Poll: Anybody "Restoring A Car"

[barnfind08]

Some friends and I who have all been in the parts business for many years have been discussing whether anyone is truly restoring a car anymore or are they just maintaining the original restoration or upon finding a car that has never been restored just keeping it the way they found it with a few upgrades to get it running? I myself have all these cars and years ago had intensions with my n.o.s. parts to build concourse cars. Knowing I can not do all of them with not all that many years left I have decided to build them to drive. Rubbing out the paint instead of a paint job, not hanging any fenders, running original grills and just doing the mechanicals. This seems so much faster and easier. What say you guys. Of course to each his own, but lets hear some conversation.

[Shadetree]

I have a finished car that I have owned since 1999, a `37 Chevy Business Coupe but rarely drive it.


On the other hand, the unfinished `35 Ford cabriolet is much more fun and I don’t have to worry about someone stepping on a painted smoothie running board or scratching it. I have worked on the Ford since 2006 and may never get it finished. I have taken it on vacation, long Sunday drives and to lots of car shows. I believe it actually gets more attention in its unfinished state. Mechanically it is very good, dependable and with high speed gears I can keep up with traffic. My theory is that people believe they can afford to buy it and finish it. One fellow last summer at a car show said `I want that Ford!’ I told him it wasn’t for sale. He then said `Here is my card, call me!’ I never called...

Shadetree

[jim1932]

fixing and running.....

[PeteVS]

In '66, I bought a '63 C______, drove it hard and put it away wet for about 28 years. When it was time, I dragged it out, took the body off and did all the underneath stuff. Put the body back on without even washing it. I enjoy using the car and don't worry about kids spilling ice cream on it at a car show. I think there's a lot to be said about not "finishing" a car, especially to concours condition unless you want to sell it at Barrett Jackson.

[Kurt in NJ]

To me a true restoration means that even in places that can't be seen look new, and that ALL parts have been returned to original tolerances, that everything should work as new ---no drooping door handles, wobbling windows, loose suspension etc.

At some shows I have looked inside doors when the windows are down, only 1 or 2 of the cars I looked at looked restored on the inside of the doors --even on some cars done by well known shops.

It is hard to paint the inside of a dashboard that is not removeable and make it look good --with the proper finish paint overspray

I get many more compliments on my A now that it is a 40 year old restoration and has some bad paint than I ever got when it was first restored, never won any trophys back then, did get a blue ribbon at a national meet.

I do see the use of "it's just going to be a driver" as an excuse to not properly restore the mechanicals, and the use of modern, or later componets as a crutch instead of properly restoring the original parts.

I an slowly restoring a 53 Citroen as a "driver", I have at least 6 hours in restoring the wiper motor, much more in the door latches, every steerring part has been gone through and fitted to have smooth motion with no play, I made tooling to make leather ball joint boots to match originals but I probably won't win a top prize at Hershey but it will be restored and drive like it.

[PeterC]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

In the middle of a total restoration of my 3 Window - from a financial perspective - not for the faint of heart!

[barnfind08]

Keep the comments coming guys very informative. When this is done we will see where we are. I also think guys my age are building a rod now which is a whole lot of fun.

[Ken/Alabama]

Im in the middle of a full blown restoration on my 39 Lincoln Zephyr Coupe. I have a restored 40 Ford Convertible and a 40 Coupe thats unrestored but rewired and all the mechanicals back in good operating condition. I find myself driving and enjoying the coupe most of all,it actually turns more heads.

[Scott De Shields]

Since working on my 40 coup I have found homemade and aftermarket parts that were installed by my grandfather. When my dad inherited the car he maintained it and rarely drove it (he had bad knees and it had a stiff clutch). Since I now have the car I have noticed aftermarket parts that were in questionable condition along with originals that had just worn out. Along with replacing the SBC engine that my grandfather built (I sold it to a Hamber that put it in his 40) with a 8BA flathead and 4 speed toploader. New gas tank and fuel lines along with electric fuel pump and regulator (was running on propane). Front brakes were older disc brake conversion with wheel spacers and 50 year old brake lines with out front metering valve or 2 PSI residual valve. New POL disc brake conversion with F150 discs and re plumped all the brake lines. Want to keep the car pretty much like my grandfather had it and drive it more frequently. When I get the hang of picture posting will send some.

