I’ve been prepping the body for paint. I took a disk sander to any rough rust. I hand sanded everything with 120 grit. Vacuumed off the dust. Applied Ospho to the entire roof and any visible rust on the sides. Washed everything with formula 409. At this point some Red became visible. I had always thought the truck was silver with red fenders, but it appears that it was all red with the original green beltline for awhile. The hood does not appear to have been painted red ever. I believe it was replaced after mid ’49 as the front emblem is the stamped metal. ’47 to mid ’49 the front emblem was cast and plated. This makes me think the hood was replaced. Also the hood hinges do not have the tiny holes for coil spring like on ’47 hood hinges. The truck had Texas ’56 plates when I got it, so it was on the road for 9 years. It was repainted red, and then painted silver with a brush. The words on the side of the body read “HENDERSON DISTRIBUTION COMPANY”. There was a Mr. Peanut image and 5¢ on the door. There was also the words spray painted and faded “Loco for Sale” on one side. This stuff gets me excited so I’m documenting it here. I have tried to look up the history of Henderson Distribution Company, and Planters Peanuts in 1947 Texas. I found a Henderson Texas and they have some historical pictures on-line. I have not found any history related to this panel truck other than what is on the truck. The previous owner had scratched off the company markings otherwise I might like to keep them. Being a delivery truck and painted red makes me wonder if it was for Coca-Cola at first. I won’t be doing a forensic paint removal to look for markings, so if there is anything under the silver it will remain hidden.
Last edited by walterhvogel; 06/01/20234:52 PM. Reason: used 409 and NOT WD-40!
