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Features Bought myself a '53 Ford

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Mikko_, Dec 7, 2020.

  1. Mikko_
    Joined: Aug 3, 2018
    Posts: 453

    Mikko_
    Member
    from Sweden

    I've been looking around for something fun and somewhat cheap to cruise around in next summer.
    Wanted a car with a roof and preferably V8-powered.

    So this last weekend I ended up buying this 1953 Ford Customline.
    2 doors, running flathead V8, Fordomatic trans and factory power steering.

    Now I'll just have to wait for it to arrive here in Sweden, all the way from sunny California.

    129444460_190334839430797_3079114414205497144_n.jpg
    129717758_224904589016435_4226726618011787882_n.jpg
    129772067_675234010021503_7506278649050861789_n.jpg
     
  2. That looks like a great car to enjoy. Have fun with it. :)
     
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  3. Jalopy Joker
    Joined: Sep 3, 2006
    Posts: 31,174

    Jalopy Joker
    Member

    Congrats - take your time and do it right
     
    03GMCSonoma, Big mike 1968 and Mikko_ like this.
  4. Congrats! I really like the 52-54 Fords! I’m sure you can’t wait for it to get off the boat.
     

  5. i.rant
    Joined: Nov 23, 2009
    Posts: 4,301

    i.rant
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    1. 1940 Ford

  6. Mikko_
    Joined: Aug 3, 2018
    Posts: 453

    Mikko_
    Member
    from Sweden

    The plan is to get it driving first = rebuild the brakes, fuel system, cooling system and some new tires.
    Then drive it as a stocker and get a feel for it.
     
  7. Nice start. Check the oil level in the rear axle prior to use. That rear axle assembly is hard to find any parts for. My 53-
     

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  8. tubman
    Joined: May 16, 2007
    Posts: 6,913

    tubman
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    It looks like the filler for a power steering pump in the engine picture.
     
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  9. Mikko_
    Joined: Aug 3, 2018
    Posts: 453

    Mikko_
    Member
    from Sweden

    Yes I will change all the fluids prior to use and make sure the levels are correct.

    Yes, factory power steering.
     
  10. GeezersP15
    Joined: Dec 4, 2011
    Posts: 555

    GeezersP15
    Member
    from N.E. PA

    My parents taught me to drive when I was 12 years old, in a 53 Ford. Great cars!
     
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  11. Squablow
    Joined: Apr 26, 2005
    Posts: 17,388

    Squablow
    Member

    Wow, I didn't think Ford offered power steering until 1954, that's the first flathead powered Ford I ever saw with factory power steering, has to be exceptionally rare!

    Also, if you're unaware, you can replace the front springs in this car with springs from a Ford Aerostar van, which will lower the car about 3 inches with a progressively wound spring and they cost less than $60 for a pair. Those, some shorter shocks, and lowering blocks will lower the car with all bolt-in parts very inexpensively.
     
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  12. Mikko_
    Joined: Aug 3, 2018
    Posts: 453

    Mikko_
    Member
    from Sweden

    From what I found out 1953 was the first year for power steering.

    Yes I've been reading up on the Aerostar springs, seems like a great way to lower these cars.
     
  13. AVater
    Joined: Dec 9, 2008
    Posts: 3,147

    AVater
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    1. Connecticut HAMB'ers

    nice work and hope it arrives soon!
     
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  14. Cool.....have fun !
     
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  15. JeffB2
    Joined: Dec 18, 2006
    Posts: 9,484

    JeffB2
    Member
    from Phoenix,AZ

  16. Mikko_
    Joined: Aug 3, 2018
    Posts: 453

    Mikko_
    Member
    from Sweden

    @JeffB2 I joined the social group, thanks for the suggestion.

    I'm happy to hear you like it, now I have a long wait ahead of me.
    The car will probably arrive here in february or so, that should give me enough time to get it driving and get it titled and registered here in Sweden before summer.
    My contact in the US who helped me with the purchase sent me a video of the engine running, sounds good for a car thats been sitting since the late 80's.
    He also got an old picture from the seller, of the car from around the time it was parked.

