Farm Progress

Truck Treasures: A retired dairy farmer restored the pickup his father bought brand-new.

Tom Bechman 1, Editor, Indiana Prairie Farm

November 14, 2016

2 Min Read

Joseph Andert bought this 1947 Ford pickup truck new. He drove it home from the dealership with his 8-year-old son, Stephen M. Andert, riding alongside. The elder Andert, South Bend, operated a dairy farm. Eventually, his son took over the farm.

Eight years ago, Stephen officially retired, giving him time to work at restoring the ’47 Ford to its original condition. Proud of his grandfather and his dad, Stephen J. Andert recently sent this photo and the story that goes along with it.

“The only time Dad has been off this farm is when he served in Korea during the war,” Stephen J. says. “Our farm has been in our family close to 100 years now.

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“As you can imagine, this truck means a lot to my dad and his family.”

According to howstuffworks.com, Ford pickups built from 1942 through 1947 were less stylish than earlier models. However, they had a stronger frame, and  were known for their dependability. Ford switched to a more modern suspension and driveline for these models.

Because this model is known for good performance, it’s not surprising that a one-owner truck could be restored to this condition.

If you would like to see your truck appear in Indiana Prairie Farmer, send us a quality photo. Make sure digital photos are high resolution and large format. Jpeg-style files work best. Prints can also be used if you have an older photo of your truck. Be sure to include the history behind the vehicle. Feel free to include yourself or someone connected to the truck in the photo. Email [email protected], or mail to: P.O. Box 247, Franklin, IN 46131.

About the Author(s)

Tom Bechman 1

Editor, Indiana Prairie Farm

Tom Bechman is an important cog in the Farm Progress machinery. In addition to serving as editor of Indiana Prairie Farmer, Tom is nationally known for his coverage of Midwest agronomy, conservation, no-till farming, farm management, farm safety, high-tech farming and personal property tax relief. His byline appears monthly in many of the 18 state and regional farm magazines published by Farm Progress.

"I consider it my responsibility and opportunity as a farm magazine editor to supply useful information that will help today's farm families survive and thrive," the veteran editor says.

Tom graduated from Whiteland (Ind.) High School, earned his B.S. in animal science and agricultural education from Purdue University in 1975 and an M.S. in dairy nutrition two years later. He first joined the magazine as a field editor in 1981 after four years as a vocational agriculture teacher.

Tom enjoys interacting with farm families, university specialists and industry leaders, gathering and sifting through loads of information available in agriculture today. "Whenever I find a new idea or a new thought that could either improve someone's life or their income, I consider it a personal challenge to discover how to present it in the most useful form, " he says.

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