The Ford Barn

Lawson Cox · 10-01-2023, 08:09 PM

As most of you who know me are aware, I have enjoyed the hobby of personally restoring, showing and touring in vintage cars and trucks, mostly early 1930s Fords, for over 50 years. Age and physical limitations have finally taken their toll and I am simply unable to continue undertaking total "body off the frame" restorations. Hey, I am even afraid to drive a vintage vehicle any more.

Over the past couple of years,however, I have managed to stay busy with "small stuff". I managed to locate, purchase and cosmetically restore, a neat little 1939 Ford Flathead V8 60HP engine with a rare commercial transmission attached. This project started out as just something to have on display in my own shop, for my enjoyment only. I have wanted to undertake such a project since my early high school days in the middle 1940s, but real life kept getting in the way.. .

As I progressed with the little 60HP project, I had an epiphany. Why not just donate the completed project to the Early Ford V8 Foundation Museum in Auburn, Indiana when I ride off into the sunset. where other Old Car Guys will be able to enjoy looking at the rare Ford "Thrifty Sixty" I contacted the museum and they gladly accepted the project engine to be displayed there,.along with other fine Ford memorabilia of all kinds.

Wanting to display the engine in the most favorable light, I designed and had a nice custom display stand built to display it on.

I am pleased to announce that the engine has been picked up by the museum from my shop in Covington, GA and is on its way to the museum in Auburn, IN as this announcement is being made.

I want to thank many other Old Ford Lovers and friends from all over the country, who donated time, money, advice and several rare, scearce and much needed original 60HP parts to my project. God Bless each and every one of you.

Lawson

1952henry · 10-01-2023, 09:46 PM

Job well done, Mr. Cox!

cas3 · 10-01-2023, 10:37 PM

Good news Lawson !

cadillac512 · 10-01-2023, 10:52 PM

Well done,sir. Quite an accomplishment and honor.

Terry

petehoovie · 10-01-2023, 11:11 PM

Lawson's V8-60 Engine

leon bee · 10-02-2023, 01:08 AM

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Very nice all around.

miniceptor86 · 10-02-2023, 06:47 AM

Good on ya!

corvette8n · 10-02-2023, 07:37 AM

I plan on going to the museum in May 2024, I’ll be sure to look a Lawson work.

Zeke3 · 10-02-2023, 08:09 AM

Congratulations Lawson, your display engine will be a great addition to the museum.

51504bat · 10-02-2023, 08:21 AM

Glad petehoovie assisted with posting photos so we can see the finished product.

Ol' Ron · 10-02-2023, 08:37 AM

God bless you Lawson, at 90 I feel lost, but I find my way yo work out in the sop every day. It's nice to be surrounded by old friends.
Gramps

Lawson Cox · 10-02-2023, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ol' Ron

God bless you Lawson, at 90 I feel lost, but I find my way yo work out in the sop every day. It's nice to be surrounded by old friends.
Gramps

Thanks Ron. Yes. It is getting a little more lonely as old friends pass on.

Planojc · 10-02-2023, 08:54 AM

Good job Lawson.

Als48 · 10-02-2023, 09:46 AM

Great work Lawson! Thanks for your time, effort and expenses. I'll certainly check it
out the next time I'm there.

Al Hook

5851a · 10-02-2023, 10:59 AM

That looks great, and nice job on the stand also. Great donation.

30ccpickup · 10-03-2023, 05:35 AM

Very nice! Mr. Cox, what are the differences between the standard and the commercial transmissions.

scicala · 10-03-2023, 10:07 AM

Great job Lawson. Nice carburetor (ha ha).

Sal

Lawson Cox · 10-03-2023, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scicala

Great job Lawson. Nice carburetor (ha ha).

Sal

It sure is a nice carbutetor. Thanks again. I had to correct someone when they criticized me for not having an 81 on it. LOL

KiWinUS · 10-03-2023, 10:24 AM

I thought that carburetor was 1940 only?

1936 ford pickup · 10-03-2023, 11:38 AM

Hello Lawson Cox....You did a wonderful job with the V8 60 HP Engine, Transmission and Stand....Congratulations on a very nice display....

Bruce in California.

scicala · 10-03-2023, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KiWinUS

I thought that carburetor was 1940 only?

It was used in '39 and '40. '37 and '38 used the Stromberg.

