Hello from Grand Rapids

[Dutchwonder]

Hello everyone,

So I joined this site in November 2014, and really haven't been back since. I used to post on an old Shoebox forum that's since been shut down. But now my project is beginning to take off once more. It's finally beginning to happen! And since this forum seems a bit more friendly than the HAMB, I thought I'd look around and maybe post some.

This was my grandpa's shoebox. He purchased it used in 1950. At 8:15 at night, on January 11. Yeah, he kept a journal for everything he did with it, which I now have, along with the car which I towed out of my cousins field. #15446, so it was an early model '49. So far we've pulled the flathead out and its now at a friends for metal work. And boy will it need some metal work on those floor pans, and practically everything below the trim line. If it hadn't been in the family for so long, I certainly would be putting money in a different car. But I'm a historian, and I love the thought of bringing this ol girl back to life. So I'll probably see you around this forum more often than before.

And if you're in Grand Rapids, let me know. Would love to meet up with other Shoebox owners!

[corvette8n]

Welcome back, you sure have your work cut out for you, keep us posted on your project. My first car in 1964 was a '50 Tudor sedan, my dad and I refreshed the flathead with new rings,bearings and two new pistons. I kick myself for selling it a couple of years later.

[Dutchwonder]

Thanks!

I'll add that I gave myself 10 years to do it. I have a metal friend, an upholstery friend, and a former NASCAR mechanic who's gonna do the Flatty.

Just need to be patient and do baby steps.

[alanwoodieman]

I also like the thought that it is a family owned car--do you have any history/memories of it?

[Topher5150]

I have a fat fender Ford, but I'm not more than a 15 minute drive, or a push in your case, from you.

[flatford8]

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I like it!!..I drive a '50 Fordor and I'm working on a '51 Tudor. A shoebox is a good car and you'll enjoy it when it's finished. I didn't know '49's had a 3-piece rear window....... Mark

[AKCJ]

Welcome. My 50 shoebox/flathead project is patiently waiting for me to get started. I hope you post the details of your project as you go.

[waterboychuck]

Welcome back. That certainly wasn't the best place to let the car rest, and thank God that tree didn't grow into it. I too have a 10 year project and right now I'm on year 5. I may have to extend.

[38coop]

I also have a 49 club coupe. It's been a long project time wise but is getting close to firing it up for the first time. Going to go through the brake system before that happens.

[TomT/Williamsburg]

Welcome back and keep us posted on your progress ...

[Frank Miller]

The front bumperettes are 50 and the rears are in the wrong place. That journal you have may shed some light on those. Chris at Shoebox central may be a good source of parts and I may have some as well. Attending a national meet of the Early Ford V8 club and volunteering as a novice judge will help immensely in doing a correct restoration. You cannot network too much with a project like this. Even though your friend is a NASCAR mechanic he will need to be aware of maintining the radious on the journals when grinding the crank. You will probably have more into this than you want to but the pride when driving it will be priceless. Good Luck.

[flatford8]

Originally Posted by Frank Miller

The front bumperettes are 50 and the rears are in the wrong place. That journal you have may shed some light on those. Chris at Shoebox central may be a good source of parts and I may have some as well. Attending a national meet of the Early Ford V8 club and volunteering as a novice judge will help immensely in doing a correct restoration. You cannot network too much with a project like this. Even though your friend is a NASCAR mechanic he will need to be aware of maintining the radious on the journals when grinding the crank. You will probably have more into this than you want to but the pride when driving it will be priceless. Good Luck.

Im not trying to steel the thread but can you shed any light on the three piece rear window Frank?...... Mark
PS...... I know it was on Victorias but wasn't that in '51...... Thanks

[JM 35 Sedan]

What Frank said x2. Networking through the EFV-8 Club, their website, here on Fordbarn, and other old Ford organizations and websites will all be great resources in helping get your project completed and back on the road.
The Early Ford V-8 Club will be holding their 2018 Grand National Meet in Dearborn, MI, ~ 150 miles or less from Grand Rapids. Will be plenty of Shoebox Fords and their owners at this meet, so you should give some serious thought on attending this meet.
Welcome back to the Fordbarn, and good luck with your project.

[JSeery]

Welcome back!

[MuskegonFlatheadFan]

Originally Posted by Topher5150

I have a fat fender Ford, but I'm not more than a 15 minute drive, or a push in your case, from you.

Sounds like a garage night sometime. I'm from Muskegon, but am in Grand Rapids every day for work.

[rotorwrench]

It looks like it's not too bad a shape considering your area. Rust belt cars tend to disappear. I have a car that my Pop purchased back in the early 50s and that's the major reason I still have it. I found another one for parts but it's too nice to cut up so I've been using it as my pattern car to fabricate new sheet metal. If it weren't for the sentimental value of the old car, I wouldn't have even considered a restoration. That old 1951 Merc brings back a lot of memories for me and my siblings, from the flathead era through the 60s & 70s.

It looks like yours is similar in color to mine (Luxor Maroon on the Mercury). It looks like your Grandpa tried to doll it up a bit. It was likely a good looking car back in the day.

[MuskegonFlatheadFan]

Originally Posted by rotorwrench

It looks like your Grandpa tried to doll it up a bit. It was likely a good looking car back in the day.

I was thinking that too, and wonder if that's what's up with the back window. Could even be just applied trim, on the glass.

[fordy_nine]

The rear window trim is from the J.C. Whitney catalog or other aftermarket supplier. The rear bumper guards are just mounted in the wrong bumper/bracket holes- an easy fix...........Bob L

[flatford8]

Ok..... thanks for the answer on trim..... I would like to have '49 in my garage with the '50 and '51..... good luck with your project..... alot of great help here..... Mark

[Mike in AZ]

welcome back....thanks for the pics...and keep us updated along the way....Mike