1936 Ford Trucks For Sale: A Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide pickup.truckstrend.com
Step back in time to an era of resilient engineering and timeless design, an era when the rumble of a Flathead V8 signified strength and reliability. The 1936 Ford truck isn’t just a vehicle; it’s a rolling piece of American history, embodying the spirit of a nation navigating economic hardship with ingenuity and determination. For enthusiasts, collectors, and those seeking a unique classic, the prospect of finding "1936 Ford Trucks For Sale" opens a door to a vibrant community and a rewarding ownership experience. This comprehensive guide will delve into what makes these vintage workhorses so appealing, what to look for when buying, and how to navigate the market for these iconic machines.
The Enduring Legacy of the 1936 Ford Truck
1936 Ford Trucks For Sale: A Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide
The year 1936 marked a significant point in Ford’s commercial vehicle production. Building on the success of its predecessors, the ’36 truck continued to offer the revolutionary Flathead V8 engine, which had debuted in 1932. This powerful, yet relatively affordable, engine set Ford apart from its competitors, providing trucks with unparalleled hauling and speed capabilities for the time. In an America still grappling with the Great Depression, these trucks were essential tools, serving farms, small businesses, and infrastructure projects across the nation.
Visually, the 1936 Ford truck is immediately recognizable for its distinctive styling. It featured a more refined grille design than previous years, with vertical bars and integrated headlights that gave it a more modern and streamlined appearance. The sleek hood, flowing fenders, and sturdy chassis projected an image of robust functionality, making it a beloved symbol of American industry. Today, their appeal lies not just in their historical significance but also in their rugged simplicity, the unmistakable sound of that Flathead V8, and their incredible potential for restoration or customization into unique street rods and show vehicles. Finding one "For Sale" is often the first step in embarking on a fascinating journey through automotive heritage.
Types and Configurations of 1936 Ford Trucks
While often generalized as simply "Ford trucks," the 1936 lineup offered several body styles and capacities designed to meet diverse commercial needs. Understanding these variations is crucial when you’re looking for a specific model among "1936 Ford Trucks For Sale."
- Pickup Trucks (½-ton and 1-ton): The most common and sought-after configuration. The ½-ton pickup was the quintessential light-duty hauler, popular for farms and small businesses. The 1-ton model offered a heavier-duty chassis and larger bed, catering to more demanding tasks. Both feature the iconic cab design, often with a choice of open or closed cabs. The ½-ton is generally more prevalent in the classic market due to its widespread original production and easier maneuverability.
- Panel Vans: These enclosed commercial vehicles were ideal for deliveries, offering secure and weather-protected cargo space. They feature the same front end as the pickups but with a fully enclosed rear body, often with rear barn doors. Panel vans are less common than pickups and can command a higher price, particularly if in good, original condition, making them a unique find when "For Sale."
- Stake Bed Trucks: Essentially a chassis cab with a flatbed and removable stake sides. These were versatile workhorses, popular for hauling bulk goods, lumber, or agricultural products. They are often found as heavier-duty chassis (1-ton or larger) and are excellent candidates for restoration to their original working glory or for custom builds where a large flatbed is desired.
- Chassis Cab: Sold without a rear body, these allowed custom coachbuilders or owners to fit specialized bodies for specific purposes, such as dump trucks, tow trucks, or even early fire apparatus. While rarer to find complete, a chassis cab offers a blank canvas for a unique project.
- Commercial Cars (Sedan Delivery): Though technically based on the passenger car chassis, the sedan delivery utilized the truck’s V8 engine and often featured a truck-like appearance from the cowl back. These were enclosed, two-door vehicles with no rear seats, used for light-duty commercial purposes. While not a "truck" in the traditional sense, they often appear in the same classic commercial vehicle listings.
When exploring "1936 Ford Trucks For Sale," identify the specific body style that aligns with your vision, as this significantly impacts availability, price, and potential restoration challenges.
What to Look For When Buying a 1936 Ford Truck
Acquiring a classic vehicle, especially one nearly 90 years old, requires careful consideration. Here’s a detailed guide on what to inspect when you encounter "1936 Ford Trucks For Sale":
1. Condition Categories:
- Project/Barn Find: These are typically non-running, heavily rusted, and incomplete. They are the cheapest but require extensive bodywork, mechanical overhaul, and potentially sourcing many missing parts. Ideal for experienced restorers with a large budget and ample time.