[richard crow]

33 roadster full resto about 70% done hope i live long enought to finish it

[BrianCT]

Just maintaining and driving it.

[JM 35 Sedan]

No more restorations for me. Just get them in good shape mechanically, make the interior and exterior presentable and drive the tires off them. I don't have enough time, energy, money or desire left in me to make any of my cars into 1000 point show cars. I see more people, including me, at the EFV8C/A shows walk right by the over restored Dearborn's to look at an all original or Rouge class car.

[Barry-ct]

I've had my 50 F-1 for 24 years and I've been doing a ground up restoration. Most of those years, I didn't work on it, as kids, house came first. My avatar shows the basic spot I'm at now. Glass is in. I'm moving forward instead of backwards most of the previous years!

[Russ/40]

Time and experience has been key to my mindset these days. 35 years ago when I bought my basket case I had concourse aspirations for it. It sat for 34 years while I got sidetracked with other car projects. Now retired, and dedicated to the "A", I just want it to be a head turner that's real nice, that I can drive anytime with the realization I don't think I'll live long enough to make a concourse project worthwhile.

[robert dick]

Had restored model 'A's for years, i was always worried about someone leaning on them or scratching the fender, i now drive semi restored 36 pu, looks great, and runs like hot flathead should, i find the 36 being NOT a show car is much more enjoyable.

[V12Bill]

I enjoy correcting the errors that others have done over the years so that the car will last many more years. I do make a few changes for safety( Zephyr Brakes). And some because I want to(dual exhaust). Since I did not remove the body and fill in all the rust pits in the frame it will never be concourse, but seals have been replaced and I expect to own a reliable and save truck.

[Gumpy]

I like to repair and paint henry's original componets or fix something thats broken....my 40 coupe had a 39 column and steering wheel when i got it and i think it looks cool!

[DavidG]

As was said, to each his own and I respect differing points of view on this subject. I get a lot of satisfaction from the research, parts hunting, and hands-on effort that goes into accurate ground-up restorations and have several in final assembly.

[alanwoodieman]

I do what I call a "runstoration" I want it as correct as possible on the outside with a few more modern touches underneath-- brakes, higher speed rear axle. My 40 wagon is restored (1992) and has been driven about 15,000 miles. My 41 truck was runstorated and put on the road in January 2011, it already has 2000 miles and I try to drive it about 5-6 days a week and I love it!! I don't really worry about a few "beauty marks" and I LIKE bugs on the grill!!

[rotorwrench]

I've come to believe that the total restorations are for the folks that have the where with all to preserve them in this state. Since a motor vehicle starts to deteriorate as soon as it is driven out the door of the garage, it just depends on how much planed use it will get and how much maintenance it will take to keep it in top shape. My own personal situation is good enough to keep a motor vehicle in decent mechanical condition and try to preserve the car as best as possible as a daily driver. If I keep things up well enough, the next owner will have an easy time restoring the machine to "like new" condition if he has a mind to. I like the fun of the hunt for old parts but I also like the fun of driving the old stuff without fear of possible damage.

It's just the practical approach for my own life style. To each there own.

Kerby

[46fordnut]

some day i hope to have mine done fairly nice... for now just some mechanical and other small things . she not perfect but it does not owe me much . i think each thing someone has it to there like or wants...its about the fun of what you find and what each persons or person has done to be able to call it there own. sometimes its nice to see them as they are or done as new. i say find them save them and just keep them going for others and yourself to love.

[Ben38]

I'm restoring the '38 I bought 36 years ago. It sat for many years but now that the kids are grown I have time to work on it. The chassis it just about done.

[Ben38]

I'm pretty much a lurker but check here often. The ford barn has been a HUGE help.
Thanks guys.

[ftda0704]

I'm restoring a '41 coupe I bought 6 months ago. Body off and all that stuff. Plan on driving it down the street in 3 years (not that it will be finished). Trying to do most of the work myself but never did anything like this before. Great retirement gig! Bob A.

