The Badger body Mfg company was(and still is) based in Omaha, NE and from what I can tell was an aftermarket up fitter of truck bodies.
- badger outside 2.jpg (108.76 KiB) Viewed 2279 times
The Decals found on the front corners of the body and the consistent build details seem to support this being a commercially produced body and from what I can see a well made one at at that. There is still clear evidence of the black paint that had been applied to the wood. a lot of attention was paid to durability with cast iron backing plates for the removable carriage bolts and the well shaped and laid out woodwork. The iron endplates and metal mating pieces are also signs of good attention to detail.
I have so far simply washed the decades of dust off of it using a flush of cold water.
my questions lie in what I should do with this body.
1) is this an important piece, IE should I be seeking a home for it where it can be properly preserved and appreciated.
2) doe it have any intrinsic value beyond the curiosity of it
3) if its not particularly valuable what steps should I be taking to preserve it(varnish over as it is, leave it be etc.
4) Would replacing missing hardware with like replacements diminish its value
5) is the Upper body itself of greater value than the flatbed or vice-versa
6) is there anything else I should consider doing with it, measured drawings, photo survey etc.
7) does this have value to someone in this community? ie should I sell it to someone who can properly appreciate and show it.(should I sell, make me an offer)
8) anything I forgot to ask?
what would you do if you had found this gem?
