Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

I get a lot of kidding about me crossing over to the proverbial dark side.
As many of you may know, I've a long history of '39 / '40 restorations. Going back (good grief) for over fifty years.
Somewhere along the line I softened up I suppose and began to fill the ol' bucket list.
Relevant to this thread, that list included a '36 roadster and a '36 three-window. Both of those are currently fully restored to original specifications.
Check and check.
The list also included a '36 sedan delivery.
Check.
Just brought this one home about eight weeks ago. I was chasing this one for about eleven years. Without the huge help from my friend Bryan, this acquisition would never have happened.
The delivery is in remarkable condition. It shows 34,000 miles and from what I have ascertained thus far, that's most likely accurate. This car was purported to have been in storage since at least 1964.
I have had only a little time to dive into this seriously but have begun to disassemble it.
The body is as nice as it appears in the photos. Most of the factory pinstripe remains intact. I believe all the parts are there, with the exception of headliner bows; a blessing as delivery specific parts are pretty much unobtaniums.
The doors close smoothly and align well. Both seats are present.
A huge stash of parts came with the vehicle, many NOS. I'm very excited to have this and looking forward to the project.
I took the drums off the other day and was happily surprised to find all four drums appear to be as new.

Re: Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

Wow Mike, great to finally see the "unveiling" of the Delivery......great piece to add to the 36 stable!!!!! thanks for the pictures

Re: Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

Very cool. I know it's not your thing, but I hope you leave the patina as found. That would be one cool looking car while retaining its commercial past history.

Re: Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

No you just love oldFords, my first choice when I wanted a pre-war Ford was a 1936 rumble seat coupe like my Dads first car. The reality of restored cars was I couldn’t afford them and I’m too old to start a project. I looked a 1937,38,39 and 40 Fords but all of them out of reach. I settled on a nice ‘41 coupe that I could afford and didn’t need any work. Can’t wait to see pictures when your done.

Re: Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

I choose to stick with a '40 because parts seem easier to find in this market. With Mike's reputation, those who love their '36 trust that it will live long and well with him. My family's car during the War was a '36 coupe, as pictured with my USMC dad holding this baby. Good Luck: Fred A

Re: Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

i'd rather see dark fenders and lighter sides, but that's subjective and think you should do what makes You happy.

Re: Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1754491334

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1754491460

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1754491334

Mike's new project - 1936 Ford Sedan Delivery

Re: Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

I would preserve the patina, investigate to see if an original company name on the side can be brought out, install rear view cameras, and drive the wheels off it!

Re: Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

Tim, I have not ruled out simply making this super road worthy / reliable and leaving the appearance as it is.
There was a time, one time, that I did just that.
Can I do that twice? Hmm...

Re: Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

My heart aches for that 34 5 window Mike!!!

Re: Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

I'll never forget the first 1936 I saw in person. I was 9 years old and walking home from school. It was the last day of school. On the way home a guy was visiting my neighbor and drove his 36 Ford 5 window. Beautiful original car. Knowing what I know now I believe it was a "springtime color", almost a turquoise. Went home with a smile on my face. Got to see an old Ford and didn't have to worry about school for the summer. That night Bobby Kennedy was shot in L.A., June 5th of 1968.

Re: Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

I have long liked 36's, although they have a stubby look. 39 is the post 34 styling pinnacle for Fords, so I understand why you have done them for so long.

Re: Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1754526005

1934 Ford Five Window Coupe with Patina

Re: Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

Kube, I don't; I reckon you've crossed FROM the dark side, 35-36 Ford's are where it's at!!

Re: Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

Kube, Shine some light on the dark side. For me, all of the 32-40 Fords have endearing qualities. Especially well preserved originals. I humbly suggest that you do a good mechanical restoration and retain as much of the wonderful originality of the car. As you know, commercial V8s were mostly abused and run into the ground. To find a sedan delivery of this unrestored survivor quality is so very rare. Enjoy your new V-8.

Re: Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

Mike,


Whatever happened to the '34? I remember it, but one day it was just gone.

Re: Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

Kube, you are a man of outstanding taste. Your restorations are done so incredibly well, and now with this enlarged photo above you have proven to us that you also know exactly how to 'not restore' a car. No fake stuff, no wax or oil, no clear coat.... You didn't even polish the dull hubcaps. I say 'Do it Again!' You're very good at it.

Re: Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

I love your "...you also know exactly how to 'not restore' a car."
Thanks for the smile on this beautiful morning :)

Re: Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

Well said. I know I'm in the minority in that I love and hunt down used original stuff with the intent of keeping it that way. In my opinion, this old commercial earned its stripes and it would be an honor to keep it that way.

Looking forward to seeing the progress on this old girl. I know it's in good hands.

