I bought this Shoebox about six weeks ago.. Slowly but surely making progress at my ripe old age of (76)....What really has helped me is acquiring two old style air bumper jacks. Now I can raise both ends up and work on it while sitting on my three wheel handicap scooter, moving back and forth. I have a good running 1953 Ford Flathead waiting to go into it.. Can't do more than about three days a week due to back, neck and leg problems...but this has really got my MOJO back.. I now have both sides repaired (cutting out rust and welding in patches, then Bondo) to a rough state.. Here are a few pics of it, and my progress...
By the way, Bob, I may have a few parts left over (over purchases and some I didn't use) from my build... I'll inventory them and send you a list...
One of my favorite cars. It sounds like your handicaps are slowing you but not stopping you and that's commendable. One of the most important parts about building a 49 is the door latches. I always replace them with a better system. On this gray primer 49 I used latches and pins from my wife's old 80s Dodge Omni/Plymouth Horizon. I bolted the latch to the door jamb and attached the pin to the door. You can do it the opposite way too.
I admire you Bob. I’m only 70 and have spent the last 2 years building a Ranchero from a 49 Tudor. I’ve always loved the coupes. You’ve accomplished a lot in a short time on your 49. I personally prefer the 49 for the park lamps and door handles. The handles are unique. Yes, they are known for coming open, but make sure they are adjusted correctly and wear a seat belt. Lol. Keep up the good work.
Looks interesting, just be careful with those air Jack's. Dad lifted the family car to high in the front and it slid off the Jack just as he was sliding out from underneath. Broke an arm and busted a rib.
Oh I agree...I never go under it...can't with my knees and back anyway, but if I did, or let anyone else, I will have jack stands under it... Thanks for the advise though..
The fact your car has no stainless trim the the windshield and rear window would indicate that it is a business coupe rather than a club coupe.
As a proud owner of a '51 club coupe, I applaud what you're doing and what you have been able to accomplish. I am a little older that you, and I find the "shoebox" fords are a real nice fit for us "older gentlemen" and practical for daily use (my '36 3-window went down the road because of this). It seems that "shoebox" coupes are becoming a vary important component in the whole scheme of things lately. (I find the tudor sedans with the faux quarter windows to be very ungainly looking..) I approve.
When I was in high-school there was a mechanic in town that had two of those air bumper jacks, he'd put one on each end lifting the vehicle until he could work underneath while standing up. He did it that way for years, no jack stands or safety devices of any kind, how he avoided a closed-casket funeral I"ll never know.
Actually the Business Coupe back windows did not open, and it did not have a back seat...plus a bit of other things.. I just came in thru the shop, and it also has stainless trim on the front windsheild. My back windows open, and it does have a back seat, making it a Club Coupe....
Yep, you are correct. My '51 is actually a business coupe body with club coupe windows and seat. Rear seat just kinda sets there as there are no tabs or proper shelf for it to sit on. I changed the damaged original club body in 1974. Dave
I admire your gumption, and really like those coupes. More power to you. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
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