Thinking about upgrading from Model A to Early V8
 

Hi Early V8 members,

I am considering selling the Model A and purchasing a mid '30's Ford V8 coupe. What I am looking for is the sweet spot of the 1930's. The 1932 to '34's are typically too expensive for my budget. I am thinking a '35 or '36. What say you?:)

Re: Thinking about upgrading form Model A to Early V8
 

Years ago, a buddy of mine with. Model A Victoria and I did a drive comparison between his A and my ‘32 Victoria. There was a huge difference in smoothness and power, and ride comfort and sense of stability. I have two A’s and they were my first love, but V8’s are so much more comfortable. That said, a Model A will almost always start, and if a V8 sits for a while, you’ll sometimes be messing with it for a while to get it running. They are different beasts, and I love the total engagement of driving a Model A, but if you want more comfort and the ability to feel a bit more confident out in today’s traffic, a V8 is better in my opinion. I’ve never owned a ‘35 or ‘36, but I’m sure they were a solid advancement from my ‘32. And they’re more expensive than something like a ‘42-48. ‘49-53 are better drivers yet. It’s really a matter of taste and desire. It would be great to keep the A and find a nice running V8 in a less costly body style!!??? Good luck; there are no wrong answers with old Fords if you like to drive them.

Re: Thinking about upgrading form Model A to Early V8
 

For pre-war I'd recommend checking out a 39 for floor shift or 40 for column shift. You get hydraulic brakes, better transmission shifting and a much improved steering box and geometry over the earlier cars plus increased cabin room. You might find 35-38's that have been modified with some of these attributes as well. Post war early V8's are an absolute bargain. 46-48 cars are so insanely cheap to buy these day. They offer more refined mechanicals, ride quality, driveability and even larger cabins in comparison. I have a 34, 40 and a 47 from brand X and each has its pluses and minuses. Its a buyers market, try on a lot for size before you decide.

Re: Thinking about upgrading form Model A to Early V8
 

By sweet spot, I assume you mean the intersection of price and desirability.
3W any year & '39-'40 5W = most valuable.
'37 & up has best steering & transmission, '39 is best floor shift. Early column shift can be a bit troublesome.
'37-'38 has best mechanical brakes, hydraulic started in '39 being not so good for seldom driven cars. Comfort of the 30's is spartan early, comfort later. '37-'38 used to be ugly ducklings, the coupes less desirable & lower cost, have now gained their rightful place in the mix. Overall the best combination of comfort, reliability, & value, just my opinion, don't look at my avatar.

Re: Thinking about upgrading form Model A to Early V8
 

...love my '41. :)

Re: Thinking about upgrading form Model A to Early V8
 

35,36,38,39 would be my choice, but if you want a long distance, ride, go with a 50, 51.

Re: Thinking about upgrading form Model A to Early V8
 

A 38' Ford standard coupe has a beautiful front clip.

Re: Thinking about upgrading from Model A to Early V8
 

Thanks to all who have replied. Plenty of food for thought moving forward.

Bruce_MO "It would be great to keep the A and find a nice running V8 in a less costly body style!!???”

That would be the best of both worlds. However, due to limited space only have room for one old car at a time. Thanks for the “A” to “V8” driving experience.

The Art Doctor "You might find ’35-'38's that have been modified with some of these attributes as well."

I have seen a few for sale with a later flathead V8 and transmission installed. I would be ok with that as long as the swap was neat and done correctly.

ford38v8 "By sweet spot, I assume you mean the intersection of price and desirability.”

Correct. Thanks for pointing out the advantages of ’37 - ’38’s and what to consider regarding hydraulic brakes on the ’39.

hueyhoolihan"...love my ’41.”

I’ll bet your ’41 is a hoot to drive.

Planojc"35,36,38,39 would be my choice, but if you want a long distance, ride, go with a 50, 51.”

Not doing long distance only local drives thank you.

47topless "A 38' Ford standard coupe has a beautiful front clip."

