Update 9/28/2018 – We heard from the seller with some updates and corrections, so we’ve updated the story. Be sure to take another look at this cool Ford!
From 9/27/2018 – You can tell this old truck has done some work over the years. Found on the “Highline” in Shelby, Montana, this truck was found in a mechanics shop where it had been stored for 39 years. You can find this 1946 Ford here on eBay, with a current bid of $1,675.
The engine was reportedly pulled when the truck was parked in 1979. It’s probably safe to assume that there was a major issue with the engine that caused the truck to be parked and engine removed. Thankfully, the seller has already sourced a replacement flathead! It’s from a 1947 Ford One Ton truck and is paired with the original 4-speed. The trucks column shift 3-speed is present as well, so you will have to decide whether to keep the 3-speed or upgrade to the floor shifted 4-speed.
The interior has certainly seen use but doesn’t look abused. There is some surface rust on the floor but it doesn’t look too bad. The seller describes the floorboards and cab corners as being in excellent condition. With new seat upholstery and a little rust treatment, this interior could otherwise be used as is.
Parts of the body appears to have been brush-painted at one point. It almost appears that the body panels have been painted multiple colors. The driver’s side is certainly more faded than the passenger side. Overall, this is a really cool truck. Hopefully, it will get a new lease on life.
Column shift on a ’46 Ford pickup ?
They were through ’47, weren’t they?
They were column shift through 1986. What year did they start offering a column shift?
Two others on BF have floor shifters.
The first column shift in a Ford 1/2 ton pickup was in the ’48 and it was optional at extra cost. Prior to the ’48 they were all floor shift. That could still mean that on this truck, the original engine had a problem or someone was converting to a later engine and a later column shift transmission.
Very interesting truck. I saw ONE other truck that had a column shift manual and it was a ’46 as well, and, no one has been able to tell me where they come from. I wouldn’t mind seeing a closeup on the cab ID tag as the truck appears to be a CDN unit (It has body color headlight/parklight rings). Other than that, I would love to bring this truck to my place. I especially need the air cleaner as it’s a dead ringer for the one that was boosted off my ’47 some years ago. It’s going to be a good buy for whoever gets it….
It looks like the original transmission connected to the flat head in the bed was a floor shift. However, in the eBay listing there is another transmission in the bed that looks like it would be compatible with the column shift.
engine/top loading trans combo shown in the bed maybe from a different vehicle. A column shifted trans is shown forward in the bed also an extra yet different style air cleaner
It says in the sellers description that the engine and transmission in the bed is from a 47 Ford One Ton truck.
I had a 1947 when I was a teen. My dad and I were in the process of putting a 235 six cyl from my mom’s 1965 Chevy in it but unfortunately we never got put back together. But that began my lifelong love of old cars.