The Ford Barn

AzBob · 01-13-2026, 11:16 PM

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.

farmertom · 01-14-2026, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AzBob

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.

AZBob,good luck with your transition.

corvette8n · 01-14-2026, 10:44 AM

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.

tubman · 01-14-2026, 12:53 PM

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.

mhsprecher · 01-14-2026, 03:32 PM

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.

BlueSunoco · 01-14-2026, 03:32 PM

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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

AzBob · 01-15-2026, 10:46 AM

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

OHV DeLuxe · 01-21-2026, 06:29 AM

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.

petehoovie · 01-21-2026, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OHV DeLuxe

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.

Bored&Stroked · 01-21-2026, 07:26 PM

That is one Hell of an upgrade - congrats!

AzBob · 01-21-2026, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bored&Stroked

That is one Hell of an upgrade - congrats!

X2! Very nice OHV DeLuxe.

BlueSunoco · 01-23-2026, 11:45 AM

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!!

01-13-2026, 11:16 PM	#21
AzBob Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: N.Central Arizona Posts: 237	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.

01-14-2026, 10:44 AM	#23
corvette8n Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: 36 miles north of Albany NY Posts: 3,323	Re: Thinking about upgrading from Model A to Early V8 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.

01-14-2026, 12:53 PM	#24
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 12,132	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. Last edited by tubman; 01-14-2026 at 01:01 PM.

01-14-2026, 03:32 PM	#25
mhsprecher Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Takoma Park, MD Posts: 3,025	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. __________________ 1910 Model T Touring 1924 Model T Coupe 1928 Model A Roadster 1930 Model A Town Sedan 1939 Deluxe Fordor 1945 pickup 1951 Custom convertible

01-14-2026, 03:32 PM	#26
BlueSunoco Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Windy City Posts: 1,091	Re: Thinking about upgrading from Model A to Early V8 Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) 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 Last edited by BlueSunoco; 01-23-2026 at 11:42 AM.

01-15-2026, 10:46 AM	#27
AzBob Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: N.Central Arizona Posts: 237	Re: Thinking about upgrading from Model A to Early V8 Thanks to all for the comments and recommendations. Lots of food for thought.

01-21-2026, 07:26 PM	#30
Bored&Stroked Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 5,906	Re: Thinking about upgrading from Model A to Early V8 That is one Hell of an upgrade - congrats!

01-23-2026, 11:45 AM	#32
BlueSunoco Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Windy City Posts: 1,091	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!!