I agree.:)

Re: Thinking about upgrading from Model A to Early V8
 

Hard to pick - it all depends on what style you like, what mechanical abilities you have to work on, restore and maintain a car. As others have said, a 39+ car will have better brakes, steering and ride (and room), but you have to also like the car itself. I love the looks of 36 Fords, but they are pricey if you're looking for a 3-window coupe . . . 5 windows are cheaper and 2-door sedans are quite common. But, the running gear is sort of 1-year only (though it can be upgraded).

If you're into sedans, one can find quite a few 2-door sedans at affordable prices - and they can haul people and "stuff" a lot better than other models (on the inside that is).

I'd look for the highest quality car you can find and go for it!

Re: Thinking about upgrading from Model A to Early V8
 

39 Ford Standard 2 door sedan ....... Tried to buy my friends Standard 10 years ago because I liked it so much....he still has it.....

Re: Thinking about upgrading from Model A to Early V8
 

I'll never own all the cars on my bucket list but there's nothing wrong with doing more than one. Ford made exceptional cars during the time of Edsel Ford's control of design. Having Bob Gregorie to help was also a good thing. A lot o folks don't know that Edsel signed off on the car that became the 1949 Mercury before he died. The war got in the way so it had to wait till 1949 but at least it came to pass.

The later the year of manufacture, the more complex they get and the fact they have more comfort and power doesn't hurt either. The Model Ts and As will still have their place for fun and simplicity. They are easier to restore as well. The next owner will get to experience that too. My Pop had a 1935 Ford standard Tudor during the war. He went from one end of the country to the other during his flight training and that old car got him through it.

Re: Thinking about upgrading from Model A to Early V8
 

Grand Dad’s 1936? pickup and Dad’s 1939 standard coupe (I think.) Not long after his return from service in WWII. These old Fords are in my DNA. :)
House and cars are long gone.

Re: Thinking about upgrading from Model A to Early V8
 

Re: Thinking about upgrading form Model A to Early V8
 

The '38 STANDARD would be my choice as well...
https://external-content.duckduckgo....c9c1120084ea1c

Re: Thinking about upgrading from Model A to Early V8
 

"Come on in, the water is FINE!!!"

Re: Thinking about upgrading from Model A to Early V8
 

This unrestored one showed up today on FB marketplace. It's more my style than the blue one in Tennesee and I can see Whidbey Island from my kitchen window. (View is directly at NAS Whidbey), the coupe is just a little South of there. But alas, not in the cards for me. If a person wants a restored car, just buy a finished one, not this one. Way ahead in $ that way. But.... How cool to get it running/driving and bomb around Orcas Island in this thing?

https://www.facebook.com/share/1C4AfqoZHS/

Re: Thinking about upgrading from Model A to Early V8
 

@petehoovie
Thanks for the enlargement. I have tried to do that myself using different attach methods always posts as a thumbnail. :(

GB Sisson, thanks for the link to the ’39 standard coupe. Looking for one in a little better condition. Agree would be fun “bombing around” Orcas Island in it.

I’m going by advice often seen on the forums. “Buy one in the best condition you can afford.”

Re: Thinking about upgrading from Model A to Early V8
 

AZ Bob,i am considering selling my '37 fordor sedan.i love the car but as my body fails me besides having both hip joints replaced its getting harder to do the maintence required.im thinking of getting into a little more modern car say like a '51,'52,'53,'54 that i could drive and tinker on. nobody here will work on the early fords. the '37 before me was owned by a man since 1956 and kept in a climate controlled garage un till i purchased in 2000. in the six yrs ive done a considerable amount to it.new carb,front seat belts,wired in led third brake light, new modern radial tires,new 6volt battery,im sure there is more.i have a folder full of receips from po and myself. Tom.

Re: Thinking about upgrading from Model A to Early V8
 

I will say that my '37 Tudor is the best running and driving V8 I've ever had. The '37 models and up have a better steering box. I have the '39 synchronizer in the transmission also. The car will flat run 65-70 mph comfortably. Having said this, none of my cars a junkers. Some have older paint jobs but all are mechanically reliable.

