I'm a new member of MVPA and I really need
help with an ID. The vehicle was once olive
green so there's a chance it was. It started
as a '39 Ford 1.5 ton Panel and was then CONVERTED ala "service" or
utility" body!
I sent pictures to Mr. Jim Gilmore but I thought
I would ask the group what they thought as well. No "M' numbers or
Military ID plates anywhere (but the glove box is gone). Ford
model/vin # 99T-50772, additional ID # in
pass. side door jam "TB-766"
I know it spent some time in SoCal because
1)"UNION HARDWARE & METAL COMPANY,
LOS ANGELES, CAL" is stencilled vertically in
one of the metal cabinets.2) "Job Ticket, Todd
Shipyards, L.A." found with two keys on it.
According to Mr. James K. Wagner FORD TRUCKS SINCE 1905 the U.S. Army
liked these big panels and bought many. I have no
way of knowing if '39 was too early for these
purchases. At any rate, my big panel has atleast some of the gov't
req'd equipment on
it such as dual windshield wipers, dual rear
wheels, etc. It also has the biggest V-8 available (95hp) that year. It
would have been
optional in smaller trucks but may have been
standard in mine.
Overall feel (and smell) of vehicle is "mech. repair". It has what I
feel is an original, very substantial hitch, although it's obvious that
it's
been modified.
The conversion quality is EXCELLENT. I get
the feeling it was done from plans or patterns
as if more than one was produced.
This vehicle evidently IS NOT in Mr. Crismon's
"wheeled" compendium.
95% of cargo space is taken up with these very
substantial cabinets. Although all the original
cabinet doors are gone, one of the original
heavy drawers remains. As I said, these cabinets closely resemble a
"utility body" so all
access to cabinets is from sides only!
A couple of feet of open space is left just
inside the rear doors. Something like winch/
compressor/ generator was mounted here. A
neatly cut 3" diameter hole is in the floor right
rear.
Please put me out of my misery by telling me
it categorically is not MILITARY! It would be
very interesting if it were, though. Can anyone
tell me who (in SoCAl) used olive green as a
fleet color (besides Ma Bell)? SCE? Army Corp
of Engineers? I've been actively trying to solve
this mystery for eight months!!!!
Thanks So Much!! Don Kenyon
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