I've been looking around for something fun and somewhat cheap to cruise around in next summer. Wanted a car with a roof and preferably V8-powered. So this last weekend I ended up buying this 1953 Ford Customline. 2 doors, running flathead V8, Fordomatic trans and factory power steering. Now I'll just have to wait for it to arrive here in Sweden, all the way from sunny California.
The plan is to get it driving first = rebuild the brakes, fuel system, cooling system and some new tires. Then drive it as a stocker and get a feel for it.
Nice start. Check the oil level in the rear axle prior to use. That rear axle assembly is hard to find any parts for. My 53-
Yes I will change all the fluids prior to use and make sure the levels are correct. Yes, factory power steering.
Wow, I didn't think Ford offered power steering until 1954, that's the first flathead powered Ford I ever saw with factory power steering, has to be exceptionally rare! Also, if you're unaware, you can replace the front springs in this car with springs from a Ford Aerostar van, which will lower the car about 3 inches with a progressively wound spring and they cost less than $60 for a pair. Those, some shorter shocks, and lowering blocks will lower the car with all bolt-in parts very inexpensively.
From what I found out 1953 was the first year for power steering. Yes I've been reading up on the Aerostar springs, seems like a great way to lower these cars.
You should join the 1952-59 Ford Social Group lots of info available on these Fords and plenty of 52-54 owners hang out there it's an active Group and been around since 2009. You can find us listed here just scroll down a bit. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/social-categories/brands.84/
@JeffB2 I joined the social group, thanks for the suggestion. I'm happy to hear you like it, now I have a long wait ahead of me. The car will probably arrive here in february or so, that should give me enough time to get it driving and get it titled and registered here in Sweden before summer. My contact in the US who helped me with the purchase sent me a video of the engine running, sounds good for a car thats been sitting since the late 80's. He also got an old picture from the seller, of the car from around the time it was parked.
Congrats @Mikko_ a new Vintage Adventure...that seems to have been parked for at least a week or two...
@Mikko_ Just curious where you are in Sweden? I get over there every once in a while but typically don’t get far from Malmo or Stockholm.
I'm trying to decode the VIN of the car and I found out this, but on the Fordbarn I was told that the San Jose assembly plant didn't open until 1955? B = Flathead V8 3 = 1953 R = San Jose, CA G = Body style (in this case Tudor Customline) Or am I missing something here? And the color is the code C, which should mean Glacier Blue. Maybe the white top was added later? Production date has the code 14G, so that would be 14th of july I think. Nothing of this really matters but I just enjoy knowing stuff like this
I'm showing the good side, has some minor bumps on the other side that should be pretty easily straightened out.
The car looks unmolested, which can be very important with a car like this. With the earlier pictures showing an almost completely original engine compartment is also good. This car looks to be an excellent start to a worthwhile project. It's tough enough to deal with normal deterioration without having to constantly deal with somebody else's screw-ups.
I've had a soft spot for 52-54's since I bought the first one in 61. I've had 7 of them either 2dr sedan or 2dr HT. Never a cpe or convert. This is the last one I had a 52 HT. The guy I sold it to changed it to the red and white version
I absolutely love that car with the number 313. Although I'm not sure what direction to take this car yet when it comes to style. I'll get it driving and titled as a original car here in Sweden first. Yes according to my contact in California who helped me inspect and buy the car, it's a very unmolested and honest original car and that's what drew me to it. And the fact that he sent me a video of it running was great. I hate to deal with other peoples screw-ups so this is perfect, and a lot cheaper than buying a similar car in similar condition here in Sweden.
MIKKO The 313 car is I think, Larry Cranes Carrera Panamericana replica, Larry was the editor of Auto Aficianado magazine. The 204 car is Mickey Thompsons origial Carrera racer powered by an overhead six, The top left looks like Steve Waldmans car, he founded the Silver State Race in Nevada
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