Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

Many cars are modified from bone stock original (for good reasons, both functional and aesthetic), in all different varying degrees and I understand that. I appreciate 100% original restorations as well as mild upgrades, such as later flatheads, juice brakes, mild lowering, etc.

My question is, how many out there are restoring back to 100% original and what are you restoring? What are your reasons...authenticity, judging, personal preference, etc.?

Pics would be great.

Re: Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

My 51 Victoria, finished June 2010, 100% stock Dearborn Award Winner. I love them all, stock, hot rods, unrestored, they are all great in my opinion.

http://i458.photobucket.com/albums/q...1/P1010547.jpg

Re: Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

Beautiful car, JDL

Here's my 1947 Super Deluxe Fordor my dad bought in 1959 for $100.00. It's a family heirloom so it had to be stock original authentic through and through. Won 2nd place in the concourse division of the Early Ford V8 Club Western National Meet in St. George last October.

I personally don't mind "art cars" which is what I call anything different than original. Art has its place and probably more people like art more than like history. But, I have a very strong personal prefrence for "historical cars." When I'm at a car show, I get excited about any car that can take me back to its day and give me the experience of going back in time. When I show my car I even have original 1947 music playing on its radio and various 1947 memorabilia sitting on its seats to help people go back. Many quite enjoy the journey back in time. But, when I look inside of a car that looks like it might be authentic and see anything that's not, its like the modern penny found in Christopher Reeves' pocket in the movie "Somewhere in Time" that destroyed the illusion of being back 70 years before and whisked him back to the present never to return again. I quickly move on to the next car that looks authentic. They take me back. I love that as do many.

The only thing "customized" about my car is that I put a light in the hood ornament just 'cause I always wanted a lighted hood ornament and it does not destroy the illusion of the past at car shows but looks really cool at night. And, I have blue dot tail light lenses around town but not at car shows. Other than that, we're 100% authentic.

As to how many are restoring to original rather than customizing. It certainly seems like a lot more customized cars at car shows than any real authentic originals.

http://commondatastorage.googleapis....l/46414220.jpg

Here are pictures of all of the cars at that meet: http://picasaweb.google.com/ckpolan/...at=directlink#

Here is a nice gallery of past entries for each year: http://www.earlyfordv8.org/early-ford-gallery.cfm

Re: Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

I'm just beginning restoration on a '47 business coupe. It will be my first 100% original restoration after many restomods & customs. I went to my first Early V8 show in '06 and I have been hooked ever since. Sorry, No photos of this one yet.

Re: Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

Restoring a car to original is a rewarding effort. Lots of research and parts hunting! I don't think that you have identified the car correctly. There is a 5 window coupe and a sedan coupe, but no "business coupe" in 1947. Does your car have a full seat in the back?

Re: Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

I thought I would look at the St George link you posted to see what other angle I might see the cars at and found that it was my link that you posted. I was a bit surprised.

Re: Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

I am restoring a 50 F-1 pickup and when it's done, it will be 100% bone stock. It's been a challenge to find stuff for it these past 20 years I've owned it. I miss the old days of flea market hunting, but the internet has helped me find stuff I would never find in the New England area.
I've always been a purist at heart on all the cars and trucks I've owned. I respect others who modify or hotrod what they have, but mine will always be stock as Henry built it!

Barry

50 F-1

Re: Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

I’ve begun working on a 1942 Ford 1 ton panel van with a flathead six. It will be put back to 100% original. It’s a very complete vehicle with very little rust. It will be taken down to the frame and built back up again. Hopefully I’ll have it finished in time for the ATHS National Meet in Springfield MA in May of 2012. Richard

Re: Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

I'm currently restoring a 39 Deluxe wagon and hope to start on a 39 convertible shortly thereafter. I've done a number of '39 & '40 Fords to a very high degree of both quailty and authenticity. Mostly coupes and convertibles. All have scored a minimum of 997 the first time out. Many of you no doubt have seen some of my cars once completed.
I am currently authoring the new '40 restoration manual for the Early Ford V8 Club of America. That said only that you may realize I am perhaps a bit obsessive-compulsive in my pursuit of a truly AUTHENTIC restoration. A 'bit' obsessive may be an understatement :)
Why do I do this? Well, my biggest thrill is the pleasure of seeing what I am personally capable of. The research, the hunt for the proper pieces, etc.,well, when it all comes together, to me, I have created a piece of art... no longer simply an old Ford but more a piece of history to (hopefully) be admired by future generations.

