Hey ya'll! My dad found this car in Lexington, KY on the 15th of Nov.. The guy got it as payment for a construction job, and just wanted to get rid of it to make his money back. I ended up driving over from Virginia Beach to buy it, and on the 25th, I became the new owner. By the 26th, it was parked in my garage here in Chesapeake, Va. Total cost-2800 bucks for the car and trailering it down here. So about the car, 1952 four door ( I know, but it's still a cl***ic) with the flathead V8 in it. Fordomatic ******. Overall, I'll say it's in fair shape for a 52. It's the right amount of needing work, and work been done. In the glovebox there was a STACK of parts receipts from Princeton, Indiana in 1979. Someone did ALOT of work to it then. The stack is almost an inch thick. I am thinking it was a barn find. I would love to know the history on this baby. So it runs..ok. I am thinking there is a fuel or timing problem. It has a remote gas tank, the original had rusted out. But all the lights work, the brakes work good, and like I said, it runs. I drove it around the block a few times. With the temp gauge not working though, I was hesitant to push it too far. It seems like whoever has had it, has started trying to make a rat rod out of it. I am still not sure what direction I want to go with it looks wise, but I know I want to get this baby running like it's new again. After that, we'll see what happens. Little bit about myself, Active duty Navy, been in for 8 years. Just had my second child, so time is a precious commodity. Trying to take advantage of my shore duty by taking on a cl***ic car project. I'm a Jet engine mechanic in the Navy, and have been working on cars since I was a kid. This will officially be my first Project though. Looking forward to getting to know ya'll. Any advice or info will always be appreciated.
Welcome to our Group! You will notice at the top a heading "Sticky FAQ" this is a HUGE file the members have put together with info on upgrades and "how to's" this is ONLY for information files,if you have a question do not post it there use the regular forum here. 1952-54 Fords weak point is the hood hinges lube those monthly with PB Blaster. If you are planning on replacing the gas tank there is info in the "Sticky FAQ" on using a 1955-56 tank which is easier to find and a lot less expensive.
Welcome to our world, and thank you for your ongoing service! My wife is retired Navy. Looks like you got a good deal on that car. You may want to follow up on trying to get some history on your ride since at least part of the trail is still around.
Finally another sailor on here, welcome from an old "gator". Great bunch of guys on here and we've all at one time or other have got stumped and asked what seemed like a stupid question at the time and got great answers.
Thanks everyone for the warm welcome! So I think I've decided the first thing i want to do is pull the motor out and clean it, and inspect it real well for any issues. I'll be able to identify everything as well and make sure it's all what it should be. (3rd generation flathead) If everything is in good order, I'd like to paint the motor, throw it back in and start figuring put this fuel /timing issue. So before I pull this motor out, lemme get some advice . If there's any threads covering it, or if yall have any experience doing it, I'd appreciate the info. I'd like to know what I need , and what to expect with this first major step.
First of all, thank you for your service. And welcome to the forum. Lot's of great advice available here. I will offer one word of caution though. I pulled the motor in my 56 to seal some oil leaks and it led to refinishing the engine compartment which in turn led me to upgrade to a Borgeson power steering setup which led to a T5 5 speed conversion... Well you get the idea. Be careful or it can snowball. Not that it's a bad thing, just takes time.(and money).
Best Advice bar none is get this from Dan: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...lock-engine-manual-and-other-goodies.1005974/ This has all the Ford part numbers so you can find parts for your project,the second part has exploded views of the entire car end to end this will be a major help in knowing where everything is located. Also get this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1952-54-For...ash=item51dbeb0d79:g:~sMAAOSwcdBWS8~-&vxp=mtr This is without a doubt the best money you will spend on your project.
X2 on the parts/maintenance info! My advice is drive it, work the bugs out. Once you take it apart you have a big conversation piece!
Good buddy of mine just got done building a flathead. Needed 2 cylinders sleeved and if course all the normal machine work. Only real mod was adjustable lifters beyond that a stock build .040 over. Shop ***embled it at no cost. Worst thing about a flathead rebuild is you want to find a shop that knows them and they are getting fewer by the years. The other is you need a couple of special tools to ***emble you might be able to borrow a set, wouldn't consider buying for just one build. The plus is that there is tons of old speed parts out there if you want to build something stronger than stock. And they are not cheap to build compared to a SBF.
Great buy for sure and a really great price. I actually live in Virginia Beach as well with my 1954 customline. I have been building it and driving it for a little over a year now. If you need any help, I might be able to help out from time to time. -Zach
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