Sal

GaryU. · 10-03-2023, 05:35 PM

Transmission question from post #16. What's different between passenger and commercial??
I had a commercial some years ago and had to figure out what it was. I guess an easy explanation is it is built heavier duty and accepts normal 85h.p. gears. Tower is a passenger type 6 bolt versus the 60h.p. tower that is attached with 4 bolts. The gears in the one I had were geared very low for a commercial application but you could theoretically swap a '39 type gears and tower to this case. Behind a built 60h.p. engine maybe it would go like a dream. Sold what I had years ago but is an interesting variation as well the fan with the longer snout. Its a beauty as presented. Thanks Lawson for your work!

KiWinUS · 10-03-2023, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scicala

It was used in '39 and '40. '37 and '38 used the Stromberg.

Sal

Thank You Sal. Very educational. Much appreciated info

Lawson Cox · 10-03-2023, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 51504bat

Glad petehoovie assisted with posting photos so we can see the finished product.

Yeah, me too. I had a senior moment. Thanks AGAIN, Pete. You provide a great service with your enlargements.

petehoovie · 10-03-2023, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lawson Cox

Yeah, me too. I had a senior moment. Thanks AGAIN, Pete. You provide a great service with your enlargements.

V8COOPMAN · 10-03-2023, 09:07 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lawson Cox

Thanks AGAIN, Pete. You provide a great service with your enlargements.

Lawson ..... Are you not aware that YOU can enlarge a small thumbnail image by merely placing your cursor on the picture and left-clicking ONCE?

Coop

.

Bored&Stroked · 10-04-2023, 08:55 AM

Hey Lawson - really nice project and a wonderful display of the final result! Thanks for spending the time to get it perfect and for sharing it with the Ford world. Take care!

Ian NZ · 10-05-2023, 03:57 PM

You made a great job of it Lawson and I am pleased you got the stand sorted out and now it will be seen by by several interested people. I would like to get more parts for my four main bearing 1935 model.

38 coupe · 10-06-2023, 06:29 PM

That four main bearing motor must be rare. My memory is Ford only made something like 6600 of them for Europe before switching to the more common three main motors.

V8COOPMAN · 10-06-2023, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 38 coupe

That four main bearing motor must be rare. My memory is Ford only made something like 6600 of them for Europe before switching to the more common three main motors.

A picture of the FOUR MAIN engine. My notes say rated at 22 hp.

Coop

10-01-2023, 09:46 PM	#2
1952henry Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: North Dakota Posts: 1,621	Re: Update on 60HP engine project Job well done, Mr. Cox! __________________ I dig coal, which provides motivation for EVs.

10-01-2023, 10:37 PM	#3
cas3 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: sw minnesota Posts: 4,578	Re: Update on 60HP engine project Good news Lawson !

10-01-2023, 10:52 PM	#4
cadillac512 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Kansas Posts: 922	Re: Update on 60HP engine project Well done,sir. Quite an accomplishment and honor. Terry __________________ "It don't take but country smarts to solve the problem" (Smokey Yunick) '41 Merc Town Sedan / 260" 8CM engine '66 Fairlane four door / "warmed up" 302

10-02-2023, 01:08 AM	#6
leon bee Senior Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: Arkansas Posts: 611	Re: Update on 60HP engine project Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Very nice all around.

10-02-2023, 06:47 AM	#7
miniceptor86 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: McGregor, IA Posts: 233	Re: Update on 60HP engine project Good on ya! __________________ Cheers, Jim&Sandy McGregor, IA

10-01-2023, 08:09 PM	#1
Lawson Cox Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Above the gnat line in Georgia Posts: 7,009	Update on 60HP engine project As most of you who know me are aware, I have enjoyed the hobby of personally restoring, showing and touring in vintage cars and trucks, mostly early 1930s Fords, for over 50 years. Age and physical limitations have finally taken their toll and I am simply unable to continue undertaking total "body off the frame" restorations. Hey, I am even afraid to drive a vintage vehicle any more. Over the past couple of years,however, I have managed to stay busy with "small stuff". I managed to locate, purchase and cosmetically restore, a neat little 1939 Ford Flathead V8 60HP engine with a rare commercial transmission attached. This project started out as just something to have on display in my own shop, for my enjoyment only. I have wanted to undertake such a project since my early high school days in the middle 1940s, but real life kept getting in the way.. . As I progressed with the little 60HP project, I had an epiphany. Why not just donate the completed project to the Early Ford V8 Foundation Museum in Auburn, Indiana when I ride off into the sunset. where other Old Car Guys will be able to enjoy looking at the rare Ford "Thrifty Sixty" I contacted the museum and they gladly accepted the project engine to be displayed there,.along with other fine Ford memorabilia of all kinds. Wanting to display the engine in the most favorable light, I designed and had a nice custom display stand built to display it on. I am pleased to announce that the engine has been picked up by the museum from my shop in Covington, GA and is on its way to the museum in Auburn, IN as this announcement is being made. I want to thank many other Old Ford Lovers and friends from all over the country, who donated time, money, advice and several rare, scearce and much needed original 60HP parts to my project. God Bless each and every one of you. Lawson __________________ Life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer to the end, the faster it goes. It is better to be seen, than viewed. "We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm".

10-02-2023, 07:37 AM	#8
corvette8n Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: 36 miles north of Albany NY Posts: 2,954	Re: Update on 60HP engine project I plan on going to the museum in May 2024, I’ll be sure to look a Lawson work.

10-02-2023, 08:09 AM	#9
Zeke3 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Columbus, IN Posts: 1,407	Re: Update on 60HP engine project Congratulations Lawson, your display engine will be a great addition to the museum.

10-02-2023, 08:21 AM	#10
51504bat Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: SoCal-Redlands Posts: 3,024	Re: Update on 60HP engine project Glad petehoovie assisted with posting photos so we can see the finished product. __________________ Making the simple complicated for over 30 years.

10-02-2023, 08:37 AM	#11
Ol' Ron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chester Vt Posts: 8,860	Re: Update on 60HP engine project God bless you Lawson, at 90 I feel lost, but I find my way yo work out in the sop every day. It's nice to be surrounded by old friends. Gramps

10-02-2023, 08:54 AM	#13
Planojc Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Plano, Texas Posts: 848	Re: Update on 60HP engine project Good job Lawson.

10-02-2023, 09:46 AM	#14
Als48 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: Paducah Ky Posts: 279	Re: Update on 60HP engine project Great work Lawson! Thanks for your time, effort and expenses. I'll certainly check it out the next time I'm there. Al Hook

10-02-2023, 10:59 AM	#15
5851a Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: NE Iowa Posts: 1,665	Re: Update on 60HP engine project That looks great, and nice job on the stand also. Great donation.

10-03-2023, 05:35 AM	#16
30ccpickup Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wakarusa, IN Posts: 928	Re: Update on 60HP engine project Very nice! Mr. Cox, what are the differences between the standard and the commercial transmissions. __________________ http://MODELABASICS.com/ How Things Work on a Model "A" Ford Fordbarners, Feel free to use the pictures on my site to answer questions and create tutorials/tech articles.

10-03-2023, 10:07 AM	#17
scicala Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Detroit suburb, MI Posts: 3,706	Re: Update on 60HP engine project Great job Lawson. Nice carburetor (ha ha). Sal

10-03-2023, 10:24 AM	#19
KiWinUS Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Charlotte NC KiWi-L100 available here Posts: 2,963	Re: Update on 60HP engine project I thought that carburetor was 1940 only?

10-03-2023, 11:38 AM	#20
1936 ford pickup Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 197	Re: Update on 60HP engine project Hello Lawson Cox....You did a wonderful job with the V8 60 HP Engine, Transmission and Stand....Congratulations on a very nice display.... Bruce in California.

10-03-2023, 05:35 PM	#22
GaryU. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Beaver Dam, Wisconsin Posts: 821	Re: Update on 60HP engine project Transmission question from post #16. What's different between passenger and commercial?? I had a commercial some years ago and had to figure out what it was. I guess an easy explanation is it is built heavier duty and accepts normal 85h.p. gears. Tower is a passenger type 6 bolt versus the 60h.p. tower that is attached with 4 bolts. The gears in the one I had were geared very low for a commercial application but you could theoretically swap a '39 type gears and tower to this case. Behind a built 60h.p. engine maybe it would go like a dream. Sold what I had years ago but is an interesting variation as well the fan with the longer snout. Its a beauty as presented. Thanks Lawson for your work!

10-04-2023, 08:55 AM	#27
Bored&Stroked Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 5,070	Re: Update on 60HP engine project Hey Lawson - really nice project and a wonderful display of the final result! Thanks for spending the time to get it perfect and for sharing it with the Ford world. Take care!

10-05-2023, 03:57 PM	#28
Ian NZ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Taranaki, New Zealand Posts: 922	Re: Update on 60HP engine project You made a great job of it Lawson and I am pleased you got the stand sorted out and now it will be seen by by several interested people. I would like to get more parts for my four main bearing 1935 model.

10-06-2023, 06:29 PM	#29
38 coupe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South Texas Posts: 1,631	Re: Update on 60HP engine project That four main bearing motor must be rare. My memory is Ford only made something like 6600 of them for Europe before switching to the more common three main motors.