While I appreciate a well planned and well built custom, I do feel there is much more involved with a true top point restoration vs. a custom / refurbishment. There are after all no guidelines / criteria when customizing. Pretty much 'make it fit', 'make it pretty' and 'make it work' are all that's involved. The rest remains completely up to the builders imagination and personal skill level. Also reducing the challenge of a custom is the ease in which parts can be had. I have to beleive a 32 roadster can be built out of a catalog nowadays. Try restoring one and see the difficulty of that venue...

Re: Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

http://i591.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/100_0877.jpg


Just keeping it on the road!

Re: Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

Here is my '50 Crestliner. I bought it from the original owner in 1988 - that is the reason I wanted to restore it back to original. Drove it for almost 20 years while accumulating parts, completed the restoration in 2008 and won a Dearborn Award at the 2008 Grand National Meet in Dearborn.


http://www.earlyfordv8.org/userimage...040140_lrg.jpg

Ken

Re: Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

No pictures at the moment but have a 37 pickup that is stock. I also have a 35 pickup, but I cheated a bit and have a 37 block with blockoffs. Both are 6-V positive ground mechanical brake vehicles. I like them that way. Not interested in shows.

Re: Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

That car looks familiar.

Re: Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

Beautiful Crestliner. Glad to see all original and not chopped. Still ironing out some issues on mine.

Re: Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

Those are some very nice examples of restored cars, great job guys!

I know there are more out there...

Any in-process restorations right now?

Re: Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

Does 98% count?
I'd do 100% but don't have the knowledge or resources to get the right info at this time, and I really want to get it back on the road. I'm straying away from original colors on the wheels and body, but it will be period correct. Not adding any chrome do-dads to the motor and not gonna lower it, chop it, run bigger tires, or even radials.

Here's where I am so far, and also where I started. Since the second picture was taken I've got the frame back on jackstands and took out the rear spring. Shocks are sent out for rebuilt. Spring is dis-assembled, cleaned and painted and ready to go back together once I get the replacement end clamps.

Attachment 27974

Attachment 27975

Re: Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

My '35 Roadster is cast to all four points of the compass in my shed. As the second owner,which we have had since 1963,it was 100% original unmolested car which is why I want to put it back as Henry made it. I'm equally at home at Grand National Celebration in Dearborn or at the Street Rod Nationals in Louisville KY.Just as long as the valves are in the block where they belong.

Re: Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

Re: Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

That's just it, I dont' have a guide to show me the way. I look at as many 36 pickups as I can, I read as many forums as I can, I see what parts are available. Fortunately most are!

I was crazy into Mustangs for many many years. Saw lots of the neatest cars turned into trailer queens and really hated it. I really like staying true to original, but if you can't drive it what's the point. So I won't be searching high and low for NOS Ford parts to restore my truck. I will refurbish and rebuild what is there and make an effort to replicate factory finishes where possible. If bolts were originally black phosphate, well maybe on my truck they'll be sprayed with phosphate spray paint, but I won't be replating them just to dupliate a factory finish. Those procedures will doom the truck to a 10 yr restoration, and like I've said before I want to get this on the road...hopefully this summer!

Re: Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

Vic, when I restore my '50 Ford, I will use it as my guide since it is, until now, a totally unmolested, 9 time Rouge winner. I just take lots of pictures.

Re: Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

Cecil,

You're already off to a good start with that area you buffed on the trunk;).

Ken

Re: Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

Fortunately, my car was quite original when it was bought in 1959 so I could pretty much follow its pattern. Other very helpful sources are the Early Ford V8 Club books about each model year that details much, and, particularly, their concourse judging standards. They are very detailed.

Books are here: https://www.earlyfordv8.org/store-products.cfm?id=2

Judging forms and standards are here: http://www.earlyfordv8.org/early-ford-forms.cfm

One more thing. You've got to get yourself the "Green Bible." It's the 800 page parts book that lists every part for every Ford from 1928 thru 1948. If you wonder whether your car had a part or which part is right for your car, it will tell you and often show you with a diagram. There are several for sale right now on ebay for about $70.00 or you can get it on CD for about $30.00 here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford-...item53e58aad27

Re: Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

im back workin on my39 pickup gonna make it as stock as possible, have pic but havent got a way to get them on computer yet. stock motor all done and running 12 volt not stock but practical driver 4 me now on to body work lots of body work.