Re: Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

Put me down in the leave it like it is category. "Rusty" is just how I got him from the PO, Studebaker bed and all.

Re: Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

That sedan delivery just found a good home.

Re: Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

Sedan deliveries are cool. With all the stuff that my wife packs for a tour along with the stuff for the pooch I think I now need one!

Re: Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

Love it!

Re: Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

Have you ever driven one? Unless you hang a set of large, ugly outside mirrors on them, you have extremely limited rear vision. I share your wants and desires, but a couple of test drives made me a little more realistic.

However, this one appears so nice that it would even convert me. I'm sure whatever Mike decides to do with it, it'll turn out great!

Re: Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

I have heard exactly what you state. Of course, me being me, I need to find out for myself. :)

A pair of NOS outer mirrors came with the delivery. I need to remove the hinge pins. Any of us that have done that know it's a task worth putting off.

Re: Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

Did you guys catch that! He's getting ready to install the mirrors. It appears to me that this little gem is gonna continue as a real "Patina Queen." I can hardly wait.
I have wondered if Kube has a special way of finding vehicles or if they have a special way of finding him!!!!!!! LOL

Re: Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

You are hilarious!
Thanks for that smile :)

Just came in from removing the front clip. I'll pull the heads and intake and take a look inside that engine. Fingers crossed ...

Re: Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

Amazing find job well done!

You have all of the upcoming winter to work on it:)

Super neat '36 love it!

Re: Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

Hey - the dark side is not so bad! Just think of all the time and money you save in leaving them in their patina’d beauty! AND you can park it anywhere you want at cruise night and watch everyone come to check out your car vs the nice shiny version ones all around you!

Re: Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1754797792

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...;d=1754797800"

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1754797808

We have all heard of a 1936 Ford Town Car, the closed car with the area over the driver open.
On that basis, this example must be a 1936 Ford Town Delivery.

Re: Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

Looks like I amgonna welcome you into the 12,000 club LOL. Is this a factory made vehicle or a custom job?

Re: Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

I think that one is used to carry someone to their final destination!

Re: Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

I am still wondering if this is someones creation or is it one of those "specials" like the Ute that the "special" folks down under were so SPECIAL got to buy?LOL

Re: Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

Ya know guys, a large part of the enjoyment I get from these cars is attempting to figure the history of each the best I am able.
This delivery is already proving to be a mystery.
I am 99% certain this car sat since 1964.
So, I have just removed the cylinder heads and intake. There is a very small amount of carbon on the top of the valves and at the very top of each cylinder. So little on the cylinders, I was able to easily wipe it away with a scrubby pad.
The heads came off literally in less than 15 minutes.
Engine is .060" over bore. Extremely clean in the valley.
Turns over by hand very nicely with just the "feel" I desire.
So, why would someone rebuild and install an engine, hardly drive it and place the car in storage?
Oh, odometer shows 34k, oil sticker shows 33k.
Any theories?

Re: Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

To me, it seems odd that the motor would require a rebuild after thirty thousand miles.
Tom

Re: Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

Rebuild at 30,000 miles was common in the 1930s. The roads were mostly dirt and gravel so lots of dust to tear up the rings and cylinder walls, the lubricants were crude compared to modern oils, and no there was no oil filter on the engine. Engines wore out before the car did. One of Ford's advertised selling points was their engine exchange program, get a factory reconditioned engine installed in your car in one day instead of whatever quality and time it took a local shop to go through your worn out engine.


One possibility for why the car got a rebuilt engine and was parked is the same as some projects today: the owner was older and fixing up a car that was special to him, but health issues got to him before he could drive and enjoy his labor.

Re: Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

I think your theory is probably a good one.

Also, I agree 100% as to how quickly engines wore outback then. Even as late as the early / mid 60's, it was not unusual to rebuild an engine at 75k. Valve job? 40k.
I think many folks forget just how poorly things were built / designed, etc. back then vs. today.

Re: Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

Being a delivery it may have had lots and lots of short journeys. Hence accelerating the wear at relatively low mileage.
From what you've found it seems like it will respond to a sympathetic recommissioning. I await further progress with interest.

Re: Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

The school year 62-63 I worked in the afternoons at an auto repair shop. I was introduced to the Sioux valve grinder early on and became the soul operator. I don't know how many valves I resurfaced that school year but it was a lot. I would venture that most cars end up in the salvage yard before having a valve job now. 60-70 years ago many engines had 2 or 3 valve jobs before their demise.

Re: Some believe I've crossed over to the dark side. 39/40 vs. '36
 

I wonder if it was used as a commercial vehicle as intended, could be while the motor was being rebuilt, the business realized that their "replacement" truck was better suited for the particular job at hand and kept using the new one, so this old girl got demoted until the new owner bought out. We all know what happens to old projects full of good intentions.