What model is a 1936 Ford truck?
A 1936 Ford truck is most commonly identified within Ford’s prewar light-duty pickup family, typically aligned with the Model 68 1/2-ton pickup designation. Exact model codes vary by wheelbase and cab configuration, so the precise designation can differ from one truck to another.
Overview of Ford's 1936 truck model designations
In the mid-1930s, Ford used numeric model codes to distinguish different truck configurations rather than a single uniform name. The most familiar reference for a 1936 Ford light-duty pickup is the Model 68 family, which encompassed the standard 1/2-ton pickup. Heavier commercial trucks and specialty bodies were designated with other codes, reflecting differences in wheelbase, payload, and body style.
- Light-duty pickup (approximately 1/2-ton): commonly associated with the Model 68 family in catalogues and collector references from the era.
- Other chassis and body configurations: various model codes were used for 1936 Ford trucks with different wheelbases, cabs, or specialty bodies (e.g., panel trucks, stake trucks), which differ from the standard pickup.
Because Ford did not standardize on a single “model name” across all 1936 trucks, identifying the exact designation depends on cross-referencing build details, wheelbase, and body type.
How to verify your specific truck’s model
To determine the exact model code for a particular 1936 Ford truck, use these verification steps to compare against archival sources and data plates.
- Data plate and serial numbers: locate the factory data plate (often on the firewall, radiator support, or near the driver's door) and record the model code, serial number, and any suffix letters. Cross-check these codes with 1935–1936 Ford truck catalogs or registries.
- Wheelbase and payload indicators: measure the wheelbase and bed length, then compare with known 1936 Ford truck specifications to narrow the possible model family.
- Visual cues from the body and grille: note grille shape, headlamp placement, fender styling, and cab design, which shifted subtly across 1935–1936 models and help differentiate configurations.
- Consult period catalogs and restoration guides: medical sources, dealer literature, and vintage brochures from Ford or reputable archives can confirm which model codes match your truck’s features.
- Seek expert input: vintage Ford truck clubs and registries often maintain model-by-model breakdowns and can help confirm the exact code based on photos or documentation.
With the data plate information, measurements, and reference materials, you can confidently determine whether a 1936 Ford truck belongs to the Model 68 pickup family or a different 1936 Ford truck variant.
Visual and historical cues that help distinguish 1936 Ford trucks
Visual cues, along with historic context, can aid identification. Key aspects include the era’s distinctive chrome grille patterns, hood ornament styles, front-end shape, and cab dimensions, as well as any period-correct signage or dealer decals. While these cues can suggest a likely model code, definitive verification comes from official data and catalog references.
In practice, combining physical features with official records provides the most reliable model identification for a 1936 Ford truck, especially for collectors and restorers aiming for accuracy in restoration work or valuation.
Summary
For most 1936 Ford pickups, the working assumption in history and collecting guides is that they belong to the Model 68 family (a 1/2-ton pickup). However, the exact model designation can vary with wheelbase, cab, and body style, so verification through data plates, measurements, and period catalogs is essential. Understanding these nuances helps owners and restorers accurately identify and preserve their vintage Ford trucks.
Summary takeaway: A 1936 Ford truck is commonly a Model 68 1/2-ton pickup, but exact designation varies by configuration. Verify with the data plate and archival catalogs to confirm the precise model code.
