I know this is a loaded question but I am going to ask. I have a 35 Ford 5 window coupe, it needs a lot of work, no floors, no engine, no trans, basically a steel body on a frame, when I got it, it had a newer suspension already installed. I have the opportunity to trade for a 41 plymouth coupe that is basically the same but with floor pans installed. I have a hemi and 4 speed for my project. Both have good ***les and bodies are good. Plymouth is on original suspension. What would you choose and why??? Sent from my SM-S367VL using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
I'd do the Mopar without a second thought. The 41 Plymouth has an independent front suspension that was years ahead of the compe***ion. With a few refinements, they work in today's traffic. Install the Hemi with the 4 speed, upgrade the rear end, and your much closer to driving then you would be with the Ford. Gene
the ford makes the better lookin hot rod but that 41 plymouth with the right chop, lowered and skirted in the rear there isn't a better lookin custom
Ford will always be worth more But from the sounds of it the Plymouth will be in the road easier easy is good depends on what you like
All the responses so far have had their point, but they've missed an important question: If you're going to build the car yourself, do you have the time/talent/tools to get the job done? My point being, if putting floors in a car is a deal-breaker for you, then you're going to need all the help you can get when it comes to motor/transmission mounts, suspension components and steering. There is far more parts and information available for building a Ford than for the Plymouth, and if you decide you're in too deep, the Ford is easier to sell. Best of luck on your project.
If you decide to go Plymouth, I have been dealing with specifically 1941 Plymouth Body Parts for over 30 years...Huge collection of items.
Hemi, 4 spd, Ford...sounds like a plan to me. And as a side plan that you didn't ask about...check HAMB cl***ifieds and swap meets for '36 front sheet metal.
i disagree sheet metal and iron doesn't know whether it's stamped into the shape of a plymouth or a ford the mechanic's of building a car or exactly the same regardless of brand
Ford would be the way I would go, I honestly think the Ford has a nicer looking body and I'm a Ford guy. The metal work it needs is not that complicated. HRP
The Ford is going to have far better value if you get tired of it & decide to sell. There's a bunch of Threads on upgrading the front end of the Plyms. The OEM front works well if installing a S/B Mopar. I've been told by a guy with a 392 in a '48 Plym he had to recess the firewall 7 inches. My '48 had a Cutl*** clip & the 331 fit in nicely, as does a 354 in a buddy's '41. You didn't say what Hemi you have. A Dodge would be easier to fit in the OEM frame than a Chr., depending on sump location.
I have a mopar and love it, aftermarket parts for them are hard to find. Everything is either a challenge or 2 times more costly or just not available. Gauges, brakes, gearing, sheet metal replacement panels. speed parts. You already know this with the Hemi, and as others said above, the Ford would probably be worth more and sell easier then the mopar.
Something not mentioned is how big of guy are you? It has been while since I sat in a 35 Ford but IIRC, it is on the small side. I do think that Ply has more cabin space. Which Hemi engine? .
I'm a dyed in the wool Ford man so id definitely build the 35. When talking early cars a Ford usually brings good resale as well. If your flipping back and forth between the 2 your probably not head over heels about either car which brings us to the real thing. What car do you LOVE? Not out of those 2, but out of all cars. Build that one. Sell your **** if you have to. Save up if you have to, but build that one. Lifes too short to settle for the wrong car. And building one takes a long ****ing time.
So all you need is a floor for your '35? Can you do the work yourself? I mean it's not like you have to buy a 2K fit-to-suit floor pan, sheet metal and some forward thinking will get it done. Now if you cannot do a floor pan, are you abe to go through the suspension in the '41? I'm not looking at resale value up the road, but if I just needed to fix a floor in a car I have that has a new suspesion, I'd rather to that than get up under a 80 year old car and rebuild it.
I'd go Plymouth and this is why... newer front suspension, no cross breeding of body and engine, and though I love Fords, it has a way better looking grille. The '35 Ford grille has got to be one of their ugliest! The front end of the car looks like someone sliced it off a little too short...
Don’t get me wrong love the looks of the Plymouth hell my avatar is a 41 olds. I just think if you ever have to sell the ford will probably sell faster