1952-59 Ford Got the 53 roadworthy

After a year of work and reading great articles on this site, I am now able to cruise in my car. I bought it as pretty much a shell with all the parts inside and in the trunk. The ole flathead motor hadn't run in 14 years but was stored in a heated garage. First up was to get the motor running to see what I was dealing with. It had the typical stuck valves so I decided to tear it down. Cylinders were good enough, so with that I re did the valves, guides. Lifters were the adjustable ones and I reused them. The car came with aluminum heads and 4bbl intake so I decided to use them. Rockers were shot and parts of the floor. I replaced the p***engers side and replaced the floor on the p***enger side. Drivers side will be done in the winter, just wanted to drive it this summer. Enough talk, here are a couple pics of how it started and how it sits now, still in black primer for now. The grille was so rusted that I just sanded it down and painted it.
Oh and thanks to everyone that gives advice on this site. I have learned so much.
Cheers

 

Wow, what a transformation! That flatly is purdy!!

 

Nice work.

 

Looks great!

 

The engine looks good,have you considered using chrome acorn nut covers? HRP

 

Thanks guys.
HRP- yes I have. It is a matter of funds as usual, priorities were to get it safe and running well and then I can start with the fun stuff

 

Looking good !

 

I think the painted head bolts are a nice touch, A bit different from the everyday chrome covers

 

You're looking good allout, lots of work put into her. Keep it up.

 

Lots done in just a year!! Looking great.

 

WOW

 

Lookin' good, lots of hard work. I'd drive it.

 

Nicely done and super clean.

 

Nice job.

 

Thank you guys, it means a lot coming from guys like yourselves after seeing your vehicles. There is a ton of work still yet to do. Interior is not complete and it doesn't have any side gl***. I have a spare Merc flathead that I have torn down and it is in great shape. Block has been to the machine shop and no cracks. I am going to rebuild it and put it in with an AOD transmission. Still undecided on color, might just be hotrod black.
Cheers

 

Very nice! Car and flathead look great!

 

Yeah the flathead looks awsome.... BTW it must also SOUND awsome, and that calls for a video with sound!

 

Any updates on this car.
Keith

 

Over the winter I decided to tear it back down to finish the body work. I replaced the inner and outer rocker and floor on the driver side. I wasn't happy with the body so I stripped it down to bare metal. Epoxy primed the whole car and just finished block sanding the final high build primer coat on the body. I still have to do the doors, hood and trunk. I did all this in my home garage. This is how it sits right now.

I have a buddy who has a restoration shop who is going to paint it for me in his paint booth. They turn out amazing show cars. My body work is pretty good but not show car quality and that is not what I am going for, I just want a nice driver. Color scheme will be green body with a white roof. It will be similar to this 54 but with this green that I sprayed out on my spare hood. That's it so far.

 

Lookin great!

 

Looking good! You did a great job!

 

Great progress.

 

Thanks guys. I just recently retired after 30+ years as a Firefighter and I am enjoying it. It is nice to wander out to the garage whenever I want. Cheers

 

Just a little update. Decided to paint it myself. Turned out not bad. A few dirt nibs here and there and a couple runs to take care of but not bad for spraying in a home made booth.

 

Very nice & nice color combo
Jim

 

I like that green! I painted my first car (circa 1966) that color. The car was a 56 Victoria.

 

Another update. Just waiting for my side windows to come in and then I can finish it but I thought I would give a little update.

 

great story great car terrific outcome....well done looks fantastic

 

That looks slick! Congratulations!!

 

Looks great. You should be proud!