Which comment do you want to hear less ? A. Dude, you should chop that thang..... B. Dude, you should put a straight axle under that thang... Me, I'd keep the 55, of course, I have a growing son for the backseat.....front seat when Momma wants to stay home. If money enters into it for you, I'd say the forty will be worth more completed than a 55 sedan, but otherwise, it's a tough call. Have you lost interest in a long term project ?? If so, just remember (as it sounds, anyway) the 40 needs about as much work to complete.
Don't listen to your mind, it only compares and contrasts. Instead, listen to your heart, it acts like a compass and will direct you in the direction you really want to go. Whatever your inner feeling/ gut instinct tells you - GO FOR IT!
I've got 2 40 coupes and I'd still be on the fence as to your predicament. Is the 55 a project that you can handle to finish? Is the 40 a project that you can handle to finish? Sometimes the condition is a little too rough regardless of the car, a roach is a roach. Are you a big guy or a med/small guy? The 40's are smallish cars. Two large guys sitting in the front seat is real cozy, not to mention very little back seat room. Even more... The 40 has alot of sheetmetal to work on, moreso than an open wheeled hot rod, but half that of the 55. So depending on the condition that is a huge time factor depending on conditions of each. The bottom line is if you like one project more, and can justify why it would be worth it to you, than go with it. TP
there are several car that are icons in the hot rod world your are stuck in between two of them.either one is going to make a statement no matter were they are seen.go with the one that pulls you in.there is nothing worst than working or driving a car your not totally crazy about.
I like both cars very much, but I'd trade any tri 5 for a 40 ford any day of the week and twice on sundays!
I have had both and still have my '40 after 39 years. There is nothing quite like riding in a pre-war coupe.
I'm too biased to give an objective answer. I'd always choose a 40. Posted from the TJJ App for iPhone & iPad
Funny this should come up... The Wife and I were having the same thoughts just this weekend. We're big on 40 Ford coupes also, and are looking for a trade. I'd go for it! Will be interesting to see which way ya go.
I've owned three '55s. Currently have a '56 Nomad and a '47 Ford coupe. '40 Ford coupe is only car on my "bucket list" (besides my Nomad). I wouldn't be asking the HAMB, I'd be trading already!
The chassis is done on the "55, I'd keep the '55 unless the chassis was done on the '40. The suspension on the '55 is much more comfortable than the '40.
GRAB IT! I like what Sun Down said - keep the Chevy and get the Ford! Since that's not a option - I'd grab the 40 Ford in a New York Minute! Had a friend in highschool with a clean little stock 40 coupe and wanted one since! Have a pic of my dad as a young man in 1940-41 standing behind his 40 convertable. One day ...
Is it a deluxe or standard? Not that it matters. Nuthin like a 40 coupe. Can't say I've ever seen a bad one.
I would not trade my 39 for a 55 as it suits my needs. I would love to have a 55 in addition to my coupe ,but not in the cards. You need to evaluate both cars with your anticipated needs. Are you single or do you have young kids that require a back seat. The 40 is a 2 seater unless you squeese a small seat in the back, not very comfortable for 4 adults.
I have had two '55 Bel Air sedans myself (still own one) and I really like a '40 Ford Coupe. There was a very attractive Ford at the Deadman's Curve Wild Weekend Shindig. It was black, it sat just a little higher than stock, even all around and had aluminum 5 spokes with black radials. IMO it was a very tough looking ride. What kind of drive train is (or will) be in the Ford?
I have had a 57 Chevy and a 62 Impala , both 2door pillar less things, during the time I've owned my 40 coupe. still got the coupe. Other 2 gone down the road. I would have either car back too...... 55 would be similar to the 57, in drive style. Steering a boat........ I wouldnt part with my 40 for a 55 Chevy if the roles were reversed. But there are many 55's over here. Not so many 40's Stu
Having grown up in the 60's a forty ford seems a lot more traditional than a fifty five Chevy, mind you I drove one in high school and the parking lot was full of them. Over the years I have had several different shoe box Chevys and enjoyed them, but the forty ( and I am building one now ) just seems to represent traditional hot rodding for me. Three pedals, dual exhaust coming from a lopey flathead motor and diegoed is what I'm talking about. You have to go with what you identify with the most.
Are you building to be a Keeper ? Are you building to sell.? If building to Sell, I would build the '40 Ford, because a good one is hard to get. Very few out there ! If you like the '55 Chevy, and plan on keeping, I would do it. Just your preference. I would do the '40 Ford Coupe. Both nice cars to restore.
I like the ford better. but I liked my 55 chevy when I had it as well. I think a good 40 is much harder to find than the 55.
The Jalopy Journal
