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1938 FORD PICKUP TRUCK ORIGINAL SPECIFICATIONS

Ford 1/2-ton Pickup Truck, 112-inch wheelbase (Chassis 81-C, Body Type 830)

The 1938 model year pickup truck featured the first totally new cab since 1935. The new front end, featuring an oval grill, was a pioneering design that featured the first conventional front-opening truck hood in the industry. The truck also featured a modernized instrument panel and a completely re-designed pickup bed, the first since 1931.

COST
    Model 81-C, 85 HP $590
  Model 82-C, 60 HP $580
WEIGHT
    Model 81-C, 85 HP 2,791 pounds
  Model 82-C, 60 HP 2,633 pounds
ENGINE    V-8 90 degree "L" head
  85 Horsepower @ 3800 RPM Displacement 221 cubic inches
    Compression ratio 6.12:1
    Bore 3.062 inches
    Stroke 3.75 inches
    Torque 150 foot-pounds @ 2000 RPM
    Carburetor 2-barrel, downdraft, 0.97 in venturi
  60 Horsepower @ 3500 RPM Displacement 136 cubic inches
    Compression ratio 6.6:1
    Bore 2.6 inches
    Stroke 3.2 inches
    Torque 94 foot-pounds @ 2500 RPM
    Carburetor 2-barrel, downdraft, 0.81 in venturi
CLUTCH
  9.125 inch dry single pressure plate
TRANSMISSION    3 speed manual
  Gear ratios 85 HP
    First 2.819:1
    Second 1.604:1
    Third 1:1
    60 HP
    First 3.655:1
    Second 1.899:1
    Third 1:1
REAR AXLE RATIO
  85 HP 3.78, optional 4.11
  60 HP 4.44, optional 4.11
GAS TANK CAPACITY    14 gallons
FRAME DIMENSIONS
  Length 157.4 inches
  Width at front axle 30 inches
  Width at back of cab 44 inches
  Width at rear end axle center line 44 inches
  Width at back 42.25 inches
  Extent beyond cab 67.74 inches
  Extent beyond rear axle center line 29.38 inches
STEERING    worm and roller
  Steering gear ratio 18.2:1
  Turning radius 20 feet
  Steering wheel diameter 17 inches
BRAKES    manual, cables and conduits
  Drum diameter 12 inches
WHEEL SIZE    16 X 4 inches
TIRE SIZE
  Stock, 6.00-16 inches, 4 ply
  Optional, 6.50-16 inches, 6-ply ($14 extra)
  Optional, white sidewalls (6.50-16-inch tires only) ($15 extra)
LOAD SPACE (BED DIMENSIONS)
  Length 77.7 inches
  Width 46 inches
  Height to top of flareboards 20.22 inches
COLORS
  Body color Stripe color
  Vermillion Red Tacoma Cream
  Black Tacoma Cream
  Gull Grey Vermillion Red
  Maroon Vermillion Red
  Vineyard Green Tacoma Cream
  Washington Blue Tacoma Cream
  Wren Tan Dark (East Coast) Tacoma Cream
  Desert Sand (West Coast) Vermillion
  Wheels Standard color, black
    Optional color, same as body
INTERIOR
  Cab Interior trimmed in green art-leather
  Floor to top of seat cushion 13.31 inches
  Floor to top of seat cushion 13.31 inches
  Seat adjustable to 3 positions
  Seat cushion to top of cab 39.83 inches
  Seat back to steering wheel 12.5 inches
  Seat width 48 inches
  Seat depth 16.5 inches
  Set back height 21.25 inches
  Door opening 33.48 inches
STANDARD EQUIPMENT
  Hood and cowl assembly
  Front fenders and running boards
  Instrument panel with speedometer, fuel, oil pressure, and temperature gages and ammeter
  Spare wheel carrier, five wheels and five tires
  Spare wheel lock
  Chromium plated front and rear bumpers
  Tool kit and jack
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
  Sliding rear window
  Locking gas cap
  Radio $45 plus installation
  Heater with blower $19
  Dual windshield wipers
  DeLuxe equipment package: chrome-plated windshield frame and wiper, chrome-plated outside rear-view mirror, chrome-plated grille, body color wheels, and Deluxe passenger car hub caps
NOTES
  Serial number -- The number stamped on the top of the clutch housing is the serial number of the truck.
  Ford also made a 122-inch wheelbase 1-ton Express pickup.


Updates to this page last made on February 17, 2001

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