Truck predates Michigan 1919 license plate; what is it

[Michgal]

I believe that this is my grandfather and his truck.  Can anyone identify the make and model for me?

[Ozstatman]

Short answer - Model T Ford. The experts will identify the year.

[Michgal]

Thank you.  I always thought a model T was just a car.

[keiser31]

Actually, it is probably a Model TT.

[Michgal]

Thank you

[1912Staver]

It won't be much older than 1919. 1917 at the oldest. Prior to that they used the natural finish , all brass radiator.

 

Greg

[Michgal]

Thank you

[dustycrusty]

As others have said, it is a 1917-19 Ford Model TT (one ton) truck. It also has an aftermarket Martin Parry body. Back then, Ford would sell buyers either a complete truck, or just the running gear (chassis, drivetrain and the front fenders, hood , radiator and running boards) and the buyer would either build or purchase a body to suit their needs.

 

This wooden cab with flatbed version was probably M.P.'s best seller.

 

https://www.martin-parry.com/martin-truck-and-body-corp

[Michgal]

Thank you.  This was very informative.

[wayne sheldon]

A common mistake. 1918 was the first year for production TT trucks. Only a handful of prototypes were built earlier during 1917, none of which are believed to have been sold in this country, although legend has it they may have been sent to Europe for the war effort (no proof of that has ever been found). None of the prototypes are believed to have survived more than a couple years. Vey late in 1917, production for the TT began as a 1918 model.

Part of the problem is that over a half century ago, several books were published with incorrect information. Ford had announced that the TT was coming during 1917, and a few authors didn't check the facts before publishing their books.

The 1918 models had the earlier design over-the-axle wishbone which had serious stability issues, and forced Henry Ford to  switch to the much more stable under-axle wishbone for the TT trucks for the 1919 model year. The model T cars followed the TT trucks with under-axle wishbones a couple/few months later during early 1919. Not enough of the front axle shows in this photo to know whether it has the under or over axle wishbone.

Other features do indicate the truck is likely 1920 or earlier. Things like the non-demountable wheels on the front and solid tire rear wheels continued as options even past 1920, so those never mean much.

 

Ford did not sell TT trucks complete with a body until 1924 when the steel open C-cab was introduced. The very popular enclosed cab with full doors was not available until the 1925 model year. Prior to 1924 for TT trucks, Ford sold only the chassis, with or without fenders and hood. The end user was on their own to provide a body for themselves. Numerous companies all across the land made a good business building and selling bodies. Many people would get a used runabout body and fit that onto the bare chassis. Many other people cobbled together a simple wooden seat and bed or box area.

That looks like a really nice truck!

[Michgal]

Thank you.  I love this forum; everyone is so helpful.  Prior to finding it I spent days searching for similar pictures.