Hot Rods What's the appeal of a Shoebox Ford?

I have an opportunity to pickup a cheap '50 Ford Deluxe Coupe, major project but reasonably solid shell, no bumpers or interior, flathead stuck, floors rotten.....blah blah blah...I'm trying to decide if I want to build this...and why. What's the big deal with the shoebox? Parts are hard to find, sheet metal is scarce, they kind of look cool but there's lots of other much cooler hot rods out there....with much better part availability. I have the ability to build it, put in a cool engine....make it great...just can't seem to convince myself it's worth the effort.

Please guys, tell me what the deal is with Shoebox's and why should I make this my next project?

Cheers

 

Have a 1949. First old Ford I bought. Parts have been pretty easy to come by. Not sure where your concern comes from there.

Not a bunch of chrome, like a mid-50’s Buick, that makes restoration too spendy.

Car is quiet and solid. Looks good stock or with mild or wild customizations.

Flathead is nice and torquey. But other later motors fit nicely too.

Just can’t think of a single reason to dislike the
shoebox…….well, other than that tight fit of the rear wheels in the openings. And that is a legit complaint. But the only one I can think of.

 

I should expound a little so you don't think I'm just being... I don't know... something. LOL
Just wanted to make the point that your perspective is most important for you. I understand cheap. But it has to fulfill you.

 

one of the few fords i've had no desire to own. the time and cost it takes to do a car that needs everything it better be the one you really want

 

I like them, but it doesn't sound like you do. If there are other cars you like a lot better, then go for one of those.

And as much as I like shoeboxes, one with no interior, no bumpers, and rotted floors, would be more than I'd want to take on. They're not super expensive/valuable cars.

 

The first new car my dad ever bought was a 51 Ford two door. Coupe or sedan I don't know but I thought it was cool when I was 5 years old when I got to ride in it when we rolled out of the dealership in town with it.
As this snagged from the net because I didn't have a picture I took shot shows you don't have to do a lot to one for it to be cool.

Still if you have to ask yourself why should I build it, I think it might be the wrong car for you to get time and money tied up in.

 

There isn't any. Fugly. Not worth any effort, let alone yours. Spend your time and money on something/anything else. Anything automotive that's referred to as a 'shoebox' should be a clue...

 

Leave it for someone else to build that appreciates/loves it. Finding the right car to build is like finding the right woman. If your heart isn't into it, the car build (or relationship) is going to be a rocky one and may never truly come to fruition.

 

Thanks guys, that's the sort of input I'm looking for.

I have always wanted to build a chopped '31 Model A rod but the damn things are rare and I don't want to start with a $20K "project" which will need another $30k to build. I like the look of the Shoebox, save for the rear wheel opening...but hey, I just got me a Miller X-treme 375 plasma cutter.

I already have a '49 F-47 with a flattie so if I decide to build the shoebox, it will have something else, easy would be 289/302, would kind of like a 50's - 60's engine with some cool factor, triple carbs etc. just a fun cruiser.

cheers

 

Hmmmm. I think '32 model A's are pretty scarce. As for "shoeboxes", I think it depends on the body style. Convertibles are, well convertibles; the same applies to the wagons. Fordors are out (except for the family guys), and the two door sedans are awkward looking with the faux rear vent windows. Coupes (as above) and the '51 Victoria are sublime.

Of course, I'm prejudiced, because the first car I ever had was a '51 Ford; and of course, this :

 

the 49-51 Ford was desirable because it was the first modern Ford. It marked the end of the flathead beam axle era even tho they kept the flathead V8 until 54

 

Buy a complete Model A coupe and build what you want. Only way I'd own a shoebox is if it was heavily chopped. Not sure on you skills but you'll soon have more money in it than its worth. $20K should get you a nice running A Coupe you can make your own.

 

..........Scarcer than hen's teeth!

 

If Shoebox parts are hard to find give up the idea of a 32 Model A rod.

 

The only two things I don't like about a shoebox Ford, the hood weighs a ton without any springs to help open it. When you're old, turning the steering wheel isn't easy when parking or going slow and there are no easy or inexpensive methods to cure steering stiffness.

 

The Ford I could never see the point of is the '42-'48 — but then I could never see the point of the Cord 810/812 or the Studebaker Avanti either. I suppose we've all got cars which just don't jell with us. As for the Shoebox: well-proportioned, understated, and really brilliant when sectioned. That said, I'm not headed for an early-'50s idiom; it's not what I'm trying to achieve in the builds I dream about.

I don't know about the OP, but I don't have the spare energy to let opportunity dictate my projects. If I did, and if I were set up for quick, easy, almost "throwaway" projects, a Shoebox might certainly be something I'd consider.

 

Was my first car in high school, couldn't wait for my second.

 

I've never been into them but I can see they are cool, but if you need to talk yourself into it just p***, leave it for someone looking for one and move on.

 

For you guys who poked fun at the idea of a 32 Model A, Ford DID build them. I learned this when my friend's father p***ed away. He had a 32 Tudor. I'm not sure why the OP was dead set on a 32 Model A but they exist. Do some research.

 

I can relate because of all cars I've never WANTED a shoebox. But when given the opportunity with a reason to want it I came around to it. After lusting over it a little I have fell in love with the roofline of the club coupes. It just has lead sled vibes just sitting there and I think the chrome trim is suttle and cl***y

 

I think you're pickin' the fly **** out the pepper with that one. The fun poking is valid in this case.

 

A 53 is not a shoebox. 49 - 51's are the shoebox years.

 

Haha, well look at me being all wrong and stuff lol. Good to know though so thanks for the correction. Because I thought I had a shoe box and I don't want to upset the old guys at the cruise in

 

They were ahead of there time in 49, but were also behind times, too . Styling was all new, but the flathead was old news, everyone else was starting to go the ohv route. So, they were a somewhat medium as far as cars go, some new stuff and some old mixed together. Only ones that look decent to me are the coupes. And even they look a bit funny with the big round chrome nose.

 

the one thing i'm noticing more and more is how history is being rewritten with ones own belief of the facts. and this thread is a perfect example

 

I appreciate the input, and especially the comment about opportunity dictating my next project, well said. I have been watching for a model A for a number of years but nothing in my area, or even close. I think for now I will look for something more complete to restore, this one just needs too many parts and too much work.

Here are a few pics of the beast in question.

cheers

 

Geezz, most Car Guys already know what they want or more likely Like from first impression. If it doesn't feel right going in it never will. I think you're the Wrong Guy for that project because it's not something you want to build from the onset. Move along and find something else, maybe a Camaro or a new Mustang.

 

[QUOTE="kilohertz, post: 14415301, member: 357749" I will look for something more complete to restore, this one just needs too many parts and too much work.

Good decision.

 

My beautiful wife of almost 42 years asks me, when I am considering buying something, "Does it spark joy?" (kind of a tongue-in-cheek joke between the two of us based on Marie Kondo's decluttering book) If I say yes, she says, "Well, then buy it." If not, I don't.
All of us have "settled" for an old car that was not the one we really wanted; and to be honest, settling on something other than what "sparks joy" is going to be burning up time and money that could have been spent on pursuing and acquiring your dream car.
Best of luck to you!