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Plenty Of Potential: 1938 Ford Truck

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This old truck listed here on craigslist in Louisville, Tennessee shows lots of promise even if the $6,500 asking seems ambitious. It appears to be another incomplete project, but it looks like there is a lot there. It was in dry storage. There’s no word on when the restoration was started.

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There’s just enough here to show potential. There’s no engine or floor and the he fenders have been replaced with fiberglass ones. What do you think this old truck might be worth in its current condition? The rust on the running boards and the lack of floors would suggest there was or is a substantial amount of rust damage, so be sure to look it over closely. Would this be a good starting point for adding a modern powertrain and suspension? As is often the case, more pictures and information from the seller would be helpful.

Comments

  1. HoA Howard A Member

    I think this is a great find, and the fiberglass fenders are a welcome addition. Most assuredly will become a “resto-mod”, but that’s ok.( as long as someone doesn’t go “Gonzo” with it, and retains the original shape) They only made this style for 2 years, and certainly is rare, and the seller knows it. Will make a great truck for someone.

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    • Avatar Mike Rameuy

      Guys, having restored one of these ’38-’39 Fords, trust me, they do not make fiberglass fenders. The crown down the middle of the fronts is very hard to pound out.

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  2. Avatar Wayne Thomas

    Since most of my fellow Americans have no idea about it, an Aussie Barra 310T at more than 300hp would make a great swap. A 4.0L straight six.

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  3. Avatar George

    You already have fiberglass fenders, so go with the new power and suspension.

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  4. Avatar Bobsmyuncle

    Looks like a clean start. I have no idea on value though.

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  5. Avatar Rick

    That is a really cool truck, not many 38s left out there to begin with, since it’s already fiberglass no point in trying to restore to original, but yeah mild street rod, make it look stock, w/ stock bumpers and all the stock trim, all one color, no tutone and no crazy colors (i.e. yellow, light blue or purple) and a Mustang II rack under the front and an 9 inch rear, disc brakes all around, tasteful low key interior, tilt & a/c of course, and what a nice ride you’d have, plus its a pick-em-up truck so it has utilitarian value, don’t know if the windsheild winches open on this one or not, think it does on a ’37, not sure if that was an option or what,be neat if you could make the back window roll up and down like the mid tirties Ford 3 window bidness coupes, maybe one of you old Fordophiles out there cans set me straight. PS Love the side mount spare and it would be tempting to leave the original wheels & hubcaps cause those look so cool

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  6. Avatar Ed P

    Give it a modern drive train and make the rest look almost original. This could be a beauty.

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  7. Avatar geomechs

    These trucks really torture me; I’ve been after a ’38 for most of my life. Trouble is: every time one shows up I’m in no position to act on it. I tend to question this unit. It has a ’38 hood ornament/hood release but it has a ’39 grill. Check underneath to see if it’s got mechanical brakes. If this was mine I’d go as close to stock as I could, but then, I’ve got access to some period correct stuff. Maybe a warmed over flathead. I sure wouldn’t blame anyone for using a modern powertrain though. The price seems a little over the top for what’s being offered but these are getting scarce, so a person might have to dig a little deeper.

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  8. Avatar RON

    i like geomechs take.anyway you go is a winner on this one. it’s little few wrong facts dont matter unless you are trying to accomplissh aaca top competiton. it is a littleprice but as others have pointed out, this is a pretty elusive model in any conditon even at the asking rice as long as you don’t try to go world of wheels, with what you have to wor wth i don’t thin you can get hurt real bad i would go with a period correct flathead and return i to as near period correct as i could and it will be a thumbs up fun driver anywhere you go i have been watchng this one ever since it has been up for sale as it is in near proximity t me.

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