Make: | Ford |
Model: | Bread truck |
Type: | parcel delivery |
Trim: | original |
Year: | 1963 |
Mileage: | 21,532 |
VIN: | P35JH336358 |
Color: | white |
Engine: | 223 ci |
Cylinders: | 6 |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Transmission: | Manual |
Drive type: | RWD |
Interior color: | grey |
Vehicle Title: | Salvage |
Item location: | Hesperia, California, United States |
1963 VANETTE bread truck onit's originalstock 63 Ford 1 ton chassis. Last of the rounded body (verses the newer square box shape). Originally a SUNBEAM bread truck, original blue and yellow paint under the white. Then it was painted white and did a short stint as a Snap-On tool truck, it then sat next to the highway in Apple Valley with signs on the sides for at least 30 years (I found a local newspaper on the dash dated Wednesday Oct. 14 1987). I fell upon this gem at the local pick-your-part and it was in bad order, flat tires, broken windows and lights, filled with trash etc. but good bones, straight, completeand only 21,000 miles. Head clearance inside is 6 feet 1 inch.I'm 6' 2" and have no problem walking around inside. These are rare and cool so I bought it, the work done is as follows.
Had a new drive shaft made and exhaust installed due to the waythe truckhad been moved, exhaust is all new from the manifold back including a glass pack for that old 6 cylinder sound. All fluids changed, radiator flushed, new water pump, hoses, and belts, new carb, new cable operated gas pedal, new speedometer cable, new plugs, plug wires, points and cap, generator servicedand a new battery. Brake master cylinder rebuilt, new wheel cylinders, new flex lines, all work doneby a brake shop. Had new glass cut for all the broken windows and new rubber window gaskets $$. New rubber seals on doors (all doors operate smoothly and lock). Installed new 18 inch HD SERIES 8 lug chrome wheels and new TOYO PROXES 4 PLUS 245/45R18 100W tires ($2,400.00) I had a couple of leaves taken out to lower it and improve the ride. Painted interior, installed low profile overhead LED lights, installed a matching pair of seats from a late model Camry, driver seat tilts forward on the original post, passenger seat is on a locking swivel base rotating the seat. Wood floor has been sanded but not finish sanded, floor does have some shrinkage cracks, didn't get around to that. Three speed transmission (three on the tree) is sound as is the shifting linkage, clutch good, drives well (considering it's 53 years old technology) chassis, running gear and body are all stock. Good compression and a constant 40 psi oil pressure (Stewart Warner oil pressure gauge added). No rust, it's been in the high desert all of it's life. It drives well and the radial tires hold the line well compared to the bias tires previously on it, brakes are great, does not pull.
This came from pick-your-part so it has a salvage title, it has never been wrecked or crashed, it was used as a sign for most of it's life, and had no paper work, they were clearing the land and sold it to be scrapped.It has a valid California title now but marked salvage. In order for me to get it titled all brake work and electrics had to be examined by a state certified shop, all work done is proper. Keep in mind this is from a different time and performance was not the goal for a bread truck, designed for intercity bread delivery, not a freeway flyer. I've had it at 60 and it's comfortable there but this was made for driving from market to market.
What it needs... I hadn't decided on what steering wheel to use because the horn ring is missing, I installed a horn button on the side of the instrument panel using an existing hole, the original gas tank has dents but doesn't leak, I have another proper tank but didn't swap them out yet, it will go with the deal. The heater works but the hoses need to be installed.
As it sits it's a blank canvas for a motorcycle shop, food truck, camper, orwhatever, the sides are begging for vintage style advertising. I thought a gourmet coffee truck would be a money maker, anyway here it is, very good condition, this is only the second paint job, it is weathered, and has a very salty look. I've done very minor cosmetic touch up. It does have several minor dings from the kids who threw rocks at it and broke the windows. Original configuration 21,532 MILE, GENUINE BREAD TRUCK.These are really getting popular (google rat rod bread trucks) since I put the Studebaker script front and rear it really gets attention, beware of old bread truck drivers, they want to talk bread trucks. Also look up eBay item 370774490509, it is an original Vanette brochure detailing the construction and specifications on this model. Feel free to email any questions or we can talk on the phone. I am in the high desert of Southern California, 90 miles east of Los Angeles. I will be available to assist in loading it for transport.