Summary

The current owner has owned this stakebed for nearly 40 years. Restored in the late 1970's with a custom oak bed, custom tanks and other period accessories.

Details

I have owned this Ford truck for nearly 40 years. In the 70's, it was a work truck serving to haul fence posts, rails and lumber. After 8 years of weekly duty, it underwent a complete, frame-up restoration. At that time a 1950 Ford 1 ? ton truck gave up it's 'juice' brakes for this truck. Twin aluminum 'saddle' tanks were custom built, with one serving as the gas tank and the other serving as an ice/beverage tank. The original kerosene roadside flares were restored and refitted on the truck. Several hundred feet of clear oak was custom cut and fitted for the new stakebed. A gate with a custom step-plate was fitted for easy access to the rear. Chrome exhaust stacks were custom built. A siren and air horns were added as well as a CB radio and heater. The lighted, driver operated mechanical turn arm was restored and retained. The Flathead Ford motor that was installed in 1939 still faithfully beats on. Over the years, this truck has carried race cars, young Christmas carolers, pirates and a bocce ball team. It's first magazine appearance was in 1979.