Found a guy that claims to have "many" '30s-'40s trucks, 1/2 ton on up, both complete and in pieces (including COEs). Also have a local yard that specializes in antique autos and parts. Both indicate that parts may be scattered about and un-identified.
How can I ID different parts on the spot?

What I think I know...
1) In '36 the headlights moved from fenders to grille and it was last year of "swoopy" dash.

2) 1939 Major re-design of nose and fenders. Lights went back to fenders but stayed close to grille. Fenders got 3(?) grooves at trailing edge.

3) 1941(?) Lights moved farther out on fenders. Now centered on the character line.

4) '48+ I could recognize enough but I'm not interested in those...yet.

if you go and look at them please take pictures Ron...

check out carnut and look at the dodge section and look at the different year PU's

http://carnut.com/photo/list/list.html

I use Carnut only as a "loose" reference. I've seen the same trucks listed under several years there despite knowing they aren't correct. It does however fulfill my need to drool once in a while!

You also need to keep in mind that (for example) there are 36' models or designs that were sold and titled as 37's given that the factory would continue to build with the old parts inventory until it was used up. I have seen this with 35, 36, 37 and 38 pickups.

- em