Imagine the day, spring 1961, and your dad eyeballs and buys a 1932 ford 3 window from a guy in Mo. The car actually runs even though the carb is wired on. You and your brother are pretty excited, being 4 and 3, and we drag it home behind the 55 chevy. Life happens and the car sits and sits (at least in the garage) for 49 years. Fast forward to last Saturday when we drag it out and take it to the shop where it will finally be built. Pretty exciting day for all involved. My Mom passed away a couple years ago and won't get to see it finished, but Dad said the first place he is going to drive it is out to the cemetery.
It is cool that you are building that now! I just want to know how does that happen? Not any time in almost 50 years? Did you guys buy parts for it? I have a friend that had a 40 sitting in his garage for 20+ years. I built my truck in his shop and pretty much forced him to build it after I was done. He has about two of every part for it so we pulled it out last fall and it should be put together this winter.We are just waiting for him to build the Desoto Hemi, or it would be done. I am looking for one so I can use all his extra parts! Good luck on the build! I hope your dad gets to enjoy it.
Great story, and neat build!! Nice to hear these stories, expecially with your Dad still able to enjoy it with his two sons.... By the way, are those '57 Plymouth hubcaps on that '55 Chevy ??
Awesome man!!! Were the radials on there when it was put in or just now to get it rolling? That pic in '55 is awesome!
Holy Hot Rod Batman!! That is the too cool. I see you are in my backyard also. Let me know if you need any parts machined for this baby.
It does look as though some work was done on it during those years. I see a 4 cylinder in the first picture and a 34-36 flathead V8 in the second picture. However, the wooden motor mount does look sort of temporary.
Just goes to show, that when you hear "I'm gonna restore that old car one day", it might just happen.
Answers, good eyes guys. The original 4 block is still in garage, yes it is a 34 flathead that was in it (just sitting) on wooden blocks. We pulled it out and it may be for sale later this month. Tried to put more pics up. Will keep updated. You know how it goes, time no money, money no time.......
Awedrod - Glad to see your father's 3wd will finally get built. So what's the plan for the build? ... 1) a Restoration (i.e., put the 4-banger back in & make it look like it just came off the assembly line). 2) a '50s or '60s style Hot Rod (i.e., something your Dad would have built in 1961). 3) a "Street Rod" (i.e., a car with all the creature comforts of a modern daily driver). 4) ???? Please keep the pics & updates coming ...
Very COOL! And definitely more picture of the car........Neat shot of you and your brother. Chris Nelson Kansas
Current plan is 327 bored .40 over, powerglide and 8'' ford. Dad really wants to keep the straight axle.
I remember back in the 60's, my dad flat towed a car from Dallas to Lubbock. I sat in the back seat the whole way, looking back at it, wondering how the hell that car was following us and had no driver. Tell em to git on it so dad can make that drive.
Same with me, my friend had a '40 coupe all in pieces & in plastic bags!----We both went into the military (Korea) in 1951----He still has all the parts today!---( 59 years later!) ---------Don
Wow...incredible story & what a man to be sooo patient to build his car. You hear alot of them stories with cars & how the families come so many cars get put on the back burner usually never to be completed or worse sold off but its awesome that he has been able to keep it. Its going to be a very special moment when he does get the car back & takes it to the cementary. Be sure to give him a hug that day & thank him for the man he is plus be sure to post pics of it finished. I'm sure alot of us would enjoy them!!
That's awesome... glad you guys are finally going to get the car on the road. Please keep us updated as it progresses! Malcolm