Ford identification

[Steve Haynes]

Can anyone please tell me the type of 1940 Ford this may be?

[cliff]

You need the wheelbase and the original engine HP to tell for sure but here is all 4 models of that year.

85HP V8
01T = 134inch WB
018T = 158in WB

95HP V8
09T = 134in WB
098T = 158in WB.

There should be a data plate on the firewall somewhere

[Mike K]

Steve

Many of those Fords and Chevs were fitted with military split 18" rims to take either 9.00 x 18 ( 30 cwt ) or 10.50 x 18 ( 3 ton) tyres . You can see evidence on the truck in your pics; the front guards appear to have been cut-out to accomodate the larger/wider tyres. The 18" bolt-together rims were, I believe, locally manufactured by Ford and GMH - and they were referred to as "overseas wheels", intended for the AIF .

After the war, most of the trucks were retro-fitted to take the standard civilian 20" wheels and tyres - a far easier size to buy , then and now.

A local guy here (Pakenham), owns a restored example, he was running 18" DUKW tyres on it .

Mike

[Steve Haynes]

Thanks for the replies...yep, this one has 20" wheels, all tires are 7.00x20.

Unfortunately the original motor is no longer in this vehicle. Also the data plate is no longer there either but it has the 158" wheelbase. All I can find are some stamps on the firewall.

Are these Aussie built or US? Also, I cannot find much info on the type with the roof hatch, was this a local mod or factory? I am guessing it was originally a GS tray, the flatbed appears original with the drop-sides replaced later.

Still learning about this truck type and its uses/ body types. ALL info appreciated!

cheers

Steve

[cliff]

Here is 3 photos from the AWM showing the 3 ton Ford MCP trucks similar to yours. They are Aussie assembled but not sure how much local content was incorporated in the cab construction except for the MG access hatch. I have plans and measurements for the gallows type MG mount as well somewhere if required.

[Tony Smith]

Originally Posted by Steve Haynes

Are these Aussie built or US? Also, I cannot find much info on the type with the roof hatch, was this a local mod or factory? I am guessing it was originally a GS tray, the flatbed appears original with the drop-sides replaced later.

Still learning about this truck type and its uses/ body types. ALL info appreciated!

cheers

Steve

Neither! Ford US didn't make any RHD Trucks, this is Canadian made, so welcome to MLU!

As Cliff has said, they were assembled locally by Ford Australia, who fitted the roof hatch and grab rails. Cliff has mentioned MCP, this stands for Modified Commercial Pattern, which basically entailed fitting the Roof Hatch, a Pintle Hook (towing attachment), Radiator Guard Bar, Balloon Tyres, and a PTO air pump to the side of the gearbox. Body types are as listed below:

[cliff]

Thanks for the list Tony that is the first time I have seen it. I personly like these Fords as much as I like the MCP Chev's we had but in reality much prefer the Dodge D series LOL

I have always thought that MCP was Modified Civilian Pattern?

[Steve Haynes]

Thanks all, great info and a learning curve for me.

[Steve Haynes]

Some more pics of the Ford; I got it running and up the (steep) driveway today, so a milestone there

Disregard the bivvi over the back- I just wanted to cover the tray for a bit!

Anyone know of a good canvas maker in Melbourne area? I'll need to get a canopy for the back before too long to keep the weather out.

[Mike K]

Anyone know of a good canvas maker in Melbourne area? I'll need to get a canopy for the back before too long to keep the weather out.

Hi Steve

I have dipped my foot into the canvas / upholstery
world . I don't want to put you off, but the canvas top for a truck like that would cost around $1000, if made by a auto trimmer or canvas business. They charge about 80 bucks per hour . Plus the canvas material will cost about $250-300 on its own .

At the moment , a few WW2 20'X30' canvas tarps are for sale in Sydney , dated 1944 . ex US army .. they want $350 for them .. But 60 year old cotton would be dicey , even if stored correctly.

Your truck is missing the bonnet trim . They have a die cast lever for levering the bonnet catch, and it ALWAYS breaks . The 1941 model is almost identical, but uses heavier and wider trim on the bonnet .Yours seems to be a mixture of 1940 and 41 . The roof hatch and channel section bumber would have come in closer to 1941. They had towing 'd' rings too. The 40 models I believe , had no roof hatch, or spring grill protector like yours had. The tray on yours seems to be a home made affair.

I owned a 1941 11D 3/4 tonner with 122" wheelbase ( ex Glassons of Wagga tow truck ). The 11D was fitted with odd wide car type rims ( 7.50 x16 tyres ) , unlike any other model. I got it registered in TASMANIA .. it was a bit of a 'roughy' . I drove it to the local cop shop at Deloraine and a young policeman was rather perplexed , he told me to drive it to Devonport for an 'inspection'. No permit -nothing . Tassie had non-existant gun laws then .. you could walk into a gun shop.. aged just 16 .. yes 16, and walk out with a semi-auto military rifle like a Garand or SKS Chinese Assault rifle . No names or address or ID required .

Your truck is very neat looking , nice panels .. it looks as if its had a previous restoration .
Mike

[Mike K]

Steve

These pics define the 1940 and 41 differences:

1940.. no roof hatch , civilian bumber , non-opening windscreen, narrow bonnet trim

1941 .. roof hatch, channel bumber with spring and towing 'D' rings and opening windsreen , wide bonnet trim and 'FORD' badges on bonnet sides and dash panel .

The cabs were made at Geelong . The bonnets and guards: imported from Canada .


The van bodied variant pictured is a mobile DENTIST !

Mike

[David_Hayward (RIP)]

MCP = Male Chauvinist Pig!

Otherwise in 1940, the DND refererred to 'Commercial' cabs, vehicles, etc. and subsequently to 'Conventional'. The former when CMPs were 'DND Pattern'. No doubt 'Ciivilian' was also used at some stage in some quarters.

[Steve Haynes]

Thanks all for the replies and info. This truck was used in "the Great Raid" movie as a Jap truck. That will explain the apparent resto look- there is a bit of deep down stuff to do to it though!

I realise the expense of canvas...its something that is needed though so i will just have to fork out for it.

The info on model year etc is interesting, you can see on the bonnet when you look closely where the trim would have been. Where would I get replacement trim? Are repros available? What are some good parts sources for these other than another truck? (I do not have any more room!!!!!!!)

cheers

Steve

[Jim Price]

Steve:
Check out Macs located in New York State, USA. They've got an on line catalog, as well. BTW, where are you located?

Regards,
Jim

[Steve Haynes]

In Melbourne, ...bit far & costly to ship a tarp unfortunately.