Re: Thinking about upgrading from Model A to Early V8
 

Totally get that. I'm pretty spoiled because our old cars and trucks are real easy at the island's 40 mph top speed. Nobody up ahead in your 70 mph lane stomping on their 4 wheel disc abs brakes.

Re: Thinking about upgrading from Model A to Early V8
 

Farmertom, I can somewhat relate to the physical issues you are going through. I have had my own recently. Selling your ’37 and going a little more modern seems like a sound idea.

I am not ready to purchase anything right now. I have to sell the Model A first before I can seriously begin to look. (No room.) Just getting recommendations and ideas from you knowledgeable Early V8 folks at this time.

Re: Thinking about upgrading from Model A to Early V8
 

AZBob,good luck with your transition. ;)

Re: Thinking about upgrading from Model A to Early V8
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/pictu...ictureid=28875

I started out looking for a 1936 rumble seat coupe like my dad had, but anything decent was way out of my price range. I then looked at 37,38,39,40 coupes but the same thing, anything nice was out of my budget. I then found a ‘41 sedan coupe that was nice and nearby and in my price range.

Re: Thinking about upgrading from Model A to Early V8
 

If you're going to do it, go all the way. I have had a real nice '51 Ford coupe for the last 38 years. I had wanted a '36 3-window all of my life and I finally got one on the mid-90's. I spent a couple of years "making it my own". I drove it for about 10 years and became increasingly disappointed with the driving experience. It was cramped inside, I found the floor shift inconvenient, the lights were weak, and the banjo wheel so thin that my hands cramped up after any significant driving time. Also, the lack of a decent heater kept it in the shop on some pretty nice fall days. Luckily, the one guy that agreed to buy my '51 had backed out of the deal and I still had it. I sold the '36, and still drive the '51.

The only bad thing about the '51 is the lack of power steering now that I'm in my eighties. I am fortunate to live in a small town, so with foresight and planning, I can avoid situations where it is absolutely necessary. I'd like find someone to add it and also complete the installation of the overdrive transmission. I've already installed an "improved" '51 Mercury engine, so performance, both in traffic and on the highway is more than adequate.

So I would seriously consider going to a "shoebox" or maybe a '52-'53 for the maximum benefit. Otherwise, you'll probably be facing a similar decision a few years down the line.

Re: Thinking about upgrading from Model A to Early V8
 

Good luck in your search. I'd avoid a V860 if you get a standard. I have never owned one, but have always heard about how underpowered the cars are with one. Others may have differing opinions.

I do have a 51 Ford that I love. The steering is tough. I also have a 39 sedan that I don't drive enough. It drives well. Hard to beat a Model A, though.

Re: Thinking about upgrading from Model A to Early V8
 

AzBob... yes hoping for the best for your transition! We have a '30 Roadster and a '36 PU. I like both of them for what they are, and they ARE different beasts, that '36 will get out and scoot! But the Model A is a bit easier to work on and good parts seem to be easier to come by.
I have been told too the '37 steering is easier and yes the '39-'40 Ford shifting is better.
I'm like FarmerTom in the 'mobility' category.
My favorite early V-8 was always a '35 or a '36 three window, they are beautiful cars!

Good luck let us know how you fare:)

Re: Thinking about upgrading from Model A to Early V8
 

Thanks to all for the comments and recommendations. Lots of food for thought. :)

Re: Thinking about upgrading from Model A to Early V8
 

I recently went from model A to a 1936 3w and the difference in those 4 years from 1931 to the 1935-40 chassis wise is incredible. 1935-39 would be my choice also because of styling and floor shift.

Re: Thinking about upgrading from Model A to Early V8
 

Re: Thinking about upgrading from Model A to Early V8
 

That is one Hell of an upgrade - congrats!

Re: Thinking about upgrading from Model A to Early V8
 

X2! Very nice OHV DeLuxe. :)

Re: Thinking about upgrading from Model A to Early V8
 

OHV Deluxe:):)


Oh my gosh beautiful car! I absolutely love the three window coupes, '35-'
36's you can't go wrong with them and yes, those early flathead Fords are WAY above and beyond a Model A Ford as far as driving and such,, a lot more road worthy!
LOVE your car that is super cool!!