Classic Recollections: 1937 Ford Pickup, Bob and Melissa Sanford, Rolling Meadows
While nothing brings more pride or satisfaction than seeing our fully restored machines come together right before our eyes, it can be a full-time job ensuring they stay in their pristine condition.
Numerous headaches can come by way of parking lot door dings, unexpected rainstorms and overzealous spectators, eager to get up close and personal with your special creation. Bob Sanford is no stranger to these woes, having owned several rolling vintage treasures that he’s restored over the years.
That’s why in 2009 Sanford decided he wanted to work on a project that would remain stress free upon completion, while keeping costs to a minimal. What he found was a half-completed 1937 Ford pickup in a back shed in Birmingham, Ala.
“I always had an interest in old trucks and when I spotted this, it was perfect for what my wife and I wanted — a simple, basic project that we could get in and cruise problem-free,” the Rolling Meadows resident said.
The truck didn’t run or have any safety measures installed and was in dire need of some major work. “It had been channeled 13 inches over the ’36 Ford frame but far from finished.”
Sanford left the 1967 Ford 289 V-8 installed, as well as C4 automatic transmission, but rebuilt both for daily reliable operation. The brakes and fuel delivery received a refresh with Sanford running new lines and wiring. An 8-inch Mustang rear-end was bolted in and swap meet rims were wrapped with bias-ply whitewall tires.
“My vision was a quick build on a neat little hot rod truck that could be used.”
As the pickup does see year-round use, Sanford installed a heater under the dash for cold-weather cruising.
It didn’t take long for the vintage hauler, affectionately named “Krusty,” to take on some personality by way of some custom touches during the build process. Sanford received the truck with a fully gutted interior and utilized dinette seats, albeit with the legs removed, for seating.
He quickly found he needed somewhere to rest his arm and bolted in a military ammo box between them to serve as a center armrest. Continuing the munitions theme, a non-live grenade was screwed in atop the shifter.
“Both items were thrown in when I bought the truck so I decided to keep it simple and use what I had,” he said.
Every Saturday evening during the summer months you’ll find the Sanfords parked in Itasca for the Buona Beef cruise night. Its on-road time hasn’t been limited to the asphalt here in Illinois: Sanford trailered his custom ride out to Southern California for last year’s Ink — N-Iron car show.
“It was a blast driving Krusty around under the sun in Southern Cal! It’s simple, light weight and fast!”
Even among days full of cruising — never saddled with the tedious chore of polishing or waxing, Sanford reports the greatest joy is found in showing his creation to the pint-size admirers.
“It’s so fun at the cruise nights to see parents come up with their kids and to offer to let them to sit in it. The parents always freak out but I’m not worried. Scratches won’t hurt Krusty.”