrade the brakes, and new tires in the retro style but otherwise, PRESERVE it!
No chopped tops, no later model powertrain,,, Sure,, I wont be doing interstate freeway driving, but around town and cruise ins it would be an amazing ride. Even cooler would be dress up in period 1930s clothes,, Perhaps drive this as a support vehicle for the Distinguished Gentlemans MC ride or vintage clubs events.
Register this truck with modeling and tv/movie production companies as this would be in demand, and earn some nice coin in return.
Looks like it sold this afternoon for $9600, showing that trucks are still holding up price wise relative to condition. This one will keep a guy busy fixing up lots of little things to make it fun/reliable.
One nit on the sellers ad, the engine is a ’37/early ’38, which is not a drawback but not quite as desirable as a ’40s vintage would be.