- Driver Quality: These trucks run and drive, but may have cosmetic flaws, minor mechanical issues, or older restorations that show their age. They are usable immediately but will likely require ongoing maintenance and improvements. A good balance of price and usability for many enthusiasts.
- Restored Original: These have been meticulously brought back to factory specifications, often to concours show standards. Every detail, from paint color to interior materials, is period-correct. These command the highest prices and are for serious collectors who value authenticity.
- Restomod/Custom: These trucks retain the classic ’36 Ford look but feature modern powertrains (e.g., modern V8s, automatic transmissions), updated suspension, disc brakes, and comfortable interiors. They offer modern drivability and safety with classic aesthetics. Prices vary wildly depending on the quality and extent of the modifications.
2. Key Inspection Points:
- Frame Integrity: This is paramount. Look for rust, cracks, bends, or poor repairs, especially around suspension mounting points and crossmembers. A compromised frame is extremely expensive to fix.
- Body Condition: Examine for rust, particularly in the cab corners, floorboards, fenders, and bed. Check for excessive body filler (use a magnet). Panel alignment should be reasonably good, indicating less accident damage.
- Engine (Flathead V8): Listen for knocking, excessive smoke, or strange noises. Check for oil leaks. While robust, Flatheads can suffer from cracked blocks or heads if neglected. Confirm it’s the original Flathead or a desirable period-correct replacement if authenticity is a goal.
- Transmission: Most 1936 trucks came with a 3-speed manual transmission. Check for smooth shifting, grinding, or excessive noise.
- Suspension and Steering: Inspect leaf springs for sagging or breakage. Check kingpins, tie rods, and steering box for excessive play.
- Brakes: Original 1936 Ford trucks had mechanical brakes. Test their effectiveness. Many owners upgrade to hydraulic brakes for safety; if so, inspect the quality of the conversion.
- Electrical System: Original systems were 6-volt positive ground. Many have been converted to 12-volt negative ground for easier starting and accessories. Check wiring for frayed insulation or poor connections.
- Interior: Assess the condition of the seat upholstery, headliner, dash, and gauges. Original components are desirable but often require restoration.
- Documentation: Always verify the title, VIN, and any historical paperwork (receipts, build sheets). Ensure the VIN on the title matches the vehicle’s frame.
The Buying Process: Tips and Considerations
Finding the right 1936 Ford truck for sale can be an adventure. Here’s how to navigate the process:
- Finding a Truck:
- Online Marketplaces: Websites like Hemmings, ClassicCars.com, eBay Motors, and specialty Ford truck forums are excellent starting points.
- Classic Car Auctions: Can offer a wide selection, but require quick decision-making and often come with buyer’s premiums.
- Word-of-Mouth: Connect with local car clubs or restoration shops; they often know about hidden gems.
- Setting a Budget: Beyond the purchase price, factor in potential restoration costs (paint, body, engine rebuild), parts, shipping, insurance, and ongoing maintenance. A "cheap" project can quickly become very expensive.
- Professional Inspection: For any significant purchase, especially if buying long-distance, hire a qualified classic car mechanic or inspector to evaluate the vehicle on your behalf. This small investment can save you thousands.
- Negotiation: Be prepared to negotiate, but also understand the seller’s perspective. Know the market value for different conditions.
- Transportation: Plan how you’ll get the truck home. If it’s a non-runner or a long distance, professional enclosed transport is recommended.
- Insurance: Consult with classic car insurance specialists (e.g., Hagerty, Grundy) who understand the unique needs of vintage vehicles.
Restoration vs. Preservation vs. Customization
Once you own a 1936 Ford truck, you’ll face a choice in how to proceed:
- Restoration: The goal is to return the truck to its original factory condition, using period-correct parts and techniques. This is often the most expensive and time-consuming route but can yield a valuable, historically accurate vehicle.
- Preservation: This approach focuses on maintaining the truck’s existing originality and patina while ensuring mechanical soundness. It’s about respecting the vehicle’s history and wear rather than erasing it. Often less costly than full restoration, it appeals to those who appreciate a "survivor" look.
- Customization/Restomod: This involves modifying the truck with modern components for improved performance, safety, and comfort. Popular modifications include engine swaps (e.g., small-block Chevy/Ford V8s), independent front suspensions, power steering, disc brakes, air conditioning, and updated interiors. While these changes depart from originality, they make the truck much more drivable in modern traffic and can be incredibly rewarding.
