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No Reserve: 1940 Ford Farm Truck

These old Ford farm trucks just have a great look to them. It doesn’t seem to matter if they are dinged up or if the paint has been burnt to a crisp. The fact that something like this hasn’t returned to the earth is a testament to their build quality too. This particular truck needs some work, but could be a great candidate for a full restoration or even to just get running. It’s located in Cavalier, North Dakota and is listed here on eBay with a $1,000 starting bid and no reserve!

Nothing fancy in here. There a bench seat, steering wheel, shifter, and three pedals. The seller claims that it has been sitting a barn since 1971  so that could be the reason there isn’t more rust. There is some rust in the sides of the bed that need attention, but otherwise everything appears to be solid. A few photos of the floors would be helpful to verify that though. Restoring the interior shouldn’t be hard and will need to be done even if you decide to leave the exterior alone.

The flathead V8 found under the hood may need a little more attention though. The seller says that it will not turn over by hand, so it may be seized up. It has been sitting for a long time, but you may be able to get it free by squirting some oil down the cylinders. Budget for a full rebuild or replacement engine though. It would be fun to bolt up some period speed parts while you’re at it.

After getting the engine running and the interior cleaned up, you’ll want to turn your attention to the exterior. This may be a great truck to restore, but having a beat up old farm truck seems to be a trend right now. It’s cheaper and easier for sure. Just be sure to replace that wood in the bed before making any hardware store runs because you might arrive with only have of your purchase. Overall, this is a very cool old truck that could be taken many different routes depending on the preference of its next owner. What would you do with it?

Comments

  1. Avatar lawrence

    Was it a dream or have I seen that hedge in the back ground before ?

    Like 0
  2. Avatar Todd Zuercher

    I guess this is one that hasn’t made it to the infamous Norco, CA, seller yet. Awesome.

    Like 0
  3. Avatar Joe Haska

    Having been interested in old Fords all my life, and having a 34 Coupe for more than 55 years, I seem to think I know allot about them. Having said that, the commercial variety always seem to be a bit different! I know its listed as a 1940, but the only thing that appears to be from that year is the steering wheel and dash cluster. I am guessing the title says 1940 or it wouldn’t be listed that way. I also can’t recall seeing a large 40 Ford truck, so I am certainly not sure, and it is really not that big of a deal, but does anyone else have an opinion or explanation that I don’t know about, other than Henry did what ever he wanted!

    Like 0
    • Avatar Dave Wright

      Henry hasn’t owned this truck for 75 years…….who knows what iterations it has gone through.

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    • Avatar Bellingham Fred

      This definitely a ’40. The half ton models had the same grill as a ’40 standard, but with a different hood. The one tons have the grill like the one seen here. This one looks like it was repaired or mildly customized. The speedo and steering wheel are ’40 all the way.
      Google 40 Ford one ton truck, you’ll see some pics of the stock grill.

      Like 0
    • Avatar geomechs Member

      The ’40 and ’41 3/4 ton and up were this style; the 1/2 tons used the front grill and sheetmetal from the ’40 Std. car. ’42 began the wide yellow waterfall grill that was universal from the 1/2 ton to the 3-ton.

      The ’40/’41 trucks followed the car’s lead and stuck the fan on the crankshaft. The ranch where I was raised had the river flowing right through the southern half. You had to cross the river quite frequently especially during haying season. My grandfather had a ’41 and when the water was high you had to shut the motor off, remove the fan, start up, cross the river, then shut down again to re-attach the fan. This was necessary or else you would be stalled in the middle of the river.

      Like 0
    • Avatar Manfred fuchs

      Hi sorry iam New her and iam a german leave in Philippinen iam 52 y old and i wish so badly to have a pick up Form 1937 up to 47 Eve anybody know one same like this condition let me know iam so thankfull for ans help and Eve some body know about international shopping

      Like 1
  4. HoA Howard A Member

    Man, this is the bottom of the barrel. I know you have to start somewhere, and I rarely say this, but it’s almost too far gone. Again, proof positive, for antique trucks, this is all that’s left. The up side is, it’s all there. Ambitious restoration for young knuckles. I mean, where do you start ( or stop) a restoration like this?

    Like 0
    • Avatar geomechs Member

      Hi Howard. I think you’re giving up a little too easily. I’ve seen some challenging projects tackled by men a lot older than we are. This one would be a daunting task for sure but if you take your time, you can turn it into a very desirable truck, and one you can use. Just get rid of the side boards….

      Like 0
  5. Avatar BronzeGiant

    “even if you decide to leave the exterior alone”…why would anyone EVER consider leaving the exterior alone on this…..Is this is where we have gotten to that something that looks like this would be welcomed at a truck show as “finished?”

    Like 0
    • Avatar Brad C

      Is this is where we have gotten to… that every single vintage vehicle owner is required to attend truck shows? Why can’t someone just have a great old truck to bomb around town in?

      Like 0
  6. Avatar Smitty

    Ummm, I don’t think it’s a 40, I think it is a 42 or 46. Just saying.

    Like 0
    • Avatar geomechs Member

      Hi Smitty. It’s definitely a ’40 or ’41. ’42 changed the grill and front fenders and kept it until the F-series was launched in ’48. This was more of a transition.

      Like 0
  7. Avatar Stiffler4444

    Does that rusted out old plate say “Saskatchewan”. Manitoba truck.

    Like 1
  8. Avatar lawrence

    For a 3/4 / 1 ton pre war truck – it’s in good shape….they were used fer sure.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Bmac Member

    Anyone know if they used the same chassis as the half ton, I would assume so but not sure. I ask because I have a frame & drivetrain all finished in need of a body

    Like 0
    • Avatar James

      Yes, just the gauge of steel was thicker on the heavier duty frames, same design and shape though. These 1 ton body’s definitely mount to a half ton frame with no problems.

      Like 0
      • Avatar Bmac Member

        Thanks

        Like 0
  10. Avatar Jeff

    Love this site ends my day perfect. Gave me a chuckle though, up here Saskatchewan is a province as is Manitoba. Just saying lol

    Like 0
  11. Avatar Ron D.

    I would love the challenge, but I can’t even imagine what it would cost to get this truck to Tennessee. But I like it.

    Like 0
    • Avatar James

      I would expect $1,000. I’ve shipped trucks from up there down to Memphis before and it’s usually around $1,000.

      Like 0
  12. Avatar Pat A

    This appears to be the organic moral opposite to the VW dual cab pickup shown here a couple of days ago. This is the result of indifferent neglect. That other is a faked up turd. I’d rather have this.

    Like 0
  13. Avatar Lion

    Don’t want to be a bummer but maybe these guys should leave the Canadian trucks up in Canada for us and not haul them down south just to flip.
    Can’t find a single one of these around my home for parts or to restore.
    Use to be lots of these around.

    Like 0

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