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Projects '39 Ford deluxe coupe

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by b-bob, Jul 17, 2011.

  1. b-bob
    Joined: Nov 4, 2008
    Posts: 1,097

    b-bob
    Member

    I agree, i am very lucky to have a car like this. I had a model A tudor that i was going to keep forever,but it rode too rough for my back, so after a couple of bad experiences driving long distances, i decided to sell it and get something newer that rode better with parrallel springs in the back.

    I mentioned this to my buddy who had the coupe as a project, and he offered it to me, but i thought i could never afford it.
    The A sold right away so that gave me the money to pay for it, and one year later the 39 went from a shell to being on the road legal.
    I worked on it two-three hours a day, almost every day except for the five weeks i was not able to, because of a minor back operation.
    By the time the 39 was finished last July, i was so burned out i didn't even want to drive it for a couple months.

    These old Fords are rare up here due to the constant rain and the population was very little back in those years. Yes, i feel very fortunate to have it and it will be a keeper for many reasons.:D
     
  2. b-bob
    Joined: Nov 4, 2008
    Posts: 1,097

    b-bob
    Member

    Have been back it and picking away at some of the small things i wanted to re-do.
    Thanks to JMH in Pa, i now have a clock for the dash, so i sanded the glovebox door down and now have it ready to spray the dash color. I hope to be able to get that done tomorrow if the weather stays dry, because i have to move the coupe out to paint in my garage.
    Another small problem were the struts for the trunk lid, i had a bulge where the struts bolted to the lid. In the end i removed and extended the brkt so i could add another hole. This worked great, now the lid sits as it should on the body.
    I think the strut was closing before the lid was fully closed causing the bind.

    [​IMG]

    I am still waiting for my steering column to show up here, and i don't want to remove the existing one till i see the new one in person....just in case.
    Once the column shows i am going to gut the interior and have a list of mods to do, i'll post those jobs as i go. Going to be much cooler when done.
    Hint...the banjo wheel is ready to prime and paint too.
     
    Last edited: Jan 20, 2013
  3. ss34coupe
    Joined: May 13, 2007
    Posts: 4,239

    ss34coupe
    Member

    Brian - you coupe is looking great. Hope your health has been good as well - keep the fighting spirit!
     
  4. b-bob
    Joined: Nov 4, 2008
    Posts: 1,097

    b-bob
    Member

    I've had my problems this last four years that's for sure. But i still do as much as i am able, just a lot slower these days.
    Have had two eye strokes in the last year and i see a stroke specialist this week again, if it wasn't for medical appointments, i would have no social life at all!
    The back and leg pain i can deal with, i live on opiates, but the stroke thing is very scary, they can destroy a guy real quick.
     
  5. ss34coupe
    Joined: May 13, 2007
    Posts: 4,239

    ss34coupe
    Member

    And to think you built that nice coupe during that four year period of health struggles. Amazing! All the best to you my hot rod friend.
     
  6. Brian,if you want a ride to your appointments,call me
     
  7. b-bob
    Joined: Nov 4, 2008
    Posts: 1,097

    b-bob
    Member

    Thanks Boyd, i will be fine for this visit.
     
  8. jmh
    Joined: Jun 30, 2008
    Posts: 438

    jmh
    Member

    Hey WB.. You are very welcome!! Keep it going!! John
     
  9. b-bob
    Joined: Nov 4, 2008
    Posts: 1,097

    b-bob
    Member

    Steve, it's amazing how much can get done two or maybe three hours a day, but i was out there almost every day for that eleven months.

    I can't take credit for the chassis, it was already mocked up and running when i got it. I just had to take it apart and re-paint it.

    I also had a good support team that would come by and lift the heavy stuff for me. This is where treating others fairly over time, comes back to help when i needed their assistance.

    The re-pro interior also helped alot. Most of it is pretty easy, but i had an interior guy come and do the headliner, i just played 'gofer'.

    It also helps to have a good car to begin with, and i had done the little bit of body work it needed, the year before for the previous owner. I preped the car for paint and sent it to a shop for paint.
    Then it was a matter of putting it back together, wiring etc and it was done.
     
  10. b-bob
    Joined: Nov 4, 2008
    Posts: 1,097

    b-bob
    Member

    Boyd you're welcome to come for the ride if you just want to get out of the house. I need to be there for 11:15 tomorrow.
    I'll only get you to pay for parking hehe:D
     
  11. b-bob
    Joined: Nov 4, 2008
    Posts: 1,097

    b-bob
    Member

    Got back to working on the coupe again lately. It was a hard thing to do, i just didn't want to take it apart again.
    I removed the seat and steering column, as well as the flooring and the trans cover.
    The first project was to move my fuse panel. I originaly put it in the left quarter panel because there was so much space there than another item under the dash.
    Problem was the wiring had to run to the back and in most cases back to the front of the car, and i ended up with two large groups of wire!
    So i decided to put it back up front under the dash on the firewall, originally i didn't want any fastners on the engine side of it, but i caved.

