My new '38 Deluxe Sedan Tudor

[Dick Weldon]

Hi,
I just acquired a 1938 Ford Deluxe Sedan Tudor with a 59AB motor. It Cranks, but as yet hasn't started. The fellow I got it from says the fuel tank is junk with junk in it and might have messed up the carb. I plan on replacing the entire fuel system. Any suggestions on sources?

Also, just how concerned should I eventually be regarding over heating? I'm preparred to replace the radiator and have the water pumps rebuilt by a guy in Florida, if necessary.

So, as a Flathead Rookie, what can you guys tell me?

Thanks for letting me join your group.

[ford38v8]

Hi Dick, welcome to the Barn! I would suggest, as a first Get~Your~Feet~Wet project, get to know your carburetor before tearing into anything else. Take it apart by the book, clean it, rebuild it by the book. As one of the best books out there is also one of the cheapest, get yourself an old original copy of MoToRs Manual, say, about the 11th Edition. Any newer than that starts to edit the older information to make room for the new.

Take your time, don't rush into replacing things before you are sure of the need, and always remember, NOS or Early Take Off is always better than new, 'cause the old saying "They don't make 'em like that anymore" was never more true than it is today.

[Dick Weldon]

Thanks, Alan. I appreciate your comments. I'll get a copy and go from there. I'd surely rather spend money where needed.

[Snouts out]

Get the radiator rodded out,I'm sure it's full of something. New water pumps,new head gaskets,& new fuel pump.Get the carb rebuilt& change the fluids.Let us know how it goes..,

[39topless]

The 38-39 Ford Book sold on the Early Ford V8 Club site is a good source. It's not a "How To" but will tell you what you're looking at.

[38 coupe]

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You should be able to get your fuel tank cleaned out and sealed at a radiator shop. If your tank is really shot you can purchase a reproduction tank. Be aware that the fuel tank installs on top of the frame, below the body. It can get interesting to remove a fuel tank on a 35-40 Ford.

When you rebuild your carburetor, buy the little vat that the better parts places sell. It makes a big difference on how clean you get the carburetor parts. Don't vat the float.

[Bruce in southern OH]

Hi Dick, start reading all the threads on the barn, it is invaluable. Learn to use the search in upper right of discussion V8 section. I am doing what you are starting now. Read - http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=144347, I have done several things with the Lincoln you are just asking, hope it gives you some info, Bruce

[Dick Weldon]

Wow. Do we have to raise the body? Do we take it out with the filler neck attached?

[Dick Weldon]

Originally Posted by 39topless

The 38-39 Ford Book sold on the Early Ford V8 Club site is a good source. It's not a "How To" but will tell you what you're looking at.

Thanks. I joined the site and ordered the book.

[Dick Weldon]

Originally Posted by ford38v8

Hi Dick, welcome to the Barn! I would suggest, as a first Get~Your~Feet~Wet project, get to know your carburetor before tearing into anything else. Take it apart by the book, clean it, rebuild it by the book. As one of the best books out there is also one of the cheapest, get yourself an old original copy of MoToRs Manual, say, about the 11th Edition. Any newer than that starts to edit the older information to make room for the new.

Take your time, don't rush into replacing things before you are sure of the need, and always remember, NOS or Early Take Off is always better than new, 'cause the old saying "They don't make 'em like that anymore" was never more true than it is today.

Ordered the book. Thanks.

[jimTN]

Get the 38-40 service bulletin book by Post, look on Amazon for a used one, they are out of print. Also recommend "Early v-8 Ford SERVICE MANUAL" by Victor Page, out of print but again check Amazon and Ebay. An excellent how do illustrated book.
If its not running, you do not know if it will overheat. If it does, you can get it cleaned which will help some but usually the cause is salt cor. where the fins attach to the tubes, not visible and not fixable without a new core. Gas tank should come out without raising the body if you can get the filler neck off. Gas tanks can be cleaned on the inside by a competent shop with muratic (swimming pool acid) acid and coated. Fuel puimp will have to have the diaphram replaced with a alch. resistant version and I am sure the points need cleaning. Do not remove the dist without first a clear understanding of how it works and is attached which you can read about in the service bulletins.

[rick r]

Congrats, my first car was a 38 Tudor Delux. If your car still has the mechanical brakes, get rid of them and convert to hydraulic. Lots of info on here about converting. I will get lots of opposition to this post from the purists, but if mechanicals are so great Ford would be still using them. SAFETY FIRST

[38Tudor]

Great car you have! Enjoy!
I love my mechanical brakes. As with any brake system, if they are in tip top shape they work perfect.

[OLD...BILL]

GOODNIGHT buy this buy that. yes the books good info. and the water pumps to skip. you going in the right direction, with the carb off. tape the opening, be safe. now pull the sparkplugs and put some MMO. (marvel mystery oil ) in each cyclinder and let it soak, put plugs back in, just finger tight, a week or so, snug the plugs, pull the tape off the intake, crank it over a time or two, now do a compression test, ( all plugs out for this test ) and record same. Fuel pump, yes you can clean and replace the diaphragm in the pump, BUT it must be "corngas " prof. todays corngas will eat it and the fuel pickup hose ... keep reading this thirad, it's full of good stuff. the gas fill tube has a 4 inch long rubber hose connection at the gas tank, must remove, so tank will come out, you may haft to raise the body to get tank out ?? ..... OLD .....BILL

[36coupe]

Hey Dick
How is the car coming along?

[RalphG]

Raise the body to remove the tank? I don't like the sound of that. I have been looking at my 39 to see if I can get the tank out but don't want to have to raise the body. So far I can not get the drain plug out. If I could do that I think I would just flush it and hope for the best.

[ford38v8]

Ralph, I think you read too much into that post. It said "it can get interesting".