You traded a car you didn't want as much for a car you wanted more. Your wallet didn't get raped in the process. I think that is all good. Should buyer's remorse set in on down the road, the '40 will make great trade stock for the next swap. As long as you stick with proven winners like TriFive Chevys, '32 and '40 Fords, early Vettes, etc. You'll most always come out fine.
They are both list cars for me. I'd like to have them both. Now if i'd enjoyed one for a while would I trade for the other? With outa doubt yes, but there are aboot 20 others on that list too
Why, yes.... yes you are crazy. Sanity has very little to do with old cars. First, you need to have a real gut feeling; a kinship with old metal. Do you sometimes just sit quietly in the car, drinking in the smoky smells of worn upholstery? Is it sort of reassuring to hear the creaking of hinges as the door clicks shut? Do you know each oil spot on the garage floor by name? Does a grin spread across your face after you blip the throttle? Do you look for any excuse there is to drive the thing, even sinking as low as running to the grocery store or the dentist? If you can say "yes" to any of those, then it was a good deal. Sanity be damned.
In all honesty, who cares what anyone else thinks, it's your car. If that trade makes you feel good and you're happy with it, then it's a good deal. If you're really unsure about it, don't do it. Bottom line is, you are the one that has to live with it. Now, are you crazy? You're here with us, aren't you? We're not the sanest bunch on the planet!
My opinion is like everybody that posted,just our personal likes and dislikes. I think you would have been a fool not to trade. HRP
I am happier with the 40. The bel air was a bit better of a driver but I find myself helplessly drawn to the ford. With some tinkering and the eventual 350/700r4(insert hate reply below), it will be just as good of a driver as the bel air but twice the looker. Now if I could just find a good body shop here in montana to do a little rust repair.........?
That would be a hard one for me as I like em both, A good clean '56 driver or a super cool '40 that needs work?? I'd sell the kids so I can have both i guess. Scotty
While we can't tell from just a couple of photos how good of a condition each car is in, I can say that of all the trades out there, a 39 or 40 Deluxe coupe is one of the only cars I would swap my 56 for and I love my old 56. I think you made a good trade and I would bet you think so too or you would not have done it. You just want reassurance on the deal. So yeah, you aren't crazy, just car-crazy.
I like to be different, with that said I know where theres at least 3 56 chevys within 20 miles of my house. Cant say the same for 40 fords and I love mr a tri five.
Sounds like you owned the 56 for little investment, and flipped it for a 40 ford coupe = HUGE WIN! Congrats, enjoy the 40. Post more pics of it, I'd love to see more of it.
Crazy, no. But if you leave that red wheels/flat black scheme it would seem dated. I would have loved to have the '56. Win-Win.
Too much buck for not enough bang in my opinion. I know that way down in the dirt tangled in the roots of hot rodding lies the ford flathead, but twice the power, reliability and drive-ability for ALOT less money fits my drive it everyday style and is way more budget friendly.
Don't get me wrong, the bel air was nice. It did however need paint and a good bit of body work to replace the crappy Johnny bondo job done previously.
Only two cars are on my "have to have before I die" list. One is a '56 Nomad (and I've owned my red & white one for over 22 years) The other is a '40 Ford Deluxe coupe. I appreciate and enjoy my '47 Ford coupe, but every time I see a '40, it catches my eye. Someday! I'm happy for you and think you made a great trade! Here's to many happy miles in your coupe!
in my taste i think you made a mistake, and as i think as far as looks the 37-41's are at the bottom of the ford barrel but had it been a 40 willys you would have scored......just my .02