    I found that my w/shield frame wasn't very air or water proof last summer, so i decided to seal it closed. Another one of those twenty minute jobs that took alot longer than planned.

    I am expecting my steering column to finally show up this week, so that will be next, which means i had better get the banjo wheel painted.

    Then it will be a matter of installing the floor shifter, signal switch, and wiring those into the system along with the new heater i just finished installing.

    I have a couple of pics, but this isn't really that interesting to see, but i'll show the end result.
     
  12. b-bob
    Joined: Nov 4, 2008
    Posts: 1,097

    b-bob
    Member

    Small update, I have been waiting for my column since early Dec, was in stock they said and would be shipped. Well now it's basically the middle of Feb.and another 'story' today. So frustrating. End of rant.
     
  13. b-bob
    Joined: Nov 4, 2008
    Posts: 1,097

    b-bob
    Member

    A few update pics,

    The new heater and fuse panel moved forward.


    [​IMG]

    Got the shifter in yesterday

    [​IMG]

    this is the A sedan that i sold to finance the 39

    [​IMG]

    Sure hope that column comes soon.
     
  14. Smokey2
    Joined: Jan 11, 2011
    Posts: 919

    Smokey2
    Member

    B-Bob,
    Great thread, Thanks.
    I found myself following you "back Problem" as much as the '39 build ! I was'nt famililar with the Burn procedure you mentioned............I had spurs on L4/L5, which fragmented andn did alot of damage.
    Surgeory went great, but took year and half for nerverves to reconnect and heal.
    I never get over the amazing build talent here on the HAMB, Very impressed with yours.
    Good Posts, Take care of the back, and
    Good Luck with the vision concern.

    Smokey2 :cool:
     
  15. b-bob
    Joined: Nov 4, 2008
    Posts: 1,097

    b-bob
    Member

    The nerves have been growing back. I went up to the hospital yesterday to book another appointment to get it done again. The last one was last May.
    Found out there is a three month wait, she said the Dr. only does four 'burns' a month, so it could be next May or June....not good!
    Of course i asked to be put on the cancellation list.

    Thanks for the kind words on the car,I just try and build safe, reliable cars.
    Take it easy on your back too, Brian
     
  16. b-bob
    Joined: Nov 4, 2008
    Posts: 1,097

    b-bob
    Member

    Was told today the column is at the border. Monday is a holiday, so should see it on Tuesday, i hope.
    The weather has been so nice, i'd like to get this thing back on the road.
    Started to install flourescent lights in my garage today, what a difference even just one light makes.
     
  17. Read the entire thread. I think it's great you were able to get your dream car. A 39 ford deluxe coupe is second on my list...33-34 ford being my first. I was able to buy my 34 but it was a real POS. I restored an old, cracked 39 steering wheel over a 2 month period of part-time work. Painted it with 40s ford steering wheel paint. Now I just need to swap my 40 column for a 39 column so my 39 wheel will work.
    JB weld works great to repair cracks in the plastic wheel.
    Love your car!
     

    Attached Files:

  18. b-bob
    Joined: Nov 4, 2008
    Posts: 1,097

    b-bob
    Member

    Thanks Rocky, the cracks in my wheel are repaired. It still needs to be painted and that should get done soon. Was going to paint it black, but now i'm not so sure.
     
  19. ss34coupe
    Joined: May 13, 2007
    Posts: 4,239

    ss34coupe
    Member

    Brian - you do quality work. Your coupe is turning out great. Too bad you had to let the A sedan go, that was a nice car.
     
  20. i just read the whole thread. Your car is coming along great. I can't wait to see it finished.
     
  21. b-bob
    Joined: Nov 4, 2008
    Posts: 1,097

    b-bob
    Member

    Have made some progress. Column finally came this week and is now in along with the signals, and floors back in one piece.

    I'll put up a couple of pics later today, going to hook the battery back up and see if any of this works!? Fingers crossed.
     
  22. b-bob
    Joined: Nov 4, 2008
    Posts: 1,097

    b-bob
    Member

    Hooked up the battery and everything worked! Good.

    Put the flooring back together and finished the fender welting too.
    Need to get the wife to help lift the seat back in today, so tomorrow it can be bolted down and then the kick panels and then this weeks projects will be the steering wheel and wet sand and polish the glovebox door and install the clock i bought from JMH in Pa.
    I know he is waiting for a pic in the car and i want to show him that it actually was put to good use, thanks again, John.

    [​IMG]
     
  23. b-bob
    Joined: Nov 4, 2008
    Posts: 1,097

    b-bob
    Member

    Finished up a few more small things today including wet sanding and rubbing out the clock glove box door. Thanks again to John...JMH in Pa, for his help on the clock.

    Wheel is close, hopefully by next week.

    [​IMG]
     
  24. Model T1
    Joined: May 11, 2012
    Posts: 3,309

    Model T1
    Member

    Great work and thanks for the update photos. I'm drooling on my keyboard!
     
