The 1939 Ford pickup truck with a Flathead V8 engine is a classic vehicle that is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. The Flathead V8 engine was introduced by Ford in 1932, and it quickly became one of the most popular and iconic engines of its time.
History of the 1939 Ford Pickup Truck.
The 1939 Ford Pickup Truck was part of the legendary Ford F-Series, which is one of the longest-running pickup truck models in history. The F-Series was first introduced in 1948, but the Ford pickup truck line dates back to the 1917 Ford Model TT.
The 1939 Ford Pickup Truck was the last of the 1930s models and featured significant updates over the previous year’s model. It had a new grille, new headlights that were integrated into the fenders, and a sloping hood that gave the truck a streamlined appearance. The cab was also redesigned to be more spacious and comfortable, with a curved windshield and rounded corners.
Under the hood, the 1939 Ford Pickup Truck was powered by a 239 cubic inch (3.9L) Flathead V8 engine that produced 85 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. The engine was mated to a three-speed or four-speed manual transmission, depending on the model.
One of the major events in the history of the 1939 Ford Pickup Truck was the outbreak of World War II. Ford was forced to halt production of civilian vehicles in 1942 and shifted its focus to military production. The company produced over 270,000 vehicles for the war effort, including jeeps, trucks, and tanks.
After the war, Ford resumed production of civilian vehicles, including the F-Series pickup truck line. The 1939 model is now considered a classic and is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. Its combination of style, performance, and historical significance make it a true classic that is still appreciated today.
Overview of the Flathead V8 engine.
The Flathead V8 engine was a highly popular and influential engine design that was introduced by Ford in 1932. It was a simple and reliable engine that was used in many Ford vehicles throughout the 1930s and 1940s, and it helped to establish Ford as a leader in the automotive industry.
The Flathead V8 engine was named for its flat cylinder heads, which were a departure from the more common overhead valve (OHV) designs of the time. The engine was a side-valve design, meaning that the valves were located in the engine block and operated by pushrods and rocker arms. This made the engine simpler and more compact, and it allowed for a lower hood line on Ford vehicles.
The Flathead V8 engine was initially a 221 cubic inch (3.6L) engine that produced 65 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque. Over the years, Ford increased the engine’s displacement and output, with the most powerful version being the 337 cubic inch (5.5L) engine that produced 145 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque.
The Flathead V8 engine was known for its smooth and quiet operation, as well as its durability and reliability. It was also a popular engine for hot rodders and racers, who would modify the engine to increase its output and performance.
Although the Flathead V8 engine was eventually superseded by newer engine designs, its influence can still be seen today in the classic cars and hot rods that continue to use and appreciate this iconic engine.
How to restore a 1939 Ford Pickup Truck.
Restoring a 1939 Ford Pickup Truck can be a challenging and time-consuming process, but it can also be a rewarding and enjoyable project for those who are passionate about classic vehicles. Here are some steps to help guide you through the restoration process:
- Evaluate the vehicle: Before beginning any restoration work, it’s important to evaluate the condition of the vehicle and determine what needs to be repaired or replaced. This may involve inspecting the body, chassis, engine, and interior, and taking note of any rust, damage, or missing parts.
- Develop a restoration plan: Once you’ve evaluated the vehicle, you can develop a restoration plan that outlines the work that needs to be done and the order in which it will be completed. This may involve setting a budget, sourcing parts and materials, and determining the timeline for the restoration.
- Disassemble the vehicle: To begin the restoration work, you’ll need to disassemble the vehicle and remove any parts that need to be repaired or replaced. This may include the engine, transmission, suspension, and body panels.
- Repair and restore parts: With the vehicle disassembled, you can begin repairing and restoring the various parts and components. This may involve sandblasting, welding, painting, or re-chroming parts, and replacing or rebuilding the engine, transmission, and other mechanical systems.
- Reassemble the vehicle: Once all of the parts have been repaired and restored, you can begin reassembling the vehicle. This may involve installing the engine, transmission, suspension, and body panels, as well as wiring and plumbing the various systems.