The availability of parts for 1936 Ford trucks is surprisingly good, thanks to a robust aftermarket and dedicated suppliers specializing in Ford Flathead V8s and early Ford truck components. However, specific body panels or rare trim pieces might require extensive searching or fabrication.
Price Table: 1936 Ford Trucks For Sale (Estimated Values)
Please note: Prices are highly variable based on geographical location, specific body style, originality, the quality of restoration/customization, and market demand. This table provides general ranges for common configurations.
| Condition Category | Truck Type | Low Price ($) | Mid Price ($) | High Price ($) | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project/Barn Find | Pickup (½-ton) | 3,000 | 7,000 | 12,000 | Significant rust, missing components, non-running. Requires full rebuild. |
| Panel Van | 4,000 | 9,000 | 15,000 | Rarer, often more complex rust areas. High restoration cost. | |
| Stake Bed/Chassis Cab | 2,000 | 6,000 | 10,000 | Good for custom builds, but may require a new bed. | |
| Driver Quality | Pickup (½-ton) | 15,000 | 25,000 | 35,000 | Runs and drives well, solid frame, but likely needs cosmetic work or minor mechanical attention. |
| Panel Van | 18,000 | 30,000 | 40,000 | Usable as-is, but paint, interior, or chrome may be imperfect. | |
| Stake Bed/Chassis Cab | 12,000 | 20,000 | 30,000 | Functional, may have wear and tear from use. | |
| Restored Original | Pickup (½-ton) | 40,000 | 60,000 | 80,000+ | Professionally restored to factory specifications. Show quality. |
| Panel Van | 45,000 | 70,000 | 90,000+ | Very rare in this condition, commands a significant premium. | |
| Restomod/Custom | Pickup (½-ton) | 35,000 | 70,000 | 100,000+ | Modern drivetrain, suspension, and amenities. Price highly dependent on quality of build and components. |
| Panel Van | 40,000 | 80,000 | 120,000+ | Unique and popular for custom builds. High-end builds can exceed this. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about 1936 Ford Trucks For Sale
Q1: Are 1936 Ford trucks rare?
A1: While not extremely rare in terms of overall production numbers for Ford, finding a 1936 Ford truck in excellent original condition, especially a less common body style like a Panel Van or Stake Bed, can be challenging. Project vehicles are more common.
Q2: What engine did the 1936 Ford truck typically come with?
A2: The most iconic and common engine was the Ford Flathead V8. A small number of 4-cylinder models were also produced, but the V8 is what most enthusiasts seek.
Q3: Are parts readily available for 1936 Ford trucks?
A3: Yes, parts availability is surprisingly good. There’s a strong aftermarket for Flathead V8 components, chassis parts, and reproduction body panels. Specialized vendors cater specifically to early Ford trucks, making restoration and maintenance feasible.
Q4: Are 1936 Ford trucks safe to drive on modern roads?
A4: An original 1936 Ford truck with mechanical brakes and no modern safety features will feel very different from a modern vehicle and requires attentive driving. For regular use, many owners opt for "restomod" upgrades like hydraulic disc brakes, modern steering, and updated lighting for improved safety and drivability.
Q5: What’s the fuel economy like for a 1936 Ford truck?
A5: The original Flathead V8s were not designed for fuel efficiency. Expect single-digit miles per gallon (e.g., 8-12 MPG), depending on driving conditions and engine tune. Restomods with modern engines can offer significantly better fuel economy.
Q6: Can I register a non-running project 1936 Ford truck?
A6: This depends on your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent. Generally, as long as you have a clear title, you can register a non-running vehicle, though it may be restricted to non-road use until it passes inspection. Always check your local regulations.
Q7: How do I tell the difference between a 1935 and 1936 Ford truck?
A7: The most noticeable differences are in the front end. The 1936 model features a more pointed grille with fewer, wider vertical bars, and the headlights are integrated more smoothly into the fender design, often with a chrome trim ring. The 1935 grille is flatter with more, narrower vertical bars and separate headlight pods.
Conclusion
The allure of "1936 Ford Trucks For Sale" extends beyond mere transportation; it’s an invitation to own a piece of automotive artistry and historical significance. Whether you dream of a meticulous, period-correct restoration, a rugged driver, or a high-performance custom, these trucks offer a unique canvas. The journey of finding, acquiring, and either preserving or transforming one of these magnificent machines is a deeply rewarding experience that connects you to a bygone era of American grit and ingenuity. With careful research, a clear vision, and a little patience, you too can become the proud owner of a 1936 Ford truck, ready to write its next chapter with you behind the wheel.
