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Hot Rod Project: 1947 Ford Pickup

Sometimes finishing someone else’s project is a great way to get into the classic car hobby. If quality work has been done already, this can save you a ton of time and/or money. This 1947 Ford half-ton pickup was a project that unfortunately the seller can not finish due to illness. It can be found here on eBay with a current bid of $2,550. Located in Choteau, Montana, the truck is ready for a new home. Is this the project truck you’ve been looking for?

Unfortunately, this is the best photo of the engine in the ad. The powerplant is a 302 cubic inch V8 mated to a brand new C4 transmission with Lokar shifter. The engine features an aluminum intake with Edelbrock carburetor. The seller says the distributor and carb are not installed, so hopefully, the engine runs well. It also features handsome finned valve covers, electric fan, Volvo radiator, and electric fuel pump.

The interior is pretty standard for a hot rod pickup. Floor shifter, aftermarket gauges, and custom steering wheel round out the highlights. There is also an extra gauge cluster on the bench seat. There are also other random parts like the head on the floor and miscellaneous parts in the pickup bed.

The truck also has a front clip from a 1939 Studebaker Commander, so it should ride better than the factory pickup setup. I’m not sure if the tank in the bed is for fuel, but it looks great. This is truly a one-of-a-kind project and will take a bit of work to complete, but will be rewarding in the end. What do you think about this project? Do you like the idea of completing someone else’s project or would you like to start from scratch with a stock vehicle?

Comments

  1. Avatar geomechs Member

    I’m not all that fussy about what’s been done to the truck so far; I’m more of a purist and frown deeply on heavy modifications. However, it’s just a little over an hour away so I’m tempted to drive over and have a look for myself. I’m also a little skeptical about grafting a clip off something else onto the chassis but I’ll reserve judgment until I’ve actually seen this. I might add that you can get a bolt-on IFS from three different places so I really have to question the reasoning. But then it isn’t my truck and I have to appreciate the fact that not everyone thinks the way I do…

    Like 4
  2. Avatar Dex

    Interesting project, but wondering if what owner describes as a Studebaker Commander front clip is actually the chassis modification or just the front sheet metal.

    Like 2
    • Avatar geomechs Member

      After I made my comment I started wondering the same thing. That’s why I want to take a drive over there to see it up close and personal…

      Like 3
      • Avatar Nevadahalfrack Member

        Keep us posted, geomechs!

        Nevadahalfrack

        Like 1
  3. Avatar scottymac

    From Ohio, always heard the front sheet metal described as a clip; move to Indiana, and it’s a dog house. Other differences: headlight/taillight bezel versus door; hillbilly versus hilljack. Step across the state line, and you need a translater.

    Like 1
    • Avatar Bob S

      In our locality, a clip means that the frame and suspension from the donor vehicle was grafted to the frame of the original chassis.
      I am not normally a fan of clips, I have seen some real butcher jobs.
      Bob

      Like 2
  4. Avatar TimM

    I don’t mind seeing old with new when it’s done right!! The 70’s style steering wheel when you open the door would have to go if it were mine though!! A modern drive line and juice brakes will make it more reliable!! Love the small back window in the cab too!! It should be interesting to see what geomechs says after seeing it in real time!!!

    Like 1
  5. Avatar John S

    This is an interesting rig… The front sheet metal actually looks pretty good. Geomechs, my take on the frame / front suspension transplant is; A: Better ride & steering, B: Availability of parts down the road. i.e. if something wears out or breaks when you’re on a road-trip you can get repair parts @ a NAPA store, etc.. I do, however, question the use of an un-common make. For the right person this could be a really trick lookin’ truck!

    Like 2
    • Avatar geomechs Member

      Hi John. From what I’ve seen, the bolt-on IFS units are pretty much Mustang II. Some have used Dodge Aspen or Plymouth Volare but the Mustang is dominant. Based on either one, there shouldn’t be much of a problem locating parts…

      Like 0
  6. Avatar Rosco

    Without talking to the seller or personally inspecting, no way of knowing if the term “clip” is a chassis modification or just the front sheet metal. If it is the chassis mod, probably not a great choice as parts for a ’39 Studebaker can’t be that easy to come by, as well as now having 80 year old suspension technology.

    Like 1
  7. Avatar Joe Backer

    This thing scares me. Pass on an unfinished project along with not a pro installation front clip. My 47 is way way better than this thing.

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Abby

    This was my dad’s project. I am trying to track it back down and potentially buy it back. Any information regarding who actually bought this would be very helpful. I do have a first name of the buyer but that’s it. Thank you!

    Like 0

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