Customs My first irresistible "Field Find"

Hi Bob, I may not be a Moose, but still a critter... A couple ideas; both involve some surgery - moving/extending the roof back several inches, just trying to get away from the "Ow-my-head" look of the window opening:

1. Quarter window added like a 'Vette hardtop, window frame rolls down with the glass.


Smaller quarter window with the rear window trim extended down to the beltline like some of Ford's experimentals (XM-800).

What do you think? Maybe a 3" section job too? Whatever you do, great find and good luck with it!

 

Don'cha love flatbeds. I'd still be digging the damned thing outa the dirt and trying to get it on the trailer.
The Good; the brakes aren't locked up, all four wheels rolled as we pulled it onto the truck. The frame looks structurally sound, just surface rust.
The Bad; both rockers and about 6" along the bottom of most of the car need rust repair. Also the floor will need substantial repair. The rocker on the passenger's side is pushed in.
The Ugly: there's hornet's nests in every nook-n-cranny. The tailgate is, uh, indescribable, kind of just a flap with a piano hinge and wood on the inside - very homemade looking.
I think it was an automatic, I don't see a clutch pedal. Looking at the top and trim, I'm starting to wonder, it looks factory. I'll look more closely tomorrow, but I don't see any scars from splicing front and back halves together. The inside upper garnish molding is a long swooping piece with a courtesy light built into the molding just above shoulder height.
BTW, I didn't actually sit in the driver's seat yet (it's nasty) but there is more room in the cab than meets the eye. I'm looking forward to slipping behind the wheel. Note; the driver's door won't unlatch - the passenger's won't close. No idea what taillights were on there. The lady has one old photo and is still looking - I'll get it tomorrow.
Some new photos....

 

Oh yea ,I can feel the LOVE . SO how big was the smile ,lookin at the rearview mirror on the ride home !

 

Thanks to all for the VIN info, tomorrow I'll look closely for it I need to get some paperwork going to start registration.
Thanks for the Photoshop images, I like the first one - Corvette like. I've been thinking we should make a plexiglas rear window that continues the curve of the roof to it's natural end at the bed and modify the inside front of the bed to match. Like the rear window in post #38. I think that would be as much De-uglifying as I would do. The odd curve of the side windows is the quirk that makes this poor old thing a love it or hate it deal.

 

I think it is awesome!

 

Very cool car. Congrats on it finding you.

 

Hmm. '58 Chevy Bel Air or '59 Pontiac Catalina come to mind, from the shape and size - any other guesses?

 

I’m subscribed to see it come back to the asphalt or fluffy white foam and mirrors. It’s pretty damn cool with maybe just a tweak to the tiny oddball details like the side glass, rear glass, and tailgate as you revive it.
If you do it I bet it will garner a ton of head turns and conversations.


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The interior side window trim is rad...but it looks like modified stock Victoria. It appears that they made it taper quicker...obviously because the top is shorter..

 

@Cactus 1 ‘s bachelor button immediately came to mind for me with the taillights




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Typically I am not big into customs, but this is just odd/interesting enough that I like it. Good Score!

 

I hear ya, although some of them really appeal to me I've never had the urge to spend any money, time and effort on one. This one sorta fell in my lap, I've always liked '49-'50 Fords and it's a pickup, I just have a thing for pickups. I have a '33 Ford pu, a '55 Ford pu and a '64 El Camino.
I forgot about those '58 Chevy taillights, that certainly could be what was on there. I'll try to snag some pictures off epay and check the bolt pattern. Kind of a sad little tailgate huh?
I've never seen the Victoria garnish moldings but it doesn't surprise me if they had such a graceful and elegant piece in there. Those courtesy lights built into the trim are really cool. All the interior trim was chrome at one time, must have been pretty nice especially with pink and white upholstery.
We're going back tomorrow, my brother-in-law wants the Firebird, he has 5 boys and all have 2nd gen Firebirds. My neighbor is getting three little motorcycles that are hiding in the grass out there. I'm hoping to get more info on the Ford from the lady plus some paperwork and a photo. I'll ask about the old dead Massey-Ferguson tractor too.

 

I still think it started life as a 50 Vert. The door garnish molding is for sure 50 Vert. The roof molding with light is factory 51 Vicky. Here's the stock one in my 51 before I installed the lens.
I think your door glass frame is stock quarter window. I agree with adding the Stock 3 piece Vicky back glass. I don't think head room is an issue but would just look better.
Here's where some of my 49-51 knowledge comes from. These are 2 of my Kids getting an in progress photo saying Look at us! They both have been body off and back with my own 2 hands.
I'm looking for info on your Frame. Does it have the big X ?
The Wizzard

 

P.S; If you should decide to put it up for sale I'd appriceate a PM prior to posting it anywhere. What are the odds of that?
The Wizzard

 

That is strange, no sign of a shifter at all. Would you tip the sun visor down and take another photo like this one and post it up please?

 

That sure is a neat looking ride. Just waiting for someone to post an old “little book” feature on her.

 

If it was a factory automatic, that would make it a 51. Also, a picture of the "transmission tunnel" floor area would tell if it was a 49-50 or 51

 

Post-n-broke; that white interior with the green and chrome is gorgeous. Years back I saw a Shoebox with the vanity tag-El Blob. It was mint green (pearl iirc) with a cream colored interior. I must have stared at that thing for an hour. One of those well done cars that burns itself into your memory.
Over the next few days I'll clean it out and take more photos. Today we're going back to look for more parts/ lost treasures.


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I would say: "Yes, you did a super deal there. Go for it!"

My wife would say: "Get that piece of shit outta my driveway!"

She does not have an eye for a future jewel, it seems, and I am the living proof.

 

Chris, your right. 51 had many small things changed on it most don't notice. The real big thing is the dash from the small photos we've seen. I have changed a 51 dash to a 49. Not as easy as you'd think. The 51 is actually a taller dash and the column hangs lower closer to the seat in them. Even the E Brake is a different unit. In the time frame that car looks to have been built I doubt anyone would have changed all that over when they could have just bought a 50 to start with. Even though all 3 years of Verts shared the same doors as well as the 51 Vicky the inner molding was different in 51 and I can see the tell tail part in the photo. Not to mention that's a 50 Vert badge in the middle of the garnish molding.
The Wizzard

 

Bob; thanks for the comment. That is House of Color dark metalic green. I've been driving and enjoying the Vick for 14 years now. I'm also a 57 Ford guy with a Vert, Hardtop and 2d wagon. Of late I've been watching for a nice 57 Ranchero project but hard to not start with scrap iron or pay a lot. I'm a builder so I like to do things my way. I also have a 53 F-100 under way as we speak. Not your average truck. A shoe Box Pick-up could eliminate the hunt for a 57 Ranchero. Hint, hint
The Wizzard

 

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Man, now I wanna build one haha

 

I wonder if it wasn't red and white, and the red faded to pink?

 

that would make a nice sled

 

I love it!

 

What is the tag on the dash to the right of the speedo ??

If you need some extra trim , window frames or SS moldings, let me know I have a bunch of left overs from conv and vickys I parted out

Later kb

 

neat-o....

 

I've been enjoying watching this thread for a while so I thought I'd play ..Nice project