Vehicle Description
1946 Ford Half Ton Pickup
The new series of Ford pickup trucks featuring all-new styling that
was instantly recognizable. The front end now had a slightly
protruding flat-faced panel. It incorporated the headlights and the
waterfall painted vertical bars grille. The Ford name was printed
in the molding on the face of the hood, just above the grille. The
parking lights were mounted on the fenders near the headlights.
There were louvers on the side of the hood. Originally, the floor
of the welded pickup bed was steel with steel strips stamped in a
hardwood floor beneath. The Ford script on the hubcaps was stylized
to give a winged effect. It was available with both a six cylinder
and a V8 engine. The styling which began in 1942 continued through
1947.
For consignment, what was once a yard truck for Roadway trucking
company then sent off for scrap at the end of its useful life. The
owner prior to our consignor rescued this truck from said scrap
yard and started a restoration. The truck then sat until our
consignor came along who then performed the mechanical end of the
restoration. A short list of work done is as follows: The top end
of the engine was removed, gone over, and new gaskets installed,
cleaning the fuel system, rebuilding the carburetor, a full tune
up, a complete overhaul of the brake system, a 12-volt electrical
system conversion, and a new driveshaft and u-joints. Now ready for
you to enjoy in its patina riddled form or to take to the next
level. The choice is yours!
Exterior
The 1946 Ford Half Ton was still part of the prewar design but with
some cosmetic upgrades to make it more flashy for the returning
GI's. A flat faced front end with bulbous fenders house headlights
on either side of the white waterfall grill. Patina covers the
orange body, (a signature Roadway Trucking Company color), in the
form of dents, surface rust, fading, and some invasive cancer. The
passenger cab floats atop black steel running boards which have
both surface and invasive rust but still remain structurally sound.
A small but effective bed sits behind the cab and has a steel plate
for its flooring along with a spare tire mounted on the driver's
side. Twin taillights & signal lights front a simple tailgate with
a nifty 3 panel design, the Ford logo being pressed into the center
panel. 16" white painted steel wheels adorn all 4 corners and are
wrapped in Goodyear blackwall rubber.
Interior
Swinging open the driver's door and we are met with full on
utilitarianism. Black painted steel makes up the door panels that
show patina along with spots of the original green paint peeking
thru. Worn chrome window cranks and door releases break up the sea
of black and stick with the bare necessities' motif. A simple bench
seat sits between the doors, has a black cloth cover over top of
the vinyl, and provides seating for 3. Well as long as you're all
good close friends. A worn and taped over black steering wheel
fronts the original gauge cluster while the rest of the dash is
blank, no radio, no heater...all business. A section of household
area carpeting covers the floors and has the long armed shifter
poking up to the driver's reach. A glace up shows no headliner at
all, just black painted steel.
Drivetrain
Opening the hood we see a patina filled engine bay with an orange
painted block residing within. This flathead V8 specs out at 239ci
and is topped by a 2bbl carburetor. The top end of this engine was
gone over along with the carburetor being rebuilt. Backing it up is
a 3-speed manual transmission and on the way back is a 3.54 geared
rear axle assembly.
Undercarriage
Surface rust abounds underneath but both the frame and floor pans
are invasive rust free. The same surface rust coats the suspension
which is leaf springs on both ends. Drum brakes are seen on all 4
corners and we note new parking brake cables along with new brake
hoses. A rusty exhaust system dumps spent fumes underneath the bed.
While the steel plate in the bed is solid, the wood slats
underneath are showing some signs of rot, especially towards the
front. A new driveshaft and u-joints are also noted as shining
stars down below.
Drivability
Since I'm in recovery from minor surgery I let my partner in crime
take the wheel for this drive and I took the passenger's seat. A
quick starter thanks to the 12-volt conversion and off to the test
track we went. Acceleration proved to be very smooth and adequate
while shifting was a breeze. Rebuilt brakes made stopping happen on
a dime and handling was well, trucklike. All was good on our drive,
but we did notice the speedometer was not operating due to no
speedo cable and as per the consignor, the temperature gauge reads
a little higher than actual temp. All in all, a great driving truck
with tons of character.
Not everyone wants a full restored or street rodded truck in their
garage these days. This truck gives you the ability to enjoy it and
its history as is thanks to the consignor's mechanical work or you
can even take it to the next level with your imagination being the
only obstacle.
VIN DECODE
699C1065086
699C-V8
1065086-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.