1937 Ford tow truck- fiddly stuff!

[Paul Payne]

Inspired by another forum member's art deco tow boom, I decided to build a tow truck myself. I wanted the tires to be military tires, and contacted someone on the forum to cast some for me, as well as the required wheels. The rear will have dual tires, and I replaced the stock diff case with something a bit beefier. I finally decided on a bit more modern engine, so went with the firepower hemi from the 53 Stude, and grafted on a Muncie rock crusher trans and bell housing from the 39 Chevy. I just received a package of "watch part" gears which are recasts of old parts. This provided some of the winch gears. The winch drum is two wheels with the axle hubs removed, and glued together. The old tow truck sides I had received in a parts swap years ago, but had no plans for until now. I suspect some surgery will be needed on the hood sides to clear the hemi, and the tow truck sides will be shortened. Oh, yes, it will be weathered. Lots more to do, more pix when I get more done!

Edited April 23, 2023 by Paul Payne

[Ace-Garageguy]

Yup, this'll be cool.  

[Paul Payne]

Thanks, Bill ,got all the tires painted, now to weather them- I usually sand down tread on rubber tires, white resin will require something different- also dug out parts to make an air compressor which will power the winch.

[stitchdup]

7 minutes ago, Paul Payne said:

Thanks, Bill ,got all the tires painted, now to weather them- I usually sand down tread on rubber tires, white resin will require something different- also dug out parts to make an air compressor which will power the winch.

Liking the tow truck Paul. I have a tip that might help with painting the tyres. For this to work you will need to drink a couple of extra strong coffees so your skin gets tha coffee sheen. If you spray the tyres the flat/matt black then once its dry rub your fingers on the your nose and then sorta polish the tyres with your fingers. The oils from your coffee skin will only affect the raised bits and give them a fairly convincing rubber sheen. I do this on chassis if they are just black so the details show better. This isn't the greatest pic to show it but the chassis on this was done this way and it gets more rubber like the more you rub your fingers on it. Maybe not the nicest way of doing it but it works for me and its pretty much free

[Paul Payne]

I LIKE strong coffee- several cups a day- steadies my nerves................................

[Zippi]

The 37 is looking pretty nice Paul.  

[Paul Payne]

I want to get the wheels and tires on, lay in the engine, then see if the interior floor will clear. Want to get plastic strapping with diamond pattern and lay over the wood bed. Then lay on the bed and fenders to see what will need to be altered to clear the bigger tires.

[David G.]

That's going to be one cool looking tow truck!

David G.

[misterNNL]

I see lots of potential coolness developing here.

[Paul Payne]

Thanks all for the encouragement- I hope it lives up to the expectations! Got some wheels painted, finished painting the engine, and one or two other little things done- nothing pic worthy yet!

[Chariots of Fire]

Hi, Paul.  Is the pencil sketch of the wrecker boom to the scale you intend?  

[Paul Payne]

I think it won't end up quite as tall- maybe a half inch shorter- mainly wanted to establish an overall design to create.

[Ridge Rider]

I like everything about this build and it looks like your off to a good start. Following

[Nosferatu]

Your build is looking great! I like the heavy duty tires. 
The boom I made for mine is slightly over scale. 
Dave

[Chariots of Fire]

On 4/10/2023 at 8:10 PM, Paul Payne said:

I think it won't end up quite as tall- maybe a half inch shorter- mainly wanted to establish an overall design to create.

You might want to check on the overall size and heaviness of the materials.  A lighter design would (IMHO) make it look like it fits the truck better.🙂

[Paul Payne]

I agree- the material between the outer edges and the holes will probably be thinned down.

[Paul Payne]

Wheels and tires weathered, and chassis up on all six- no glue, just test fitting and positioning, also engine weathered and positioned.

[Paul Payne]

Got more done, so here are more pix! Chassis is now painted but not yet weathered. Drew up a better proportioned and more accurate sketch of the tow boom and included where the winch drum will be in relation to it. Pics include the tow boom sketch only, and also with the rear sides in place. However, the sides should come up to the running boards of the fender and bed piece and should not rest on the tires. Also, the sides will be shortened to end just behind the cab.

Edited April 14, 2023 by Paul Payne

[David G.]

I love the paint on the engine! It looks like one solid chunk of iron.

David G.

[Paul Payne]

More progress- front fender radii enlarged to clear the tires, rear sides trimmed, and boom sides have been cut out and the right side nearly finished. Also weathered the chassis, and the wheels and tires are permanently mounted.

[NOBLNG]

Cool project Paul!👍 It’s looking gnarly.🙂

[Paul Payne]

Got the towing boom sides finished up and mocked them up with the winch drum. Working now on the support frame and bearing blocks.

[Paul Payne]

Pix of the wrecking boom mounting frame in beginning stages.

[Bugatti Fan]

I enjoy seeing projects like this taking shape. Older commercial vehicles have quite a bit of character about them.

Edited April 18, 2023 by Bugatti Fan

[Paul Payne]

Thanks for all the positive comments. It's coming along better than I thought it might.