[Barry WNY]

I have a model a sort of with mostly 37 driveline & wet brakes & several '48 pieces runs & drives great. I have most of a 37 next but to do something "correct" is beyond my capabilities. I love old car stuff & if I can get enough pieces to make a rig "correct" if it runs, close enough for me. When I get the lotto I can persue "correct" if I choose.

[jimalabam]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Drive them as Henry intended...

[jerry grayson]

I have been restoring my 1934 Station Wagon for 35 years. In the mean time, I restored to Concours a 1939 Standard coupe and a driver 1935 pickup. Some day the 34 will be in a show. I just enjoy the research, parts hunting and the knowledge that is gained from them.

[1934]

This is a great thread, guys- I started restoring my '34 4-door a few yrs ago until I bought my '34 roadster. Then the 4-dr took a back seat! Anyway the roadster is almost finished and I've spent way more than planned and have no money left to finish the 4-dr. It is completely done mechanically but the body needs a bit of work and the upholstery. So now I'm thinking I'll just put it all back together as is and enjoy driving it until I can afford the paint and interior. Either that or sell the roadster, (in this terrible market), and then finish it.

[Brendan]

not me i think if i took my truck apart it will never go back together. i like maintaining it and driving it

[FL&WVMIKE]

I have no plans to restore my cars. I was lucky enough to buy good originals, years ago. I have been maintaining them ever since. This is much cheaper and less time consuming. I also don't have to "stand guard" over my car at a show or cruise-in.
As JM 35 Sedan mentioned, People will walk right past an over-restored car, to look at an un-restored one.
MIKE
CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE - Twice

[Royal Ryser]

I'm sure glad to see this topic come up. I have been planning to restore my 36 tudor for about 5 years now and just haven't finished it. Now, I'm thinking more along the lines of several who have responded to this thread. I'm going to get it running right and drive it. I don't think Ill even paint it. Well, maybe I will; it's pretty rough.
I really appreciate the finely restored (over-restored) cars but the old "drivers" are sometimes more fun to look at.

[sawzall]

only if I would happen to find a car with some significant provenance.

driving is too much fun..



my odometer turned past 14,000 miles this summer.. and its only been on the road since august 2009.

no plans to take the car much further..

if I painted it or invested more $$$ i would only worry about it..

Friday night I participated in a "trunk or treat" near home, and had 30+ kids in, on and around the car.. I was really only worried about my Felix the cat license plate topper, not because its valuable, but because it happened to get caught on one of the kids costumes.

[barnfind08]

Just got back from a overnight with the grandchild and checking the computer for this thread the consensus so far is what I thought. I know DavidG is a restorer and a good historian of the ford history and JM35Sedan had a great comment on what I think is happening at the moment. I have read them all but need some more for a final analysis. Also I think people are enjoying seeing what other people are doing.

[FlatheadTed]

Down under its pretty much the same .I have 5 cars to do yet , since they are rarer worth doing its unlikly that they will be concoures class .there are more ratty type vehivcials going on the road

[Ken Crans]

I have been collecting prime sheetmetal for 5 years. This is Doris' truck. She has done most of the hard labor and i finished the body work. Painting on Thanksgiving. Making dollies for the cab and bed,and fixtures for hood and fenders. My nephew has come in the picture for helping so the 3 of us should have it done by the spring. After i paint it, the fun part is putting all back together. Ken

[oldandtired]

I have one that is going back as original as I can get it (a 37 pickup). It will be pretty much stock with mechanical brakes, 6-V, and all parts as OEM as possible. I had to buy a new bed and I have used single stage paint. I have a 35 pickup that is stock except for a 37 engine with blockoffs It is an early garnish molding cab and I need a box for it. I have a 39 panel delivery that is going back stock except for the side window kit that was put in back in the day and stained wood for the floor instead of painted. I could not get myself to paint the floor wood. Everything else is OEM except for the battery and tires. I did change out the 4-speed and put in a 3 speed. I do own a 37 1/2 ton stakebed streetrod. I have it set up to pull my car trailer or just run around. It has been together since the mid-90's and needs to be redone, but I don't know if I will ever get around to it.

[quickchange34]

I have done frame off restorations in the past. doing all the work myself. 40 woody, 37 Linclon Zephyr three window coupe, 34 cabroliet ,36 cabroliet, they are all gone now. I woke up. Got tired of going to shows and being judged. Standing there waiting for somebody to look at my flatwashers to see if they were correct. Both AACA and V-8 club are great. The fun is in the drive there and the people you meet. Old Henry did not put square wheels on them. They are meant to drive. I have a nice orginial rust free 34 roadster that I drive all the time. I am working on a 34 three window with a blowen 50 merc. 39 trans. with Linclon gears and a Howe quickchange, Linclon brakes. Cant wait to get it finished and get on the road.

[RMR&C]

I did a ground up resto on the truck in my avatar for a customer, not 100% correct but the way he wanted it. Most people can't afford to pay for the HUGE amount of labor involved in a full resto. I've done a couple for myself over the years, but will probably never do another unless it is a really special car.

[JonC]

My 36 is a driver with 50 year old paint. I have rebuilt the motor and mechanicals but have more fun just keeping the car rolling along. I have undertaken a total project in the 40 Pickup I purchased, I may never finish it but I plan to do as good as a job as I can with it. I won't be fanatical about originality but the workmanship will be first rate, (I hope).

[Carl]

I generally like finished, standing tall, shiny paint cars, whether they are restorods or restored originals and I have some of both. I am presently restoring a 32 Phaeton and 3W coupe. 30 years ago, I would'nt walk across the street to look at an original but I guess old age has changed me. I also have 2 restorods and drive one some(not every day). I also have a "barn find" car, and will get running and safe and leave it that way. The important thing to me is have a plan for each car and move forward. That might include selling one or more, if you realize you won't have enough time or money to do them all. I've always enjoyed chasing cars and parts, building and restoring cars, going to car shows and events, and sometimes just walking out to my shop and sit looking at my stuff and consider how lucky I am.

[Tinker]

Working on fixing the ones I have. I enjoy driving them. Major things when needed, engine overhauls, brakes, and rust repair.
A real show car would be nice but I don't think I would drive it as much as I do with the cars I have that are not perfect. Don't get me wrong I'd love to own that original beauty. A car that didn't need to be restored! I guy can dream right?

[ajohn]

The term "runstoration" has merit! I like that for sure.None of my cars are concourse.I drive em'.

[danliveshere]

Have owned my roadster for 25 years. Was painted early 70s. Over the Xmas break I'll pull the motor, st box, brakes and overhaul the front suspension to make it safe on the road again. I haven't driven it for quite a few years. I'm currently restoring a 35 phaeton so I'm looking forward to getting behind the wheel while I'm restoring the phaeton. The phaeton is a long long project.

[Fartman]

I bought a 33 5 window coupe from the states as a rolling shell only,had no floor or sub rails,needed patch panels every where,im just trying to get it to driving stage so that i can enjoy it,parts are costing me alot as most of them are bought in the states and shipped to australia,(shipping prices are killing me).it will never be a concours car but at least i saved this one from the crusher.

[TomT/Williamsburg]

As you all know, "restoration" has many different meanings in today's world, especially when a car is advertised for sale. To me, restoration means back to stock OR back to a state or condition that a car was famous for like an old Bonneville car, well known custom, etc.

To most (those not in the hobby for the love of old cars but to make money), restoring a car means getting it back to a running, driving condition and that has a WIDE range of possibilities.

I am presently resurrecting a 40 p-up, not restoring it, as it will be an early 60s styled push/shop truck, perhaps a mild custom. Drivetrain will be a 4.3 V6/5-speed but it's not a vehicle that you would pop the hood up on at cruise nights. The V6 will have some speed goodies and sound good but you would still recognize it as a V6 upon hearing it. It will be used as a "daily driver", another term that has a wide range of meanings .... my interpretation of "daily driver" is one that's driven every day for as many days as weather will allow (all except snow or heavy rain). Since I only work 5 miles from home, this will be driven to and from work.

[David J]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

The 33 5w was last winters basement project . Probably more of a ressurection than a restoration . Put over 6,000 miles on it this season { would have been more but for a little down time from vinegar poisioning } . Folks sure like to look at this dusty tattered old coupe & that alone convinced me to leave it as it is . The last pic is this winters basement project . Yes that's the 34 ruster from Hotlanta . I'm an unwavering fan of the downtrodden - underdog & the way this poor thing was kicked around on the for sale side here got me feeling sorry for it . Never seen a car that bad in places and yet good in others . The clutch , brakes & speedo still worked . Odometer shows 62,000 miles . Thanks to Brads woodshop , Donnie Smart , Flathead Ted , Ed Solari & others it is looking a whole lot betta . Car is june 34 prod - # 18-9769xx & I just happened to have a really nice june 34 chassis # 18-9739xx with a minty floor . For what it cost me + considerable time in the basement I should be driving it next spring for under $15,000 . The brushed on rustoleum is hiding the gennie black - red stripe paint . Yes I am going to color sand it off to let the gennie stuff show after hiding for god knows how long . This won't work well on the rumble lid . Anyone gotz one you'd sell ? 34's are supposed to be black - tacoma cream but this is the third black - red 34 I've had ? All 5 wheels { none useable } were there & all are red . Helps that I had 4 minty fenders for it . Do need a better grille for it though . Genius me always hoarded 33 grilles & not 34's as they are easy to find ? Used to be anyway . Old habits die hard . Now if I can just stay a couple steps ahead of da boyz in the white suits !! David J

[barnfind08]

David: You Da Man

[David J]

Hey Fred , Dunno bout da man thing but I do miss digging for parts in a basement on James ave .

Originally Posted by barnfind08

David: You Da Man

[cmbrucew]

Bob A
How about some pictures.
I too like the 41 coupe.
You should list your area in your avatar.
Welcome to the barn.
Bruce

Works good
Lasts long time

[B-O-B]

WOW!!!! David J gets my vote also. Go David Go. Da man or mighty mouse you definately have the courage to undertake a challenge to make a silk purse out of a sows ear. Can't wait to see it finished.
As for me stick me with a fork I think I'm done. Well maybe just one more. heh heh he

[1934]

Hats off to you David J! I was wondering what would happen to that roadster. Best of luck with the project and keep us posted!

[rgtharley]

I was lucky enough to stumble onto two 35's about a year & a half ago. I bought both of them pretty cheap. The Tudor Deluxe sedan was just on that hairy edge, still about 75% original paint, and real solid sheet metal, yet had not run in over 20 years, so I decided to do what my buddy Jay calls a "sympathetic restoration". Bring back the things that can be brought back, replace what can't be fixed, and make it safe to drive. The second one, a convertible sedan, will be my long term, frame off, full resto, as long as the money, and the wife hold out. Hopefully, by the time I get that one done, there will still be folks interested in seeing them, and owning them! Besides, it still beats putting money in the stock market!

[59ab]

My '53 Victoria is just going to be a nice driver(I hope). I admire show cars and at one time made my living working on them but for my personal use I would be afraid to put one on the road.

[40fordpu]

Runstoration. Love it. I am under 30 years of age and think that restoration is the way to go. I am with some of the guys in terms of getting a restoration as close to perfect but having fun with it. I am taking something that is twice as old as me, that didnt run, that was ready for the scrap yard and bringing it back to life. I didnt get to experience 1940 but this truck will get me pretty close.

[Robert Dip]

Interesting read. We know that the word ‘restoration’ is relative to the person’s point of view. ( forget show judging ) I love finding the original parts that are suited for the car, be it 100% original or true older aftermarket or speed parts applicable to the proper era. Once having obtained the car / parts, how perfect will it have to be…..again a relative word….just simply painted as it was, or…. ‘SHOW’ polished like a mirror, or how about half way, carefully painted and showing its manufacturing marks. I believe that most of us are at this stage of thought…..if to perfect, can’t drive without worrying to death if a rock chip or whatever occurs. I guess a solution is to have a few cars…..some to toy onto perfection, and some to really enjoy driving them, without worry. I see no other alternative….the “do I make this perfect, or not” is what we live with daily. As Peter C. mentioned, $$$$$$$$$$$ runs up fast, so, one way or another, we have to make these decisions.

[Tim]

Originally Posted by Brendan

not me i think if i took my truck apart it will never go back together. i like maintaining it and driving it

Ha Ha,

Truer words have never been spoken. Restoration is for the very patient, myopic, perfectionists. They have my respect and admiration. To wonder about chalk marks and placement shows true dedication. To compete against other like minded individuals for the most perfect factory restoration example also takes a serious individual. Unfortunately I lack all of these traits and just fix and drive them. Fun is in the eye of the Individual. Restorers even the most hardcore are fun for me to talk to and a wealth of knowledge. I have yet to have a bad experience with a true car guy who restors his own stuff, most just look at my cars as "potential restoration projects" Kinda like I look at most of their unfinished ones as great Hot Rod starts. Are any of us who love early Ford stuff that far away from restorers? I don't know anybody who doesn't cherish the original Ford Material over Repo stuff. I'll gladly straighten a rusted bent piece over a shiny Repop. I choose pieces for my cars based on how they work, but it's gotta be Ford parts on the older styled cars for me. 4 Bangers, wire wheels, three speeds, and a Banjo. Each piece restored/rebuilt to good working standards. I suppose I am somewhere in the middle as I would never tear up a restoration into Hot Rod, But I would also never place a Hot Rod back into "stock" status. I guess if we stay in our respective spots but cross the fences when each other needs help it'll remain alot of fun.

[barnfind08]

Tim: What great observations and prose.

[FL&WVMIKE]

DAVID J. ........................
WOW ! Man, you got guts ! Good Luck !
MIKE

[Gordon Ellis]

Have owned my 32 5 window coupe for 55 years. As a teenage kid, I performed some abominations on it, alterations that I would not think of doing today. My 'restoration' definition means that I am restoring it to the condition it was in when I drove it as a high school kid. That means that it is basically a stock coupe but with a 39 flathead engine and 39 hydraulic brakes. I do not have the time , finances , nor inclination to totally restore my car.

[David J]

Hey Mikey , Gettin skeered - lost a step ta da boyz inna wite sutze .

Originally Posted by FL&WVMIKE

DAVID J. ........................
WOW ! Man, you got guts ! Good Luck !
MIKE

[Dave Mc]

Bought my 29 special coupe in pieces in 1975,decided to build it as a Oval window Business Coupe.meticulously restored the car which was completed in 86,used it as my daily driver until 2005 when I closed my shop and moved back to Nevada,now the paint is showing it's age and the Leatherette Top shows sunlight if you look up,still starts right up and drives nice,but sits in the garage most of the time as I now have three other cars to keep up with.

[John Kennedy]

Make it nice, yes. Total concours restoration - NO!
I've never really "restored" a car, but can imagine that no matter what you do to it, it'll never be "good enough" and you'll never drive it.

I'm a mechanic, not an artist. I build stuff that's fun to drive.

[John Kennedy]

Tim gets it. Nice write-up!

[fredshere]

I have restored many 67-72 trucks (not ford) but I bought a 32 5 window coupe And am restoring it. I bought it A year ago last march, it's as fun for me to try to find parts and asemble them as it is to drive them .It's been a chalange Because ford changed so much in the middle of The production year

[Dave Mc]

I have 4 finished Fords a 29,31,33 & 48 and 2 unfinished both 33's but right now I am
Restoring a 53 Cad almost finished ,needs upholstery and Stainless trim,then bugs worked out

[charles in east texas]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I have a 36 5W that I need to be restoring, but can't seem to muster up the energy.
Charles

[68HILLBILLY]

I mostly buy parts I need to maintain my cars, but I do have a couple that are in the parts accumulation stage and will be getting what I call nice driver restos. I never wanted to win a show , but I do get a lot of enjoyment driving my old cars . having said this , I have great respect for anyone who actually restores every piece on a car.

[Shu47]

No restore for my truck. I have it driveable and am now working on electrical cleanup then it will be a rebuild of the wood flatbed (hopefully with old wood) and then I plan to dive and maintain it.

[41 Fords ohio]

I've owned several older fords since 1966. The oldest was 35 coupe and the newest was a 55 pickup. I've driven everyone of them. The first car I ever owned was a 41 coupe,which I stll drive today. I recently bought a 41 2door sedan,and I plan on driving it too. I've seen too many of these older cars that have been torn down and never rebuilt,scrapped for the metal. I think if you have one, drive it. That's what they're for.If you did a a restoration my hats' off to you. I could never afford it. I just love to drive em

[cmbrucew]

Originally Posted by 41 Fords ohio

I've owned several older fords since 1966. The oldest was 35 coupe and the newest was a 55 pickup. I've driven everyone of them. The first car I ever owned was a 41 coupe,which I stll drive today. I recently bought a 41 2door sedan,and I plan on driving it too. I've seen too many of these older cars that have been torn down and never rebuilt,scrapped for the metal. I think if you have one, drive it. That's what they're for.If you did a a restoration my hats' off to you. I could never afford it. I just love to drive em

41 ohio
Welcome to the barn.
Nice car
I bought a 41 Deluxe business coupe two weeks ago.
Do you have some pictures of your coupe?
Bruce

[Junknshit]

First, I have to say that I think Tim in reply #56 has said it best. What a great outlook.

Second, I want everyone to remember that these are my opinions, and my opinions only. Lets look at a dictionary.
Restore: To bring back to original condition.
Hot-Rod: A vehicle rebuilt or modified for increased speed and power.
The rules for judges are made up by someone, and with all of the changes and carryovers that Ford did, there is no-one that knows all of them. If I had bought say a 1929 Model A 2dr sedan brand new and put it in climate controlled storage until today, took it to a restorers top of the line event, I'd be willing to bet that at least one thing would be found wrong (not original) with it. Now, I don't like the lack of power, so I change the head, or cam, or carb, or exhaust, or combination of some of these, do I still have an original car? Not in my opinion, I now have a Hot-Rod. If you completely restore your A, as best as can be done and later change to 15" wheels with big and littles on it, what do you have? It's not original, and it's not a Hot-Rod. (I know, some nit-picker is going to say they did it for a gearing change so it is a Hot-Rod)
Awards, trophies etc: Best this, best that. For an example lets take "Best Paint" Is the best paint job the smoothest, glossiest, deepest paint job there even tho it has a couple of rock chips in it, or is the best paint job one that is rock chip free even tho it doesn't look original either?
Best to me is not the same as it is in the eye of the judge (or judges argueing it out and settling on one.)
I could go on, but I won't. I'll just say that I love old cars, all of them, and I love meeting the people that own them. I can honestly say that I could care less about awards of any kind. I do like one type of reward, and that reward is being able to drive my car.
I would personally like to see real car runs come back and replace the "park it and shine it lawn chair shows". Reliability runs, tours, etc, remember them?

P.S. I have always been amazed when going to a fairgrounds "Rod Run". Go out behind the barns sometime and see if you can figure out 2 things.
1. How do the horses get air in those enclosed trailers?
2. How do they haul horses on those funny flat ones without the horses falling off?

[pauldeborr]

Originally Posted by Shu47

No restore for my truck. I have it driveable and am now working on electrical cleanup then it will be a rebuild of the wood flatbed (hopefully with old wood) and then I plan to dive and maintain it.

Awesome! This is the foundation for anybody. Just make em drivable and keep em on the road. People now days cant even change a flat tire.

Thanks for the inspiration

[41 Fords ohio]

Originally Posted by cmbrucew

41 ohio
Welcome to the barn.
Nice car
I bought a 41 Deluxe business coupe two weeks ago.
Do you have some pictures of your coupe?
Bruce

Thanks Bruce, I'm old school, computers are trouble for me. Half the time i'm amazed that I can even log on. The pic of my new car took me 20 mins. to post and I can't even tell you how I did that . So as soon as I can figure it out I'll post some pics of my coupe. Thanks Ed