  25. b-bob
    Joined: Nov 4, 2008
    Posts: 1,097

    b-bob
    Member


    Denny, glad you like it, I sometimes don't believe i even own it.
    Definitly the nicest painted car i have ever had.
     
  26. The 39 guy
    Joined: Nov 5, 2010
    Posts: 3,524

    The 39 guy
    Member

    Quote:
    <table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset"> Originally Posted by The 39 guy [​IMG]
    Bob did you already post the details of the tires and wheels you are using on the 39?If not I would like to know what you are using on the car. They look just right!
    </td> </tr> </tbody></table>
    The wheels and tires are 185/70 15 with 6" wheels front

    235/70 15 with 7" wheels on the back. Rims are Wheel Vintiques.
    __________________
    Worker Bee

    Hi Bob , I just getting around to buying my wheels and tires and have a few more questions to ask you about your wheels and tires.
    1. Your tires look like diamond backs,What brand and type are they?

    2. Have you had any trouble with rubbing your tires in the front fenders?

    2A.I have installed a 4 inch drop axle with reversed Posies spring ,disc brakes and a sway bar kit. The whole thing looks pretty similar to your set up. I am a little concerned about ground clearance at this point. Have you had any ground/speed bump problems clearance so far?

    3.Do you know which wheel type type/ model of wheel you bought from Vintiques

    4. Do you no what the offset of the wheels are?

    5. I noticed you have spacers on the rear. What width rear end is in the car? I had to use spacers on my buddies 38 Ford( with 9" ford) to get the wheels away from the body but I did not modify the wheel wells on that car. I intend top do this modification on my coupe.

    6. Are you satisfied with the wheel tub modification on your coupe?

    I did not see the 235/70R15 size offered in the DB catalog this afternoon closest was a 235 /75R 15 at 29 inches tall.

    Your car is looking great! and I am encouraged by your desire and ability to keep working on your car throughout you medical problems. Looks like you will be ready to rumble when the weather clears this spring!

    The 39 Guy
    (Sam)
     
  27. jmh
    Joined: Jun 30, 2008
    Posts: 438

    jmh
    Member

    Clock looks good!! Better than it did in my tool box!! You are welcome!! John
     
  28. b-bob
    Joined: Nov 4, 2008
    Posts: 1,097

    b-bob
    Member

    Sam, sorry for the delay. I haven't checked here for a couple days.

    The tires are Coker's, they are BF Goodrich silvertowns.
    And yes they rub when coming in a driveway with the wheels turned but i do it slowly, so it's not too bad.
    The front spring is a mono-leaf and has many spacers, i could easily raise it up a bit by moving them around. But i like how it sits too much to do that.
    I measured the center of the wheel from the ground to the center of the arch of the fender opening and it's 22 3/4. That gives me four inches under the bottom of the grill. I know i should raise it up a bit and may yet.

    The rims are Wheel Vintiques, i think they were called solids, they don't have 'windows' in them.
    I don't remember the off-sets, but they are the standard size. The fronts could be narrower for sure, i checked and WV doesn't offer a smaller off-set. Even the 15X 5" have the same off set to the fender side.

    The 8" Ford rear end i believe to be a Maverick, it's the narrow one for sure 57" drum to drum.This was what my friend had when he had it put in the chassis.
    The spacers are a good quality item, not like those old Trans-dapt things from long ago. Spacers came from EZAccesories. com
    phone 1-800-505-8758
    No problem with the little wheel tubs, i copied those from a R&C magazine article from about ten years a go. Of course we could always find a 2"wider rear end for it.

    If you have more questions, let me know. I will do what i can, Brian
     
  29. The 39 guy
    Joined: Nov 5, 2010
    Posts: 3,524

    The 39 guy
    Member

    Thanks for the detailed reply to my lengthy questionaire Brian. This information will be very helpful as I make my final decision on wheels and tires. I remembered the simple wheel tub article and had planned to use it on the coupe. Your varification of its function makes the decision easy too.

    Sam
     
  30. b-bob
    Joined: Nov 4, 2008
    Posts: 1,097

    b-bob
    Member

    Well it was a pretty uneventful summer for the car. Three of the guys I travel with had various health problems and add in some confusion and poor communication, we didn't get very far. Not to mention health insurance for traveling in the states.

    But I did get a few 'bugs' fixed, played with different wheel styles and caps, eventually painted the rims to match the color of the car, red, but the same shade as on the body.
    Don't burn me, but I was never a real fan of the '39 headlights but loved the 40's and the 40's eventually won. The 39's are in a box on the shelf just in case.

    The rainy season is coming, and this winter I want to go over the whole car and have it ready to make a possible trip down south, maybe California.
    A group of the locals have been doing the Reno Air Races, meeting up with the guys from that area and have had a great time.

    Still have a few improvements to go that need to be done whether I go a long way or just to Washington state as usual. I live about four miles north of the border, so that is quite easy to do. The border sure has changed since 9/11, but that's understandable.

    I'll update as things get done, and now that I said it, I better get my butt in gear
    later, Brian
     

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