    129718317_1332688823735949_6946550905993246810_n.jpg
     
  17. Stogy
    Joined: Feb 10, 2007
    Posts: 26,345

    Stogy
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Congrats @Mikko_ a new Vintage Adventure...that seems to have been parked for at least a week or two...:D
     
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  18. @Mikko_ Just curious where you are in Sweden? I get over there every once in a while but typically don’t get far from Malmo or Stockholm.
     
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  19. Mikko_
    Joined: Aug 3, 2018
    Posts: 453

    Mikko_
    Member
    from Sweden

    @guthriesmith I live in a small town called Koping, about 90 miles west of Stockholm.
     
  20. Mikko_
    Joined: Aug 3, 2018
    Posts: 453

    Mikko_
    Member
    from Sweden

    Things are getting exciting, the car is now at the shipping company's storage place.

    binder-image7-_5xmwTXKK6.jpg
     
  21. Mikko_
    Joined: Aug 3, 2018
    Posts: 453

    Mikko_
    Member
    from Sweden

    I'm trying to decode the VIN of the car and I found out this, but on the Fordbarn I was told that the San Jose assembly plant didn't open until 1955?

    B = Flathead V8
    3 = 1953
    R = San Jose, CA
    G = Body style (in this case Tudor Customline)

    Or am I missing something here?

    And the color is the code C, which should mean Glacier Blue.
    Maybe the white top was added later?

    Production date has the code 14G, so that would be 14th of july I think.


    Nothing of this really matters but I just enjoy knowing stuff like this :rolleyes:
     
  22. harpo1313
    Joined: Jan 4, 2008
    Posts: 2,584

    harpo1313
    Member
    from wareham,ma

    Looks pretty straight, I wonder where the burnt model A is going.
     
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  23. Mikko_
    Joined: Aug 3, 2018
    Posts: 453

    Mikko_
    Member
    from Sweden

    I'm showing the good side, has some minor bumps on the other side that should be pretty easily straightened out.
     
  24. foolthrottle
    Joined: Oct 14, 2005
    Posts: 1,402

    foolthrottle
    Member

    heres an idea
     

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  25. tubman
    Joined: May 16, 2007
    Posts: 6,913

    tubman
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    The car looks unmolested, which can be very important with a car like this. With the earlier pictures showing an almost completely original engine compartment is also good. This car looks to be an excellent start to a worthwhile project. It's tough enough to deal with normal deterioration without having to constantly deal with somebody else's screw-ups.
     
  26. phat rat
    Joined: Mar 18, 2001
    Posts: 4,920

    phat rat
    Member

    I've had a soft spot for 52-54's since I bought the first one in 61. I've had 7 of them either 2dr sedan or 2dr HT. Never a cpe or convert. This is the last one I had a 52 HT. The guy I sold it to changed it to the red and white version
     

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  27. Mikko_
    Joined: Aug 3, 2018
    Posts: 453

    Mikko_
    Member
    from Sweden

    I absolutely love that car with the number 313.
    Although I'm not sure what direction to take this car yet when it comes to style.
    I'll get it driving and titled as a original car here in Sweden first.

    Yes according to my contact in California who helped me inspect and buy the car, it's a very unmolested and honest original car and that's what drew me to it. And the fact that he sent me a video of it running was great.
    I hate to deal with other peoples screw-ups so this is perfect, and a lot cheaper than buying a similar car in similar condition here in Sweden.
     
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  28. foolthrottle
    Joined: Oct 14, 2005
    Posts: 1,402

    foolthrottle
    Member

    MIKKO
    The 313 car is I think, Larry Cranes Carrera Panamericana replica, Larry was the editor of Auto Aficianado magazine. The 204 car is Mickey Thompsons origial Carrera racer powered by an overhead six, The top left looks like Steve Waldmans car, he founded the Silver State Race in Nevada
     
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  29. Mikko_
    Joined: Aug 3, 2018
    Posts: 453

    Mikko_
    Member
    from Sweden

    I'll do some searching on those cars.
    Old racing cars are interesting.
     
    Big mike 1968 likes this.

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