Model T pickup bed - More like resurrection than fabrication

[ndnchf]

I picked up this rough 1926-1927 Ford model T bed. I'm starting to resurrect it and trying to make it usable again. Its not a restoration project, just going to make it solid. I making patch panels for the rotted lower sides. Just starting to take down the heavy rust and see how bad it is.

 

[ndnchf]

Been working on the tailgate. It is all bent up and has multiple cracks. I got all the cracks welded up yesterday and some straightening done. But more to do.

 

[pepi]

Top rails are in good shape, the rest generally speaking is not bad. The tail gates are always beat up. I contribute that to the loads carried a 100 years ago..Like lumber or pipe hanging out the back.

The 34 I built, the top rail behind the driver up by the back of the cab, was dinged and bent. Decided tools like shovels or farm tools were hauled some time in its life. Then there were the typical bullet holes ...LOL interesting to try and decode the history of the parts.

Greg

 

[LXCam]

Cool project. Once it's done whatta ya gonna do with it?

 

[ndnchf]

It's amazing how much abuse these things take and keep on working. I've spent 2 days on the tailgate. I must have welded up a dozen cracks in the sheet metal. It was badly twisted and bent too. I replaced a broken hinge and will replace the tailgate latches that attach to the side of the bed. The tailgate is about 90% straight and it closes pretty well.

Yesterday I cut out the patch panels for the lower sides. Here is one laying in place to test the fit. Making progress, but much left to do.

Eventually, I plan to put this on my 1924 Ford model T.

 

[pepi]

Coming along nicely..Tail gate latches as I'm sure you know or suspect are cast or maybe forged they are one tuff little piece.

Not knowing if you're doing a HotRod or original build, but maybe drill the rivets heat the latch and pound them back into shape.

Posting a couple of pictures as a reference as to how the bed lower structure looks. Maybe help with ideas, notice how not much changes over the years, this a 32.

Greg

 

[ndnchf]

It's an original touring car that is somewhat rotted in the back. I plan to cutoff the back part and mount the bed. This was very common back in the day. There are many cutoff toouring cars still around today. Mine has bumps, bruises and patches, so it is somewhat of a jalopy project. As you can see, this bed is really rough. So I'm just trying to make it serviceable. While I want to keep it looking original for the most part, patches and visible repairs are ok and are part of the character. Here is an original patch to the bottom of the front right fender. It's clearly been there a long time.

 

[lakeroadster]

Old Ford RPU..

Cool Project! If these old vehicles could talk.. what cool stories we would hear,

I was lucky enough to find a '27 body and bed that was in excellent shape for our roadster project. It still had coal in the stake bed pockets.

If you're interested Lang's makes very nice repro tailgates.

 

[ndnchf]

Nice find. I've seen Lang's tailgates, they are nice. But for $290, i'd just assume fix this one up. I only paid $50 for the bed, and $25 for the tailgate. So I don't mind putting some work into them.

 

[ndnchf]

Got the new tailgate latches installed today.

 

[ndnchf]

Been a while since I updated this. Its taken a LOT of work, but I'm almost ready to paint the bed. Its not real pretty, but it is serviceable. Here are some pics of my progress.

 

[JABgj]

Nice work on that tailgate.

 

[lakeroadster]

Henry would be proud of your efforts. Looking good.

How are you planning to attach the 26/27 bed to the subframe? 26-27 is different compared to the earlier cars like your touring car.

What are you planning to do for rear fenders?

 

[ndnchf]

Henry would be proud of your efforts. Looking good.

How are you planning to attach the 26/27 bed to the subframe? 26-27 is different compared to the earlier cars like your touring car.

What are you planning to do for rear fenders?

I've not yet got down the to car's subframe yet so I'm not exactly sure what I'll do. I expect to build it up somehow. I eliminated the bed hump plate, so I plan to raise it an inch or so to clear the spring. This is a jalopy project so I'll be using the touring fenders with roadster fender braces like these.

I'm also working on electrifying a pair of kerosene tail lights for it and will make an under bed spare tire carrier.

 

[Richard D]

I assume you are a member of the H.A.M.B.?

 

[ndnchf]

No, but I visit the site now and then.

 

[ndnchf]

I finished the pickup bed resurrection. Its not real pretty, but its solid and serviceable. I learned a lot, and used a lot of welding gas and wire. It came out pretty well considering what it looked like at the start.

 

[lakeroadster]

One part of me is looking forward to seeing it on the modified touring car..

Another part of me is a little sick about cutting up the touring car..