1939 F8 4 x 2 8 cwt Truck

[Jim Price]

The above is the truck I recently acquired. Let me say that this email will fully illustrate my lack of knowledge about the vehicle. Although I haven't received it as yet I am trying to get a bit ahead of the game by finding out as much as I can about the drive train.

US Ford trucks had an enclosed drive shaft up into the early 40's. However, as I was not sure I asked the seller who claimed it was open. I tried to check out the pictures I've seen on that model but they do not clearly show the drive shaft in its entirety. Can someone either add to my joy (open) or forwarn me (enclosed) as to which it would normally have? (I'm prepared to deal with either scenario!)

I did purchased a CD that has the Ford Special Pattern Manual on it but have been unable to get it to work in my PC. Will probably invest in Mr. Manual's offering as it appears to be a good buy!

[cliff]

Originally Posted by Jim Price

The above is the truck I recently acquired. Let me say that this email will fully illustrate my lack of knowledge about the vehicle. Although I haven't received it as yet I am trying to get a bit ahead of the game by finding out as much as I can about the drive train.

If it is a CMP it is not 1939 as the first ones off the line were in 1940. Can you post some photos of it please.

[Jim Price]

Cliff:
Thanks for your response! The seller said that it was manufactured in May, 1939, hence the use of "1939". It is definitely an early one regardless of what year it comes under as the speedometer is mounted on the top of the engine cover in the cab. Will send pictures.

Regards,
Jim

[cliff]

Originally Posted by Jim Price

Cliff:
Thanks for your response! The seller said that it was manufactured in May, 1939, hence the use of "1939". It is definitely an early one regardless of what year it comes under as the speedometer is mounted on the top of the engine cover in the cab. Will send pictures.

Regards,
Jim

All the 11 & 12 cab CMP's did. I now know the truck you mean and it was wrongly advertised as a 1939. It is either a late 1940 or early 1941 according to a discussion held elsewhere on MLU.

Glad you intend on doing it up. All the CMP's had open drivesharfs.

[Jim Price]

Here's some pictures of the truck. Any info on whether the drive shaft is the enclosed type or if the universal joints are exposed would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Jim

[Jim Price]

Cliff:
Any chance you could direct me to that MLU discussion so that I could see the comments? It'd be much appreciated!

Regards,
Jim

[cliff]

Trying to find it now without luck. Your truck is a late 11 cab as it has the vents either side of the grill. Late 1940 or early 1941. Drivesharfts are open type.

[cliff]

rear deck has been extended forward to the back of the cab and the toolbox and spare wheel carrier are missing as well.

[Jim Price]

Cliff:
Your reply gives me some heart as I did not want to be working with the older style Ford enclosed drive shafts! I had a '38 Ford truck once and sold it just avoid all the problems associated with the enclosed drive shaft. In that regard, any reason why the Canadians did not use the same enclosed style?

As for the difference in years, it is disappointing that the vehicle was not advertised as it should have been.

Thanks for clarifying the position of the speedometer; I found that it had moved to the open space around the steering wheel shaft on some pictures and assumned that this had to do with early production.

My knowledge base is growing! Thanks for your help!

Regards,
Jim

[Jim Price]

Cliff;
Am aware that it was extended to the rear of the cab as the seller did relate that. After I've got it, I'll need to have some detailed pictures or drawing of what exactly went in the space. I'm aware that the spare tire went there as well as the gas tank (s?) and a tool box. Beyond that I'm not sure. Any references or help would be appreciated. I especially need the spare tire brackets.

I did visit the Restoration Forum and saw the work being done on the tool box there; quite an involved task!

Regards,
Jim

[cletrac (RIP)]

Here's a link to the discussion about this truck on ebay.
http://www.mapleleafup.org/forums/sh...ad.php?t=10732
The 8 cwt Chevs had closed driveshafts but the Fords were open.
Check out these links on 8 cwts too. There's a lot of info there.
http://www.mapleleafup.org/forums/showthread.php?t=7896
http://www.mapleleafup.org/forums/showthread.php?t=6749
Give me your address and I'll send you all the 8 cwt info I have on a couple of CDs.
If you do a search for posts under my username you'll come up with almost all of the 8 cwt threads on the forum since I usually reply to all of them.

[Jim Price]

David:
Thanks very much for all the links (which I did go through) and the suggestion to search for posts under your name. I'll certainly do that! I also appreciate very much for your offer to send me a couple of CDs with the 8 cwt information you have on them. My address is 1618 N. Comanche Drive, Chandler, AZ 85224-8604, USA.

Again, many thanks!

Regards,
Jim

PS I've known Frank Grant for some 25 years having met him at militaria shows back in Ohio and out in California.

[Tony Smith]

And we've (MLU) known of Mr Grant and his vehicle disposals for some 7 years at least, starting on the Old Forum

Here's a factory shot of a Cab 12 F8: