Looking for some feed back on purchasing a 5 widow coupe that has been in dry storage for over 40 years. I looked it over pretty good, car is pretty straight and only has 2 spots of cancer on the bottom of the front cowl. It needs total restoration, old Flathead and trans are there condition unknown, pretty much all there. The million dollar question is what would be a good price range? The car is located an hour from me to I won't need shipping or airfare to see it. Thanks Curt
$8-10,000 if straight with only the rust you described. Look at the inner lower door and front of the 1/4's. If no rust is present in those areas and the floor is clean front to back, $10,000 is a deal. I have $3500.00+ in patch panels and countless labour.
Well I bought the darn thing and brought it home. Doesn't run but everything is there including the trans, in fact I found a second one in the trunk with some other parts. Brakes have been changed, not sure what year but the drums look to be 12 in. Dash is cut, gauges missing, headlight glass is gone, mostly surface rust somescale in the trunk, and some small hole in the front cowl area at the bottom. All in all I like it! And so does the wife.
Well I'm pretty sure the Flathead is shot and in need of a rebuild. But im thinking of going with a HEMI and manual trans. Any other ideas? I'm all ears.....
Looks good, you sound undecided. Before spending any cash get a clear idea of what you are going to do. Google images is great for that.
Nice! Good to see they're still out there. Looks to be a good deal and not molested. Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
Shoot picture of the backing plates, especially the 6 o'clock position and we should be able to identify the brakes for you. Probably 1940-48 Ford but let's see the pictures. I would keep the flathead but that is probably just me. Be sure the number on the title matches the number on the frame before you do any work on it. The number on the frame is on top of the left frame rail near the steering. If they don't match, fix the problem before you do any work. You should put your general location in your profile. Charlie Stephens
Nice purchase. They're not making them anymore so you got a good deal. I'd rethink the Hemi plan. So much extra power means new rear axle, new axle location. New front end and brakes. Strenthened chassis and loads more. Have a 24 stud flathead completely rebuilt and rebuild the car. It'll cost you less in the end and the car will be worth more. The best brakes are the Lincoln drums from the Boling Brothers. Sent from my SM-G935F using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Thanks everyone! I'm sure I will need more advice as I move forward with this build. As I said before, I'm not sure what direction to take, upgraded everything or keep what I can original and with the Flathead. This car is so complete I would hate to cut it up to much.
Here is the story on the car. The guy I bought it from bought it in 1974 when had paper route in Visalia CA, it's a small town South of Fresno. As the story goes two older teenage boys got it from there grandfather who had passed away. Everyday John would pass by and see this car and always wanted it , well he finally stopped and asked if they would sell it and that he had 700 dollars he had saved from his paper route. The answer was no, so after some time he told them he would trade a dirt bike he and the 700 .....they were happy to get the bike and agreed to sell. Now fast forward to 2017, he has had this car since then, nothing has been done to from when he bought it, that's right 43 years , 40 of those stored inside. I struck a deal with him and now it's mine. When I drove off with the car on trailer I think he got teary eyed, or maybe just joyed at getting it out of his hair.
No, it is an unmollested 36 cpe. Powertrain is irrelevant, if it is straight, with minimal rust, that is a deal in my neighbourhood. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
That is a pretty nice starting place, it's all there, pretty straight and minimum amount of rust. I think a Hemi would be a great engine, might as well put a blower on it too. Keep it simple and it would be a heck of a sleeper.
Last year I got to work on a 35 that`s been stored in an Old Ford Dealership Garage since 63. It was a trade in. Was driven very little over the years. The present owner worked on it in 59 at the dealership.
Ever since a friend of mine built a 283 powered 36 five window I've always wanted to build one but never got around to it. Unfortunately I don't think its going to happen. Keep us posted on your progress.