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Ford Model T Canopy Express Pickup
I made my own version of a Ford model T "canopy express" pickup by mounting a 6 hp one-cylinder gas engine with twin fly-wheels on the chassis of an old 1950 Ford pickup. It's an interesting way to make use of an old "one banger" engine.
I stripped the pickup frame down to the chassis and moved the steering sector back 19 in. in order to make room for the engine. I welded a pair of 4-in. channel irons onto the frame and bolted the engine to them. A right angle gearbox under the engine is fitted with an 8-in. pulley. I replaced the right flywheel on the engine with a 10-in. pulley. I replaced the pickup's original 3-speed trans-mission with a 4-speed transmission off a 1946 Ford panel truck and used a short driveshaft to connect the gearbox to the transmission. The engine belt-drives the gearbox which drives the transmission. An idler pulley bolted to the base acts as a clutch.
The engine originally ran on a magneto but has since been adapted to run on a coil, Chevrolet points, and a 12-volt battery. It also has a Model A Ford updraft carburetor and a hand throttle. I removed the original gas tank from under the engine and mounted a 3-gal. tank on the right side of the body.
To make the body I used 1 by 2 steel tubing for posts and supports and bolted a 12-in. piece of step tread lumber onto it. I didn't install a windshield because I wanted to reduce wind resistance while towing or hauling the rig. I also installed a wooden front fender. The rear fender was made by a trailer supply company.
I call it SHALDA (named after my grand-children SHane, ALlen, and DAwn). I've entered it in many shows and parades and have won a number of awards. (Harley H. Sutton, 306 Mtn. Brook, Cumming, Ga. 30130 ph 770 889-3185).


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1997 - Volume #21, Issue #3