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Owner's manuals are readily available as originals and reprints. Mine
came with my truck. The manual covers all aspects of maintenance and operation.
For example, it tells me I have to change the oil every 2,000 miles and lubricate
the points every 1,000 miles. It explains
how to use the throttle and choke buttons and how to crank the windshield open.
Owner's manuals can be obtained from automotive literature dealers, and they
frequently appear for sale on Ebay.
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These include such books as the "Sales Manual" pictured to the left below,
which includes a wealth of information. This one came with my truck. It
includes details such as engine and chassis specifications
(frame, springs, axles, steering, torque tube, brakes, shocks, and lights).
It provides detailed descriptions of engine and chassis components. Each truck
model is described, and it includes a picture and a drawing like the one at
the top of this page. It gives paint colors and color schemes and a list of
some of the options (radio, $45 plus installation; heater $19). In the center below
is a blue cover "salesman's Book" and to the right below is a book that was issued
one per dealer to help customers order cars, trucks, and optional equipment.
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These Ford factory parts books provide a listing of parts and the original
Ford part number. Most NOS
and reproduction parts dealers use these numbers, so it is very handy to have one
when trying to obtain parts. Some parts books cover a large span of years
and are quite thick. They are easiest to use if you obtain one for
the year of your truck. They are available as originals and reprints. They
can be obtained from automotive literature dealers, and they
frequently appear on Ebay.
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The trim parts book has pictures and part numbers for hardware
such as door handles, striker plates, door latching mechanisms, window regulators,
glass channels, hinge pins, bolts, nuts, springs, etc. etc.
The book is available as an original or a reprint. I purchased mine
from C&G Early Ford Parts.
They can also be obtained from automotive literature dealers, and they
occasionally appear for sale on Ebay.
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The PPG paint company published a manual (undated) called "Refurbishing Manual for
Early Ford V-8 Cars." It covers 1937-41 and 1945-48. It includes several
sections on surface preparation and painting. It gives paint scheme information
for cars, sedan deliveries, and station wagons, but not trucks. It does include
paint chips and the years for which the paint was used. My 1938 was originally
Washington Blue and my 1939 was originally Tropical Green. From the paint chips,
I can see what the colors looked like before the ravages of time. I purchased mine
from C&G Early Ford Parts.
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Ford repair manuals are available that cover engine and chassis repair,
such as the blue one for 1937 and 1938 models pictured below, or specific
items such as fuel system repair manuals or axle repair manuals that
cover multiple years (1939 to 1945), like those pictured below.
Repair manuals are available from automotive literature dealers.
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Non-Ford repair manuals are available from automotive literature dealers
and sometimes book dealers. They can occasionally be found for sale on ebay.
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Page, V.W., 1937, The Ford V8 Cars and Trucks: New York, Norman Henley Publishing
Company, 729 p.
This hardbound book covers the construction, operation, and repair of early
Ford V8 vehicles. This book is full of pictures and diagrams and contains
specifications, operating and maintenance information, and repair instructions
for 1935-1937 Ford cars and trucks.
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Ford did not issue "shop manuals" until after WWII. They did issue a
series of service bulletins. The originals often are found in a binder with a
black cover. Originals, as well as reprints, are available from automotive
literature dealers and frequently are for sale on ebay.
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Crank'en Hope Publications (461 Sloan Alley, Blairsville, PA 15717-1481
phone 412-459-8859)
reprinted a 1940 Canadian Ford service
handbook under the title of "Service Handbook 1932-1941." They also sell a manual
for 1939-48 cars.
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Sales brochures are a great resource to see what your truck looked like
on the showroom floor. They may also provide some information on the specific
models. They are available as originals and reprints form automotive literature dealers,
and they frequently appear for sale on ebay.
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Several books are available that can help with the restoration of
early Ford trucks.
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Hils, M., 1983, Ford Pickups 1932-1952: Moberly, Missouri, Mack Products, 140 p.
This book consist entirely of photographs of
Ford pickups; most are black and white, and most page size.
It includes both interior and exterior shots and from them you can get a
pretty good idea of what these trucks looked like when they were brand new.
It can be purchased from Mack Products, PO Box 856, Moberly, MO 65270
(816-263-7444).
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Ceridono, R., 1995, The Complete Ford Flathead V-8 Engine Manual:
Tex Smith Books, 202 p.
The title says it all!! You can order this book from
Ford Enthusiast Bookshop.
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Browell, Tom, 1993, How to Restore Your Ford Pickup: Osceola, Wisconsin,
MBI Publishing Company, 224 p.
Although this book is a step-by-step restoration guide for 1946-67 Ford Trucks,
much of what is covered is applicable to trucks made before WWII. I bought
my copy from
C&G Early Ford Parts.
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The
1938 Ford Pickup Project Link List
provides many links to information, parts sources,
photographs, and other people's projects.
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Internet discussion forms provide a place to ask questions, get advice, or
share your knowledge with others. A list of discussion groups can be found on
the 1938 Ford Pickup Project Link
List page.
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