Trucks are tough. Face it; certain people are not dainty. Some kids break their toys, friends’ toys, great Aunt Erma’s parlor lamp, and more, not from spite or intent but simply because they fully immerse themselves in the experience of using things. Some toys, tools, window cranks, and hood release levers are just not meant to be enjoyed and utilized with extreme zeal. Really it’s the engineers fault; they should do better. Auto enthusiasts in that category should not collect early automobiles with spindly wire wheels and delicate not fully thought-out controls, but for collectors with an admitted heavy touch, this 1940 Ford 1 Ton truck in Aurora, Oregon is perfect! Offered on BarnFind Classifieds, the non-running project truck promises to stand up to plenty of use and even some abuse, and can be yours for a mere $7500.
Ford offered three flathead V8 options for commercial trucks in 1940, according to sales literature at lov2xlr8. Of the many features and upgrades discussed, only “softer seats” relate to driver comfort. Asking about comfort in a 1940 work truck might have triggered a reaction like “What? Why, I oughta pound you!” The engine has not been fiddled with since at least 1992. What looks like a failed attempt to install a kicking stereo with two 12 inch subwoofers promises the new owner some fun decoding the wiring harness.
Unyielding metal parts welcome the rigors of rough use, laughing at the occasional missed shift and operator error. Every surface in this industrial interior taunts the driver. “Is that all you got?”
Curved metal and a tiny rear window make for a cab that could probably support the weight of a small apartment building without crumpling. I can see this truck featured prominently at a winery, Christmas tree farm, or any number of harvest festivals. Nothing is more nostalgic than an overbuilt truck whining up through the gears toward its ridiculously low top speed. “Grind a pound for me, Pops!” Even if you were not the ham-fisted kid breaking other people’s finery, you can appreciate this flatbed Ford from a simpler time before trailer hitch cameras, massaging seats, and lane-keep assist. If you want to stay in your lane, watch the road, meathead! Where would you re-home this ’40 Ford?
Dang, that is one ratnest of wires…
I said it before and I’ll say it again. I didn’t want to go to California.
Dang, does this bring back memories of working on my Uncle Jims farm. I think I can still smell the aroma of Aunt Jennies kitchen, such a treat after a long day working the fields. These were some great trucks.
A Ford Tonner is almost in a category of its own. It ran that old Warner T-9 Crash Box that howled like a banshee behind a flathead V-8. Interesting that you put that same transmission behind a six cylinder and it’s much quieter. First truck transmission I learned to shift was a T-9 in a ‘49 F-3. That was my true education. My grandfather had a ‘41 Tonner on the ranch. Reaching some of the river flats required crossing the river. The ‘38 Ford that Grandpa had before that had the fan way up, on the generator, well above the water. The first trip across the river in the ‘41 found the truck stalled in the middle of the crossing because the crank-driven fan blew water all over the front of the engine, especially the distributor. It turned out that you had two choices: take the long way around, or remove the fan. Problem with the latter was that you still had to stop and reinstall the fan. It wasn’t long before the vote swung to the long way…
You can’t beat the price for this truck. We are looking at a project that is doable from a host of perspectives. We are dealing with a body, frame and drivetrain mechanicals which are well within the skill of a teenage son and father to enter a project that will guarantee success. The options are unlimited, rebuild the flathead and transmission, inspect the rear end, if it looks O.K. fill it back up with hypoid gear lubricant. Do all the brake work, and renew the wiring harness, upgrade the electrical to 12v. If you want buy a rebuilt small block V-8, couple it up with a 3 speed automatic. How long will it take for Dad & Son to turn out a sweet rock solid driving machine, that the Son can drive to school? Figure on 8-10 months, working weekends and over school vacations. The result is threefold: 1. Son & Dad get closer 2. Son isn’t glued to his “I-Phone” 3. Both Dad & Son end up with a really cool truck and learn a heck of a lot! You can’t lose!
a 20somehing da & I wrench on my ’70 bronco. I have learned more in the conversations we have along there than all 20 yrs in the house knee to knee/face to face. She can maintain her own car now, reduced screen time, and yes, ur 3rd too – she’ll have a ’70 ford when I give it up (10? 20 yrs).
a 20somehing da & I wrench on my ’70 bronco. I have learned more in the conversations we have along there than all 20 yrs in the house knee to knee/face to face. She can maintain her own car now, reduced screen time, and yes, ur 3rd too – she’ll have a ’70 ford when I give it up (10? 20 yrs).
a 20somehing da & I wrench on my ’70 bronco. I have learned more in the conversations we have along there than all 20 yrs in the house knee to knee/face to face. She can maintain her own car now, reduced screen time, and yes, ur 3rd too – she’ll have a ’70 ford when I give it up (10? 20 yrs).
a 20somehing da & I wrench on my ’70 bronco. I have learned more in the conversations we have along there than all 20 yrs in the house knee to knee/face to face. She can maintain her own car now, reduced screen time, and yes, ur 3rd too – she’ll have a ’70 ford when I give it up (10? 20 yrs).
a 20somehing da & I wrench on my ’70 bronco. I have learned more in the conversations we have along there than all 20 yrs in the house knee to knee/face to face. She can maintain her own car now, reduced screen time, and yes, ur 3rd too – she’ll have a ’70 ford when I give it up (10? 20 yrs).
damn, the Return button IS NOT the Delete button.
Did it again.
Wont enter my (in neighbor’s shp now) ’40 Cheb flat bed tonner
w/’53 cheb i6) comments now~
Just seen this.
I have 1940 3/4 ton Flatbed since 1970.
Am 2nd owner.
Installed 351C, with C6, but all else is Stock / Restored.
Chrome, wood, and complete paint in 1979.
Not many around.
Love these trucks.