1931 MODEL A FORD WISCONSIN BELL TELEPHONE INSTALLATION TRUCK - REAL DEAL HENRY

Description

PRICE REDUCED - BIN - BEST REASONABLE OFFER
1931 Ford Model A - Wisconsin Bell Telephone Installation Truck.

Offered, A Very Special Model A Ford

This authentic Ford Model A Telephone Installation Truck went into service for Wisconsin Bellin 1931. A rare one indeed, of the thousands of Model A service trucks that Ford Motor Company built for the Bell System, it seems only 5 of these installation trucks remain (one of which is in the collection of the Smithsonian Institute).

This 1931 example has the rarer82- B - E.G. Budd Company all steel cab with steel roof and roof bows. Said cab was only available after August of 1931.The service body is an American Coach & Body Co. LI 31 all steel Telephone Installation Body. A few vintage Bell equipment items are included with this truck.

RECENT HISTORY:

The current owner of this unique vehicle purchased it in 2009 at one of the last Kruse Co. auctions in Auburn Indiana. He himself owns a utility line service company and used the truck only in a few parades in the promotion of his business. It has spent the balance of the time since purchase in an indoor heated showroom.

Word of mouth history says that the truck was purchased from Wisconsin Bell by one of the men that actually worked it while in company service.

Thanks to the fellow owners of two of the remaining trucks, I now have a nice file of photographs and documentation that will be provided the purchaser.

CONDITION:

An extremely solid bodied vehicle. I would describe it as an older, nice, amateur, body off restoration. Chassis wise it appears the frame and components were media blasted and then painted without fine surface finishing – in other words chassis components have typical surface pitting typical of a veteran vehicle.

Paint wise there are some scratches and chips due to the age of the restoration. Some chips at the hood hinges and edges of the cowl opening. Some scratches and wear on running board steps. Slight surface rust on inside lower edge of doors. Slight stone dent in driver’s door. Black painted surfaces – (mostly front fenders) have very fine pinholes, probably due to solvents or moisture issues during the painting process.

This truck runs quite well (video available). Engine stamping indicates May 5 1931. Has just had new radiator hoses / clamps and lower tube replaced. Water pump seal has a slight drip. Clutch is a little grabby at take off in low gear. Lights, horn and gauges work. Wiper motor works sporadically.

ADDITIONAL DETAIL PHOTOS AT:https://www.dropbox.com/sh/6wy0ufjmkd9pex8/AAAuLdNfE662-hfpPRynZmGPa?dl=0

A VIDEO OF THE ENGINE RUNNING CAN BE SEEN AT :https://www.dropbox.com/s/dcnf2o27ai24rdx/MVI_2580.MOV?dl=0

TERMS / DETAILS :

This truck is currently located in Taylor Michigan - just a 4 minute drive from Detroit Metro Airport. It can be seen week days upon appointment. Call Dan at 517 304 6306 for an appointment.

Clear Michigan title - ready to transfer to a new owner.

Bidders with a feedback score of less than 10, please call me before bidding

SOLD AS IS We reserve the right to end this auction early. Also advertised locally As always I recommend an in-person inspection before purchase.

Selling this for a friend, however I have been in the auto export biz for many years so can help arrange shipping world wide.

Accepted payment - CASH at pick up or Wire Transfer . $500.00 deposit due within 24hrs of auctions end. Full payment due within 7 days

Call Dan at 517 304 6306 with any questions.