Hello, new here. Been around hot rods most of my life and have had a bunch, from a 50 Ford with a flatty to a 62 Studebaker Lark. Have worked on and built later model drag cars, such as a 68 AMC Rambler (I know, a little new for this group, but just introducing myself). So I am looking at a 30 Willy’s Whippet tomorrow and wanted a little guidance. I can post a few pics, but basically it’s a runnning and driving car in decent shape without rust or holes and a flathead 4. I am also going to look at a 29 Ford Coupe with rumble seat. It’s clean, running and driving with a 4cyl. The Ford is around 2 grand more (asking price) than the Willy’s. Honestly I don’t think I’ve seen a whippet before and am not familiar with the car. Everyone has an opinion regarding builds and styles etc. can you guys and gals post up and give me some thoughts as I try to decide which one I may like to purchase? Resale value is of interest always as I do tend to go through cars a bit. As of course seeing them in person which will of course drive my decision. If the Ford - I’d find it hard not to throw a hemi at it or caddy and run the piss out of it. If the Whippet, quite honestly possibly the same. Thoughts ? Thanks
Man a lotta times I'm the only one with a Model A Hotrod too... But it would be much rarer. There's a few here Hamber @The Rabid Whippet has a pretty wild 29 Coupe... That Would be a 3 Window Coupe @Tom****Harry? I'm slow again...that's a great base for a beautiful vintage Hotrod right there. Hey it's already Hotrodded look at the custom shifter knob......and hey that's a unique rad cap too...
Perhaps they may have only had a 3 window...5 may not have existed. 3's better anyway... If the wood is good it can be used or replace with steel which I think Rabid did...He drives his alot...and says its quite a comfortable ride
Thats a nice solid start by the looks of it. below is a serious modded Whippet your ideas may differ but there are few coupes that i have found here in search. Heres a link to Rabids Whippet...his is a 29 I believe...and he has done some vintage upgrades to some newer components. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...genized-hotrods.1002926/page-39#post-12221071 https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...hippet-coupe-drive-and-detailed-video.933887/
The Sport coupe can also make a beautiful Vintage Hotrod as well...and they are rarer to see to the other models. That fellow has major vintage Hotrod in his blood. Theres a thread with a bunch of priceless pics he posted from his StepDads from back in the day and they are very cool indeed... https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/bc-custom-car-***ociaton.821966/page-15#post-12318928
I'm a Ford guy but weird stuff turns my crank. If the willys is all there I would go that route. I can just about guarantee your not going to find parts for it.
That’s true good point regarding parts. I’ve had a lot of fords and chevys I guess I lean more towards Chevy than ford but have plenty of room for all types of hot rods. Shoot if I can get the prices right maybe I’ll buy both. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Value depends on the buyer. I may lean toward the Whippet for example, but I am the 3rd wheel in this motorcycle. Odd man out. The "really cool guys" (think The Fonz here) are going to lean toward the Ford and the Ford may be easier to sell. I personally think that cool is way over rated. LOL The Willys grill shell is more desirable if you are thinking totally traditional old build. In my mind the Willys is going to be a smaller car and the Whippet was their cheap model so it is going to probably be built no frills. Think the difference between a Studebaker Champion or a Studebaker Commander here. You don't see a lot of Whippets running around and a hot rod Whippet if going to be as rare as hen's teeth. I would have to see them both but I personally lean toward the Willys. Of course this sage advice is coming from a man who sold a ***led '29 Ford Tudor so he could buy an old Crosley Race car. LOL
I hear ya there. I’ve had some oddball cars and I like em. Always more work but satisfying. Thanks for the feedback regarding the grill shell and info on the Whippet. Ive never seen one before personally. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Here,s my opinion The Whippet is neat but are you going to keep in forever? Other than the purchase price,it will cost you the same to build a Ford as a Whippet.Cost of paint,upholstery,eng,trans,wheels etc. The parts and labor are the same but the Ford if you have to sell it down the road is worth double what the whippet is and is an easier sell
Great perspective. I think I’d like to buy the Ford to tinker with and re sell down the road. The Whippet is probably more my style for a longer build keeper. Although, the Whippet done the way I want to do it will be worth money for sure. I want it down low with white wall pie crusts in the back. Real plain and simple no frills build no chrome etc. with a bad *** hard hitting hemi busting the windows out and shaking the ground. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Well. Just got back after looking at the 29 Ford coupe. It’s amazing what people think something is worth just because they did work on it. Car was full of mud. Terrible paint job. Not running or driving as advertised. No battery. Flat tires bad fuel pump. Had some nice cardboard door panels, however. [emoji849] He got upset when I offered what he apparently paid for 5 years ago when he bought the car. Well, do the work right then and it’ll be worth something ! Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
The Jalopy Journal
