Original United States Postal Mail Truck

Price: - Item location: Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Description:

1931 Ford Model A
























































1931 Model A mail truck - serial 11439. If I understand correctly, this is one of only 50 Mifflinburg built bodies delivered late in 1931. This corresponds with the late '31 indented firewall on the chassis. It has been stored inside for decades and has survived remarkably well.
Mechanicals - New battery and radiator hoses. Starts easily and runs well. I've driven it around the lot at up to 15-20 mph and it feels really good.Its one of the better running A's I've owned - Feels strong under advance and when retarded it idles down and just clucks along. Doesn't overheat, no major oil leaks, etc. If it had better tires and working lights, I'd take it out on the street today.
Tires are fair and a couple leak down over a few days, but are fine for moving it around. Has rocky mountain style brake drums up front.
Trans grinds a little when first shifting from neutral if the idle is too high, but once underway it feels fine.
Body - The wood body does have some issues but is very solid. The floor and subrails are excellent. Missing driver side door, door latch, and one rear tailgate hook. Passenger side door still slides but door is coming apart. Drivers seat frame missing.Cargo door is in excellent condition.
Bumpers are missing however I may have a front commercial bumper in storage that I can include.
There is some rot in the forward part of the roof rail and around the rear doors and roof slats. However when driving the body feels very solid and doesn't shake or flop around. I have the missing pieces of the driver body side except for one of the metal clad-plywood panels.
I'm not a carpenter but it seems the body can be restored by replacing individual pieces rather then recreating the entire thing.
Paint is peeling and flaking all over, however there is still remnants of the original green underneath, and shiny black Ford paint on the splash aprons.
One interesting feature is the spare tire mount. This does appear original to the truck, however almost all postal A's had side mounted spares.

Includes a few photos from the 1980s and a Postal A's book (which has information on restoring the body)

Block is stamped with the serial number "PO11439" which matches the title. There is no body tag or maker's plate inside the body that I can find.

Please see more photos at photos.qcvltd.com

Video of the truck running and driving: Youtube

Located in zip 45102, near Cincin

nati Ohio. Arrangements can be made to store it for a few weeks if needed. Questions welcome.

International bidders welcome but shipping will be your responsibility.

Thanks for looking!


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