33 Ford unreliable
 

So here's the dilemma. My friend is no mechanic and has a 33 Ford fordor he bought about 1992. It has mostly set around as he had overheating and starting problems with it. He took it to some guy in Hayward, CA and spent some big bucks getting it in running order. I think his Blackhawk address helped to get him fleeced and the car never was one that anyone could jump in and drive ten miles without using their AAA card to get home. About the only changes it has that should affect it is the engine is now a 59AB block and it has been converted to 12 volt and hydraulic brakes. So the question is, is there a reputable repair facility in the east bay, preferably close to Danville where he would be able to get honest appraisal and work to make it a driver instead of a butt of jokes? I'd like to hear you recommendations.

Re: 33 Ford unreliable
 

Send out the carburetor and coil to be rebuilt, install and drive without failures!

Re: 33 Ford unreliable
 

It should be reliable once the bugs are worked out. Have your friend join the Early Ford V8 Club in his area (https://www.earlyfordv8.org/Regional_Club_Directory.cfm) or at least attend a meeting and ask about a good place to go for mechanical work.

Charlie Stephens

Re: 33 Ford unreliable
 

Overheating problems can be as simple as a distributor that needs to be properly adjusted to something like a cracked block that could get very expensive to repair. If your friend doesn't do repairs himself, he needs to find a flathead friendly shop that can properly diagnose and repair the problems. As others mention, the local EFV8 club members would be your best bet on finding help in that respect.

Re: 33 Ford unreliable
 

They can be made reliable,as they were when new,ours does thousands of miles ,next month we are off in it to Ayers rock,a 7500 klm trip.
still 6V and mechanical brakes,
Lawrie

Re: 33 Ford unreliable
 

Look up East Bay Speed and Custom in Concord Ca. Brandon can do it, or connect you with someone that can...

Re: 33 Ford unreliable
 

Well maybe if you could be more specific, about what is the actual problem now, we could get a better understanding of what your friend needs to do to make it more reliable. maybe a helpful mechanically savvy barner lives close by and could give the car a once-over and could pinpoint the problem. It might be something really simple.

Mart.

Re: 33 Ford unreliable
 

You might want to find someone qualified and look at everything about the car carefully. before contemplating taking it to a shop. I have found that 12 volt conversions and hydraulic brakes can be "band-aid" fixes applied by people who do not fully understand these cars and do not know how to repair them properly. I would start with the wiring harnesses, connections, and grounds along with the attendant electrical parts (coil, distributor, etc.) and make sure everything is in top shape. A hacked-up, patched together wiring harness is a prime place for electrical problems to start.

Sure, there are legitimate reasons to upgrade the systems on these cars, and most of the people (especially on here) know what they're doing and do good work. You just don't know when, why, or who on this car.

Re: 33 Ford unreliable
 

You're in California, the place hotrods are born. Can't you tosh a hat without hitting a place? Call Tims place given!


Try H&H for advice. Good people.

Re: 33 Ford unreliable
 

All good advice but I would second Charlie's recommendation. There are dozens of V-8 Club Chapters in CA and most have a lot of great early Ford mechanics willing to help.

Re: 33 Ford unreliable
 

A full tank of 1992 fuel in the tank is going to be a significant issue. Hold of on installing the rebuilt carb until ensuring the rest of the fuel system is pristine. 99% of troubles with a 33 Ford are likely to be solved with improved 6 volt electrical components and a clean, reliable fuel system. Each of these two areas will feel a bit intimidating, at first, but remarkably simple with a "guiding light" from a veteran in your area.