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Nice Old Truck: 1931 Ford Stake Bed

right front

There are a lot of older restorations for sale these days. This old delivery truck listed on craigslist was “partially restored” in the 1960s and then put away and forgotten. The current owner has done a lot of work to make this a nice driver and is selling it for some reason. It’s located in Sacramento for  $9,850. Except for the bed and headlights, it looks mostly complete and original.

inside

The owner replaced the floor along with other work. The paint work doesn’t look like it was done very well.

engine

The engine looks complete and original except for the alternator. The electrical system was converted to 12 volt. The head gasket was replaced, the carburetor rebuilt, a new water pump installed and hoses and the fan belt were replaced.

left rear

The wooden stake bed looks well made but appears to have been built for looks and not utility. This truck would be great for parades, advertising or just a fun driver. What would you do with this old truck? What do you think someone will be willing to pay for it? Would you drive it as it is or restore it further?

Comments

  1. Avatar photo Howard A Member

    Well, I’m no carpenter, and someone did a lot of work on the bed, but,,,,I’d have just gone with a pickup box, any pickup box. I’ve always thought these “home made” beds look corny, functional maybe, but just clashes with the styling, and possibly value. Be a shame to take this apart, put that bed on a newer pickup, but this should be stock, it’s that nice of a truck.

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  2. Avatar photo ronebee

    haul ATVS, I’d use it like a truck

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  3. Avatar photo geomechs Member

    I’ve noticed a lot of flat beds installed on pickups when the old steel bed wasn’t worth fixing. Some flat beds look OK but others leave something to be desired. Personally I’d have preferred to have something like this with a real pickup bed. However, sometimes beggars can’t be choosers. Overall this truck looks good. It still has a long way to got but it’s in showing condition.

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    • Avatar photo leiniedude Member

      Myself, I would like to see an old school home built camper on the back. I am not going to drive this 30 miles to the nearest Menards anyway. At least with a camper you could let the mother in law or your friends stay in there.

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  4. Avatar photo z1rider

    The underhood fuel shutoff confirms it’s a 31 but the grille shell is from a 30.

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  5. Avatar photo Glenn from Wisconsin

    Yes, but this one is a 1030!

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  6. Avatar photo Barney

    Way over priced in my book. I’m thinking 4500

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  7. Avatar photo Francisco

    A true “Stake Bed” has removable stakes thereby transforming it into a flat bed. Original Model A Stake/flat beds had a longer wheelbase. They had two speed rears, dual wheels, and some even had an air brake booster. This one has a ’31 dash.

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  8. Avatar photo David

    A repro bed is only about $1500. Perhaps that would be a place to start.

    Like 0

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