hello , i have a french imported in 1937 ford tudor sedan . badged matford for the french market ( remember ford and mathis where associated to pay less taxes on imported cars in 1934 ) .these cars are differents from usa models , the headlanps , le dashboard ,the license plate implantation . actualy had a 24 stud , electronic ingnition , 12 volts converted , dropped i beam . i want to install 2 inch lower drop for the rear , may have to drop all the transmission ( tube and rear end) or can i do it without this work ? thank you
Its perfect just like it is! I'd be looking at period correct badassed flattie, aluminum heads and couple carbs and stuff like that. Dropping the rear would be the very last thing I would consider, its got great stance. Its beautiful, congratulations.
What a cool car. Thanks for sharing. Just beautiful. Be aware. If you do decide to lower the rear you will sacrifice ride quality. I lowered my 37 with a mono leaf rear spring. I like the look but a sharp bump on the road is a lot more noticeable.
You can easily put additional length shackles in the rear. Usually 1 to 2 inches, over the stock length will work, and you can make them yourself.
Or, you can flatten the spring a little to get the couple inches. There are many threads on the HAMB showing how to re-arch springs. I'd shoot for one inch less arch, using all the stock leaves.
My recollection is (possibly in error) that Ford’s before about ‘41 or so, did not have rear track bars. If that is the case, merely lengthening the shackles will lower the car, but also induce ‘sway’ , especially in turns. A rear track bar, aka Panhard bar (coincidentally French) would be a highly recommended addition if that method is chosen. on the other hand, @alchemy offers a better solution by lowering the car without altering the factory rear axle control provision. An even better suggestion, IMO, is to leave it as is......looks great! Ray
Not only is the Speedo upside down but goes to 150? Oh wait must be kilometers..I vote no change, visually perfect stance..
Beautiful. There was a European Ford V8 here years ago. Had the 37 style grille, but with 36 fenders and headlamps. Stylish two door fabric topped sedan. Wood framed body. possibly German ?. Seems the owner tore it apart to restore, then Mum said "get it out of here" so it went to the dump. There were several of us would have paid money for it rather than see it lost Garpo
Have a friend whose father imported one of those, but a ragtop sedan version. He was talking about selling it a few years back and my friend knew I was into old cars and asked me if I was interested. He wanted too much money for it though so I passed on it.
as you like french matfords , i show you the difference between french dodys. the french cars are produced by chausson ( a body maker like fisher) the look is similar from american models but are différents . this is an example with my 37 cabriolet friend . the french model is bigger than the américan !