The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts 1940 REA Express Truck

I joined the group yesterday and have posted in the Introduction Forum this morning.

My aunt gave me a 1940 REA Express truck. It is very rough. I plan to pull it from her house to my barn hopefully in the next couple of weeks. My tractor didn't have the "umph" to drag it out. It looks like the wheels are free so that is good. Anyway, I have already learned quite a bit on this site. I wont be attempting to air up any tires. All of it's rusty glory is there except for the transmission which I believe is a four speed. It may not be worth fooling with but I can see once I get it on a concrete floor and clean it out.

Here is what I have from the VIN

2 = Tarrytown, NY
WB = 1940 158-1/2 Utility- 1-1/2 Ton Truck- Single or Dual Wheels (Short School Bus)
03=March
Still grabbing those numbers. Not all are legible.

Hopefully can have it under a roof in a couple of weeks.

Thanks

Harmon

This is really cool! When you can, please post a link to some photos.

I remember these trucks rolling down the street full of packages to deliver, especially at Christmas time, when I was a kid. There is one used as for store front advertising, a few miles away. It's a bit newer and I think a Dodge, however.

Welcome aboard!

Thanks. I just need to get it out and see just what is what. I am doing a 39 Chevy now and that has been a many year project. I just want to get this one out of the weather and see what's what. I understand a half ton pick uses the same grill, hood and cowl. I am not sure if the fenders from a half ton are the same though. This has some major rust issues but since the body is all flat metal it is different.

These trucks have open drive lines, right? I never looked under the thing yet.

The tranny is missing. If I stayed with a 216 or moved to a 235, this truck was s four speed. Any particular four speed?

Anyway. Thanks.

Sorry, buddy. I have near zero knowledge about this model.
But, my guess is there are many others here that know a whopping bunch about any and all of your questions.
Good luck!
I for one, look forward to progress updates.

Hy Harmon Hodge, welcome, I think the transmission that was in your project truck was the sliding gear non synchronized four speed with a reverse lock out lever which comes up the side of the shift lever, I have never seen a designation for this transmission, hope that helps.

Here are a few photos. Had I listened to my wife it would have been out. I thought the wheels were locked and they moved. If I would have trenched out in front of the tires I would have had a better chance to get it out. She is smarter than I am.

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Harmon

Thanks for the information. Once I get it on concrete and see how bad it really is after a pressure washing inside and out, I will be able to determine just what the total damage is on this one.

Harmon

Glad you got it out. Thanks for posting the photos. Looks like it would be a fun project.

We are in the process of restoring one. It is a 52 Ford. We have the front part & The mechanical part done except he rear brakes.
My partner has a 52 Dodge mail truck we restored a few years ago. He gets trophys at shows & has been written up in magazines & local newspaper. It is similar to the REA but smaller.
George

This has a locked up 216. I would not be surprised with he valve cover off that water has gotten in and broken the block.I will know once I get back to the farm and see what is what. I know you can pick up a 216 very cheap as nobody really wants to fool with them and most prefer the 235 and above.

I know what an undertaking my 39 Chevy car is but it is a hot rod so a bit different in many ways than this truck. It may be more than I want to bite off but I hated seeing it go to the crusher.

Hope to make a trip over in a couple of weeks and try and get it home.

If you think about parting it out, we would be interested in the rear doors & possibly other parts.
George

cool looking truck! Looks like it would be a kick when done, even if you just got it driveable!

Will do. For now the thought is not to part it out but things change.

Harmon

I did get the old REA Express truck under cover finally. It's pretty rough. More than I thought in some places and better in others. It was fun watching the tires disintegrate as we pulled it down the dirt road with the backhoe.

I will have to post photos. I did get the correct VIN and engine number. Based on the VIN it is a 1940. I am having trouble finding engine number ranges. Most seem to be for cars.

VIN 2WB0311049
Engine 895140
Body. Ward Vehicle Company

The interesting thing is the gauges. They are round like the 39 but not the same. Oh well a lot of cleanup inside to do. It will need six wheels or four to make it roll.

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Harmon

The rear part is identical to the 52 ford model we are restoring.
Let us know if you decide to part it out.

George

Will do George. It may be a bit. Once the contents are unloaded I will have a better idea.

Harmon

Picked up a 216, transmission, complete front and rear axle with wheels and tires and two front fenders for the REA. Looking forward to getting the thing where I can roll it.

Harmon

Excellent! That will make for one really unique ride.

Picked these up from a new bud in Indiana Sunday from his 1 1/2 he is parting out except the cab, frame, hood, grill and the like he planned to keep.

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Harmon