Re: Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

That is a really beautiful car.

Thanks for posting the great photo.

TM

Re: Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

Here is a studio shot of my 49 when I went to the Grand National in 2008. This is as original as I could get it. Drove over 700 miles each way. Two 1 day trips. I believes stock will give you the most reliability as it is tried and proven. I painted this car the original gray against others advice. I have had more compliments on a gray car than I would have thought possible. I can appreciate modified but this works for me.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...8/P2210184.jpg

Re: Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

yes, but I been so busy rebuilding the engine and replacing the wiring harness that I don't know when I can finish the buff. Probably with a spray gun.

Re: Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

I can barley keep my junkers running. I do like driving to National meets. Sometimes I am in the Touring class but that good enough for me.I did scrounge up a 50 Ford Crestliner for a driver I hope some day. It looks good but so far I have repaired the wireing,rebuilt steering box and front end end,tires,brakes, dist,rebuilt the gen.,and that just for a start.Maybe someday it will meet my standard as a decent driver.

Re: Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

1941 Ford 1/2ton, correct except for an accessory column mounted signal switch.

Re: Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

Heres are a couple .

Re: Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

The other one.

Re: Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

One more thing. You've got to get yourself the "Green Bible." It's the 800 page parts book that lists every part for every Ford from 1928 thru 1948. If you wonder whether your car had a part or which part is right for your car, it will tell you and often show you with a diagram. There are several for sale right now on ebay for about $70.00 or you can get it on CD for about $30.00 here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford-...item53e58aad27[/QUOTE]
The HUGE PROBLEM with the Green Book is the parts listed are service (replacement) parts and VERY OFTEN not authentic to the car when it was built. Yes, the green book as well as any Ford parts book is helpful but will not necessarily allow the correct information for a top point restoration. To lessen the pitfalls of what I've mentioned above, it is best to get a parts book published as close to possible as to when your particular vehicle was built.
Remember, just because the part fits, doesn't make it correct.

Re: Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

All judging standards differ in some details. Thus, if you're going for points awarded by a particular organization, you've got to comply with their standards, regardless of what was really correct for your vehicle. Usually the standards of clubs like Early Ford V8 Club are closest to reality because that's their goal but still, to get "top points" for your restoration, it's got to be according to the judging standards that you're competing under.

Re: Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

So, where do we get such a book of which you speak? I only know of the Green Bible and how to get that.

Re: Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

[QUOTE=Kube;142787]The HUGE PROBLEM with the Green Book is the parts listed are service (replacement) parts and VERY OFTEN not authentic to the car when it was built.QUOTE]

The book does identify original part numbers that have been superceded by later numbers and even newer parts to replace them with. I think it's a great source of information although perhaps not the final definitive source (whatever that may be.)

Re: Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

Last summer my stock original car was next to a cusomiized fortysomething at a car show and the owners of that car said the same thing - how much harder it is to "fit to a pattern" as authentic restorations require rather than just doing whatever comes naturally that one does with a customization. I like it though - to research and learn the true historical facts in order to recreate a moment in history to "go back in time" to.

Re: Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

You posted the best pictures there were. Hope you didn't think I was taking credit. And thank you again for posting all of those.

Re: Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

The car does not have a seat at all in the back. It is referred to also as a "5-window coupe" for whatever reason by Ford. The sedan coupes also have 5 windows. It is also called by some the "short door coupe" and the sedan coupe is the "long door coupe." In 1947 they were only available in the Deluxe model. Although my research is just beginning, and you are correct that I have a long way to go, I am quickly discovering that this could be the most complicated year of all to restore. The little details from early to late '47 are large in number.

Re: Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

Here's a 40 that this 83 years young fellow did from his memory only, no books. We did the metal work and paint but he completely disassembled and reassembled it himself with his 82 year old wife's assistance. Not a 100 pointer but pretty darn good for eight decade old hands and joints.

Re: Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

Nice Car and story.. looks like more projects waiting in the background.

Re: Any 100% original restorations, past or present?
 

It works for me too. Wow!!! Your car looks fabulous.

TM