Factory Roadster pickup or Runabout

[Joshua Mock]

I have a 26 Roadster pickup but my question is in 26 specifically did the back of a factory roadster pickup have a embossed back for a turtle deck or were they all smooth I do know you could have the dealer install the pickup bed on a Runabout when new and mine has had a pick up bed since at least 1961 but not sure what it started out as originally

[DanTreace]

Believe the smooth back is very early, this is factory photo to show the bed and deck removed.

Don't know if any date can be determined, had a very early '26 runabout pickup, serial in Nov. 1925 and it had the raised panel.

And most have the raised panel on the back of the bucket.

[Joshua Mock]

I know mine was built in September of 26 so if that’s the case it’s possible mine is a factory pickup I’d add a picture of mine but have trouble figuring out how to do it

[got10carz]

I think factory RP didn't have the 2 bolts on each side to bolt the turtle up to the body.

[Joshua Mock]

Where would those be located

[RajoRacer]

Look at the bottom photo Dan posted - they're visible near the top & middle of the panel.

[DanTreace]

These noted photos may help.

no hole for deck.jpeg (39.21 KiB) Viewed 303 times

Early model 1926 pickup illustrated with Ford adv., note the front stake pocket is at the very front of the bed,
a change was made later to move pocket back about 7".

[Joshua Mock]

Thanks I’ll go check my truck

[Joshua Mock]

Thanks everyone I just looked at my truck and looks like mine was originally a runabout there are two bolts on each side of the back of the cab there is also a filler plate that has part of the lip bent back to clear the the bolt head also the front stake pockets are also further back so I assume it’s the later bed so either the dealer installed the truck bed or somebody else put it on later between 1926 and 1961 because I know the bed was on the truck when a previous owner purchased the truck from a copy of the typewriter letter I have dated 1961 saying it was a truck

[micshotrodgarage]

I have several 26/27 turtle deck side panels that do not have the holes along the edge to put bolts at the back of the seat panel. perhaps Ford figured out at some point they needed to secure the turtle deck better. I have a March of 27, that is an original Roadster pickup embossed back panel with no holes for bolts.

[Kuhner]

This conversation comes up every few years. I’ve seen both types of back panels on supposedly factory pick ups.

I wonder if Ford would make two separate back panels, when one would work. Seems opposite of Henry’s way of thinking.