My wife and I just purchased some property in the country to build a home on. While we were still in the searching process, we turned down a lot of back roads, made lots of u-turns, and ended up on a lot of dead end roads. One day, as we were doubling back to take a second look at a particular property we were interested, something caught my eye. It was a 30's model grille. The way the house was positioned, you could not see in the garage going in one direction. But, when we turned around, there it was. I didn't see anyone outside, and we were kind of in a hurry, so we did not stop. I told my wife that I was going to stop next time and introduce myself to the owner. We ended up purchasing the property that we doubled back to look at. It is about a mile and a half from the house where I noticed the car. One day while working on the property, I saw a '40 Ford pickup cruising up and down the road. When I finished what I was working on, I decided to drive down the road to see if I could catch the owner of the car that saw in the garage that day. As I came upon the house, I noticed the '40 pickup in the driveway and someone crawling underneath it. I pulled in and introduced myself. The older gentleman couldn't be nicer. He had just done an engine swap in the truck and was trying to work all the kinks out. He showed me around the truck, but I couldn't keep my eyes off the car in the garage. He could tell that I was very interested, so he took me in and let me look at it................
The car that I had only prior seen the grille on, was a '36 Roadster. Fast forward several weeks, I made a trip out to see him this morning. He is very familiar with Flatheads, and I wanted to tell him about my engine project. We talked for a little while, and he told me more about the Flathead in his roadster. Then, he told me that he would like to take me for a ride sometime. Trying not to look too excited, I told him that I was ready whenever he was. He said, "how about right now?" I agreed, and we were off! Then, he told me that he was not only going to take me for a ride, but that he was going to let me drive. We spent the next several hours driving the back roads and I took him to lunch at a local café. It was a beautiful, sunny day with the temperature in the mid 80s. We then went by my house, so that he could look at my Flathead. He is an older, widower, who was extremely happy to find a younger person interested in older cars. He agreed to help me build my engine at absolutely no charge. I am looking forward to spending a lot more time with my new friend!
Here are some pictures of his car. There is no way in the world that you can wipe the smile off of my face!
Man, oh man!!!....that is a beauty! Sounds like a great friend to have....I really need to drive the back roads more...thanks for sharin'---- Ray
Man that's pretty. And that's a '36 cowl. Its gut the hood bumper nubs and X stamping. '35 fenders and grill though.
I will get pics of the 40 pickup next time I go over. He has already offered to let me drive it as well!! I did not grow up around car guys, but have always had a great deal of interest. That interest has grown more and more over the last several years. As I have mentioned already, I am looking forward to developing a great friendship, and soaking up the knowledge he has along the way. I appreciate all of your comments thus far!
Ford had a habit of using up old parts when the model year changed so it is possible that it was sold new as a 36 but was built with left over parts from a 35. Years ago I knew of a 34 Ford orignal family owned that had a lot of 33 parts mixed with 34.
as I have said many times I am not a fan of flatheads but I could learn to live with that 36 it looks so right. if the 40 is anything like the 36 iam looking forward to the pictures
Take advantage of the knowledge he could pass on. You're in the right place at the right time. Enjoy.
...........Opportunities like this don't come around often and sadly enough these "older" guys who grew up with Flatheads are going away all too quickly. Enjoy the friendship and always show him that you appreciate it. Cool story indeed.
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