- Test and fine-tune: With the vehicle fully assembled, you can test and fine-tune the various systems to ensure that everything is working properly. This may involve adjusting the carburetor, tuning the engine, and testing the brakes, steering, and suspension.
- Finish and detail: Finally, you can finish and detail the vehicle to give it a polished and professional look. This may involve installing upholstery, adding finishing touches to the exterior, and detailing the engine and other components.
Overall, restoring a 1939 Ford Pickup Truck requires a lot of patience, attention to detail, and a willingness to put in the time and effort to do the job right. With the right approach, however, you can bring this classic vehicle back to life and enjoy it for years to come.
How to drive a 1939 Ford Pickup Truck.
Driving a 1939 Ford Pickup Truck is quite different from driving a modern vehicle. Here are some steps to help guide you through the process:
- Start the engine: Turn the key to the “on” position, and then press the starter button to engage the engine. If the engine doesn’t start right away, you may need to pump the gas pedal a few times to prime the carburetor.
- Engage the clutch: Press the clutch pedal all the way to the floor, and then shift the transmission into first gear. Slowly release the clutch pedal while simultaneously pressing the accelerator pedal to start moving forward.
- Shift gears: As you gain speed, you’ll need to shift into higher gears to maintain your momentum. To shift gears, press the clutch pedal all the way to the floor, and then move the shifter into the next gear. As you release the clutch pedal, press the accelerator pedal to smoothly transition into the new gear.
- Use the brakes: To slow down or stop the vehicle, press the brake pedal with your foot. Keep in mind that the brakes on a 1939 Ford Pickup Truck are likely not as effective as those on a modern vehicle, so you’ll need to give yourself plenty of time and distance to come to a stop.
- Use the steering wheel: The steering on a 1939 Ford Pickup Truck is manual, which means that you’ll need to use the steering wheel to turn the vehicle. Keep in mind that the steering may not be as responsive as that of a modern vehicle, so you’ll need to use extra caution when navigating curves or turns.
- Be mindful of the road: As you drive, keep an eye out for obstacles, pedestrians, and other vehicles. Remember that a 1939 Ford Pickup Truck is not equipped with modern safety features like airbags or seat belts, so it’s important to drive defensively and stay alert at all times.
Overall, driving a 1939 Ford Pickup Truck can be a unique and enjoyable experience, but it does require some practice and patience to master. Take your time, stay alert, and enjoy the ride!
Where to find parts for a 1939 Ford Pickup Truck.
Finding parts for a 1939 Ford Pickup Truck can be a bit challenging due to its age and rarity. Here are some options to help you locate the parts you need:
- Online retailers: There are several online retailers that specialize in vintage and classic car parts, including Dennis Carpenter Ford Restoration Parts and Mac’s Auto Parts. These retailers have a wide selection of parts for Ford pickup trucks from the 1930s and 1940s.
- Local auto parts stores: Some local auto parts stores may carry parts for vintage vehicles, so it’s worth checking with your local stores to see if they have what you need. Keep in mind that these stores may not have the specific parts you need, and you may need to order them online.
- Junkyards and salvage yards: Junkyards and salvage yards can be a great place to find parts for vintage vehicles. Look for yards that specialize in vintage vehicles, as they are more likely to have the parts you need.
- Ford truck clubs and forums: Joining a Ford truck club or forum can be a great way to connect with other enthusiasts who may have spare parts or know where to find them. These groups can also provide helpful tips and advice for restoring your 1939 Ford Pickup Truck.
- Custom fabrication: In some cases, you may need to have parts custom fabricated if you can’t find them through other sources. Look for shops that specialize in vintage vehicle restoration, as they will have the expertise and equipment to create custom parts that match the original specifications of your vehicle.
Overall, finding parts for a 1939 Ford Pickup Truck may require some effort and persistence, but with the right resources and a bit of luck, you can locate the parts you need to restore your vehicle to its original condition.