Hey guys , not sure if this is the place to post this but cant find a answer. I have a deal on a 1 ton 36 ford truck , no bed and rear fenders. But I was wanting to know if I buy this can i make this look as a 1/2 ton with just body parts? Still a noob and any info will help alot . Thanks everyone for any help you can give .
You may find that the 1 ton wheels and tires won't fit right, with 1/2 ton fenders. I'm not sure about that year but on model AA's the wheels and tires looked a lot taller to me.
Are you sure it is a 1 ton and not a ton and a half? There are some differences in the fenders, larger openings. The grille is also a little taller. Cabs and hoods are the same. There are also differences in the steering box and pitman arm. I have not actually seen a 1 ton. I have had several pickups and ton and a halfs.
I would change out the rear with something new, and change out the spindels for smaller tires on the front . Maybe swap out the frame with a s10 not sure . I wasnt sure if the fenders of a 1/2 ton would bolt up and the lines fit well with a new bed . Not sure if I should just look for a 1/2 ton and go from there .
after looking at the pictures, I believe the truck is actually a 38/39 and called a "Tonner", first year for the tonner-I have a 41 Tonner with a stake bed, which yours had-notice short running boards. round "horse collar" grill in 1st picture-hood side panels in second picture. A ford pick up 9" rear axle from the late 50,s to middle 70's is a easy bolt in. Can change out front brakes for 48-64 ford pu front brakes, you may have to change spindles-not sure. wheelbase is 122"
If fords are like chevys the 1 ton has the same body as a 1/2 ton. Working on what I was told was a 1954 1 ton ford truck and it looks like a 1 ton except longer and he has big stupid wheels on it.
You should find a 35-40 car or 1/2 ton truck frame. They can be had realitivelly inexpensively. The cab should bolt right to it, And with the car or pick up suspension it won't ride like a whaet truck. Big trucks are fine if you want a big truck... You will probablly be much happier swapping frames.. Dude Your in texas! Look at hay wagons, propane trailers, A lot of old fords were converted into steeriable trailers - And that is where you can find a fairly cheap and complete . Trust me 2 out of 3 frames I come up with are trailers. And as a pluss they will be in better shape than one from under a car thats been sitting. In fact I think tere was a ommerical kit to convert old fords into trailers. I have torn apart several that had the exact same hitches, and they did not look homemade,.
After looking at your pictures it is definitely a 38 or 39. The fenders are larger, and the grille is about an inch and a half longer.
Id keep it a 1 ton, but that's me, either way that looks like a lot of work to get to something nice.. you could also just take the cab and front fenders and put them on something else. just an idea..
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