I was talking with one of the "facilities & services" guys at work and he mentioned he had a Model A 5W he was looking to sell. I've been wanting to build an early 30's car for sometime now. A deal was made and I found myself the owner of an all steel/all stock coupe. The car was restored some time ago and was well taken care of. The motor was shipped to Colorado for a complete rebuild put back in the car and never fired. Along with the car came a boat load of new parts as well. This past Sunday we went and picked it up. This was the first time Howie and Josh saw the car in person and "stoked" wouldn't be an understatement. THE PLAN: I've always been a fan of full fendered cars. Both Chris's (Swenson) old 5W and ElRods "Question Mark" coupe are influences on this build. The consensus in the shop is to build a nice fendered late forties/early fifties hot rod. Originally, I intended to run a hopped up banger but after a hefty offer from a customer for the drive train, we decided it had to go. In it's place will go an 8BA with 50K miles on it pulled form a 51 Ford F1. Also from the shelf we have a 33 rear which will likely take place of the original rear. Im still figuring out the route we will go for the trans. I'm leaning towards something with OD. As for now no chop but that will likely change later on. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Last night I sold, the complete drive train, rad, grill, headlights, tires & wheels, steering column and a boatload of new parts including stainless bumpers and a complete shock kit. I made back more than half what I paid for the car! Tonight after we finish pulling the motor It time to make the "gotta get" list. One thing I wanna shy away from is ordering repop stuff so whenever possible/financially fisable we are gonna use original parts
In the long run it's pays to pay a little more for a good car to start with,it always pays off on the back end.Good score I like your plans,keep us posted
Wouldn't that sort of be off track for a build that is pre war and that the OP said would use original parts. Or is there a "traditional pre war S10 overdrive trans"? Nice car to start with. Should be cool.
Not pre-war but how about the early 50's 3 speed Ford overdrive transmission? I had one given to me, they are still plentiful.
Thats the Borg Warner T-85? I'm pretty sure I have one that came with my 59 F100 on a shelf somewhere.
We didn't get much done last night except go over some build stuff. My head is swimming with ideas, it's almost information overload. Today, I've been connecting with a few old timers who have years been telling me, I needed to get into an early hot rod. My parts list is growing and many of these guys are willing to help me out either by selling me some parts or giving some sage advice which I'm extremely grateful for. ( Hey Sid don't worry your not an old timer..... yet) The car is currently in our "clean room" but will be going down stairs for some frame reinforcement shortly Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
If you haven't got a copy of Vern Tardel's and Mike Bishop's How to Build a Traditional Ford hot Rod it would be an invaluable resourse during your build. Frank
We have a copy in the shop, but I just picked up another copy for home. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
I'ver been really hung up on what to do for a transmission for the car. I'd gone back forth on the idea of a T5 or maybe using a T-85 3 speed with OD (out of a late 50's F100) Beside the cost involved I just couldn't bring myself to installing a T5. The whole idea of this car having no components newer than 1951 has been a big emphisis behind the build. Straying from that with a post '51 component just wasnt something I wanted to do. So with that being said I located a 39 box with Lincoln gears which hopefully will be in our possesion soon. While I was working a shift in the firehouse yesterday, Josh & Howie set off on a parts hunt. For short money that came back with a complete 39 Ford rear and front end. Complete with a set of wide 5's and a pair of 32 commercial headlights. I pulled the trigger on a steering wheel for the car. I've been wanting to run a 48-49 Hudson Commodore wheel on something for awhile. It was a bit of an impulse buy. At 18" it may be too big for the cabin as you all know A coupes are tight.
Really like where this one is headed and that original color on the car is perfect! Black wide fives on that would be bitchin.
ill second that!!! are you going to dare leave the roof tall?? i did. im glad i did! nice car! enjoy the build.
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