1922 Ford Pickup

#137 1922 Ford Model T Truck
VIN: 5293197
Odometer: 21883
Engine: 177cid (2.9L) I4
Trans.: 2-spd Manual with Ruckstell 2-spd rear-end

With over 14 MILLION produced between 1908 and 1927, almost everyone has seen, or knows a little about, the venerable Ford Model T. Many might know them by the nickname "Tin Lizzie." Whatever the knowledge, this is the car that was built by Henry Ford "for the great multitude." Henry's goal was for every man to be able to take the family out into "God's great open spaces" in a vehicle that was affordable, simple, and reliable. Everyone agrees Ford met his goal.

This Ford Model T is now more than 100 years old and originally started life as a "Tourer." As can be seen, it has been modified into a "pickup" with many "upgrades" of the period. These modifications include Hassler front suspension shocks, a Ruckstell two-speed rear-end, and Rocky Mountain brakes at the rear wheels. These modifications were common aftermarket treatments to make the cars easier to drive and stop. Although Henry disapproved of most of the aftermarket components, he liked the Ruckstell rear-end and actually approved its inclusion in the Ford parts catalog. More "up-dated" modifications include a 12-volt electrical system (with a modern alternator) and a canvas covering over the cab.

This 1922 Model T came from an estate near Burns, Oregon. This second owner originally purchased the "Tourer" in 1946 from another local estate. The "conversion" to a truck was initiated by an accident. The story goes the car hit a deep pothole that broke the steering box off the wood firewall. This sent the vehicle into a roll that threw the driver from harm, but crushed the car down to engine height. Since the chassis was still good, a decision was made to rebuild it with various components from around the farm. First, the body was cut-off behind the front passenger seat. An old 1926 truck front section (cowling/windshield/engine cover) was then fused to the body. A "bed" was fabricated to fill the rear section, and a top was created using the truck roof frame. If the word "kludged" comes to mind, it probably fits here. But this was not uncommon then with the abundance of parts available, and the ingenuity of a generation that truly believed in the adage; "Necessity is the Mother of invention."

But they didn't stop there... The "truck" needed to carry loads into town and the old Ford two-speed transmission had known issues with loads and hills. The Ruckstell rear-end was installed to take care of getting those loads to their destination. But heavier loads brought another known issue with the weakness of the Model Ts stopping power. Hence, the Rocky Mountain brakes were added to bring safety and peace of mind while making deliveries. This was also the time the steel wire-wheels were adopted from the 1926 truck parts. With all these modifications, the truck was now capable of towing a small trailer and so a trailer hitch was added. It all worked together very well and was used by the family farm for years.

Now, this 1922 Ford Model T "Touruck" is available for a new owner to be creative with or add to their collection.