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EFV-8 Club Forum / Light Commercial Truck Discussion / What would you do? - 1939 Ford Pickup

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Discussion Topic: What would you do? - 1939 Ford Pickup

Jeepbut

08-08-2026 @ 8:37 PM

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My vote is leave it alone and drive it!

trjford8

08-08-2026 @ 12:21 PM

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That is a great old pickup. Leave it alone and just drive it. You will be amazed at how people will gather around a nice old pickup.

DFC

08-07-2026 @ 7:04 PM

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I thank you for all the replies.

Wiring is in good condition. Previous owner was heck bent on keeping everything original. Brakes are great and have been rebuilt. Stops on a quarter. I like the idea of throwing a blanket over the seat. Aside from the seat, all of the interior components are in perfect order. One point of clarity, the original paint on the head lights is faded, I figure that is from service work. I also found some old school land survey equipment to throw in the back and set up at car shows.

DFC

51504bat

08-07-2026 @ 5:07 PM

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No mention of the condition of the existing wiring. If it's in good condition and you don't need the benefits of 12 volts might be best to leave it 6 volts. But if the wiring is old, brittle, and/or has numerous splices and questionable connections then consider a 12 volt rewire. if you determine it needs a rewire but you want to stay 6 volts make sure you get a harness rated for 6 volts. Many suppliers offer correct harnesses for 6 volt systems but they are pricey. IMO When I converted my '39 p/u to 12 volts I used a universal kit from Rebel Wire. US made with great tech support. Used one again when I rewired my '54 Ranch Wagon.

Another area to check on are the brakes. Hopefully your drums are still servicable as wide five drums aren't reproduced.

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carcrazy

08-07-2026 @ 4:31 PM

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You have to make the decision on what you want to do with the truck. If you just want to show it locally or trailer it to distant shows, keep it as close to original as possible including keeping the 6V electrical system.

If you want to drive it to distant shows and events or take it on long driving tours, converting it to a 12V system will allow you to use modern 12V radios and other accessories like cruise control and have brighter head and tail lights for nighttime driving.

ford38v8

08-07-2026 @ 4:15 PM

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I agree, and would consider an Indian blanket over the existing seats rather than re-upholstery. 18 inchers were certainly an option and your truck likely already has the correct turtle for those wheels also.

Alan

nelsb01

08-07-2026 @ 2:59 PM

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I'll be the first to tell you WHY 12 VOLT?????
If it runs now and you enjoy it........................................
Also, 1/2-ton pickups came with a metal bed over wooden boards.

Sounds to me like you have a keeper that just needs a couple of items addressed to enjoy.
That's what I would do.

DFC

08-07-2026 @ 2:36 PM

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Hi,

I recently purchased a 1939 Ford Pickup. I thought it would be fun to get running a tool around the neighborhood, but as I really started to look at it I think I might have something special. This was a "county surveyor" truck and has the faded lettering on the doors. It came with 16" wide-five wheels, but also has a complete set (5) 18" wide-five wheels and tires. I think these were the originals for higher clearance when in the backcountry doing survey work. The bed has a metal liner from the factory that is 90% there with all the original wood slates in tact. The paint is original and absolutely perfect with no rust. There are major weld repairs on the fenders. My guess is the fenders broke and so they just welded them back up to get the truck back on the road. This truck looks exactly like it did the day it was decommissioned from the county. It even has the complete set of tools and air pump under the seat. I put a new electric fuel pump replacing one that has already been added and new grounding cables. Runs and drives like a dream. I am thinking have the seat recovered like the factory original, cut new glass for the doors (broken), put the 18" wheels back on and replace the leaky radiator hose - and nothing else! I am thinking keep this as original as possible and let the truck tell its story. Friends are telling me to fix the fenders, redo the the lettering, convert to 12volt....what would you do?

This message was edited by DFC on 8-7-26 @ 2:37 PM

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