Technical What is it about the field cars?

It's true that a very badly deteriorated field car is a lot of work, and if you can't do the work yourself it isn't usually worth more than it's parts value. But if you're able to do the work, and you've got the time to do so, then they can indeed be worth saving, and can be a cheap way to get into an old car.
My '39 Chev coupe was just such a car. It spent many decades in the hands of two owners, and both had plans to "fix her up", but soon came to their senses that the work involved was going to be far more than they bargained for. With everything metal in the bottom 4"-6" being rotted away, it required all new floors, rockers, lower inner and outer doors, lower quarters, firewall, tail pan, and the entire flange the rear fenders bolt to the quarters replaced! But the rest of the car was straight, and solid.
It took 6 months of chopping out metal, and welding in new, working almost every day. I also thought I was done with rust repair probably 3 times, only to discover more as I moved along. There were times I thought I'd never get it all solid and rust free, and got pretty down about taking on such a rust bucket. But the closer it got to rust free, the better my attitude got.
In the end I spent two years building the '39, and when I finished it I'd done every bit of the build myself, including drivetrain, suspension, paint, and interior. My total investment in dollars (including purchase price) was $5300. So looking back I'm very happy I took on this field car project.

 

Over the past ten or so years there has been a lot of people showing up at swap meets looking for old cars and parts to repurpose into art deco stuff.

 

Yep, I usually only want the shell, but having a complete car to work with, makes a huge difference. Complete field cars, even though everything could be screwed up, is a good place to start, it's usually a stock ride that hasn't been screwed with. A stripped out hulk is a lot of extra BS to make a full functional ride.

 

It's a part of the sickness called hot rodding. You see a nice car and drool over it, then you spot one the same model in a field or out in the woods and think, hey, I can fix that. The draw of a cheap get in price seals the deal. Then later reality sets in for many, they are in over their head. So, back out to the field it goes, to start the cycle again...

 

Maybe just maybe it has only been out there for a day or two - replaced by a new John Deer tractor !

 

Not sure if this is the right place to post. Mods please move if needed.
Is there a field car registry out there??
When I first saw my field car it was moved into a yard in the mid 90's. From there it went to the woods.
It now resides in a field.
Assuming because that is where its at, it must be a field car. But I would like to return it to original status.
Only asking for a friend.
Maybe I should look for a yard car or woods car registry??
Any help would be appreciated

 

Don't forget "ready to restore"

 

the field cars are the most affordable for the ones who cant buy a barn car or one in good condition.

 

Keep in mind, a '55 Chevy was only a 35 year old car in 1990, the equivalent of a 1987 today. It's not impossible to think you might see a 1987 model still being driven around by it's original owner, worse for wear but as a driveable project. Now that car is almost 70 years old. If you're into HAMB era cars, there just aren't any running, driving projects around that aren't already someone's baby.

I do agree, to buy something that already drives is a huge step up. But those cars are rare. Most unfinished projects I see for sale are far from roadworthy, that's often why they're for sale. Drivers with crappy old paint are actually desirable and bring a premium. It's a tough time to be getting into the hobby on a low budget unless you're willing to take on one of the rough ones.

As for the '39 in question, it'll be lost forever if you can't get it now. And the more we lose, the fewer there are to start with in the future. Even if you just part it out or pass it onto the next guy, it helps.

 

Is a field car just a barn find without the barn?

 

Nobody pays a premium for lichen or Moss, but barn dust? oh yea

 

I could never have afforded a "nice" one.

And more than that, I wouldn't have had the chance to build it with my dad. Can't put a price on that.

 

Never say never!!

 

These cars used to be field cars, they were parked in the 1970's. It was a field then. The owner said he drove them in there! We been making plans to extract them. 1957ht, 1957 4dr wgn, 2 1956 4dr, 1955 2 dr ,1963 Fury III

 

^^^^^^ btw these cars would also fall in the "ran when parked" category!!

 

They call out to me for HELP. Fortunately I've learned to look the other way and move on.

 

That sounds similar to how I bought my '39! A friend and I were simply looking at it and commenting about how I had a '40 coupe in 1968, and always wished it was a '39 coupe. Then the seller walks up and we began talking with him, and reminiscing about what I'd do with a '39 coupe, and how bad his car was, which he obviously knew already. Half an hour later we were shaking hands and I was walking away wondering what I'd just gotten myself into? The clincher was my buddy telling me, "You're a very brave guy to take that rust bucket project on!"

 

What is it about the field cars? That is the question. One could easily argue that they’re outstanding, in a field. Lol

 

I like basket cases.
My sons 61 truck was a $200 field find. It was either me buying or the scrap guy across the road would have got it. It’s not pretty but drivable and working.
We’re building a 50s jeep from other peoples left overs. Last count was pieces from 5 donors.
My bus was bought before the claw grabbed it.
My step van came from the same scrap yard.
My former place of employment built rides from restored or survivor quality material. It’s cheaper in the long run when you’re paying someone else or if you have major show award contender aspirations.
I like the orphans. Anyone can build a nice ride

 

Here's my field car.

 

How many readers rides started as a field car ... I know mine was for quite a while till it was "rescued "..They have a certain attraction until..NO Title ..Alot of rust...Still Kool to look at for some reason & have that "Old Smell.".

 

That thing's cool.

 

This old wagon was last tagged in 1968 California. It then made its way across the country to Oklahoma and continued to sit in a field until we got it as an abandoned project w no drive train but nice solid original floors for 1,500$. We have other cars that are nicer, more desirable, better shape, more tradional "cool" but this one is my favorite. Something about taking a vehicle that's been tossed aside as all used up longer than I've been alive and bringing it back to roadworthy status is pretty damn rewarding. View attachment 5320266
Edit: I'll have to ask my Wife if she has any pics of it when we dragged it out.

 

Like so...

 

That's a perfect summation. Sure, maybe you could buy a nicer one up front and come out cheaper, or with less hours, but when the buildout is your hobby, it's way more satisfying this way.

My own '57 was a non-running 6 cylinder 4 door sedan, bought at auction for $300, just one bid above the minimum bid of scrap price. I have way prettier shit but this one is special because it was destined for junk without me.

 

Went scouring the woods today.

 

I didn’t necessarily start with a field car, but it sat outside for 15 plus years and in the most recent of years sat out in the backyard of a friends house.

I got my 58 Chevy for 2500 bucks, which I thought was a great price at the time…but what I didn’t realize is that you will get nickeled and dimed by all of the small components; wiring, hoses, brakes, clutch , u joints, MSD Distributor, gas and brake lines… All of these just to get the car to function and move, but that doesn’t include the safety items; ball joints, tie rods, tires, rear end seals… plus if you add in tranny or engine work, the cost just keeps adding up.

I am probably 5500 into this car, countless hours of work with friends and alone, but the biggest thing for me, is that I learned a lot with this car. The learning is priceless, and making this a daily driver was an adventure too say the least. I drive this year round, rain or shine in Ohio, unless there is salt on the road. Field cars have taught me a so much!

 

Although my 59 GMC didn't come out of a field, it did come out of a Texas junkyard. It was there for about 20 years. I built it with a 326 Pontiac V8, Saginaw 4 speed, and a 59 Pontiac rear axle. It's mainly used to tow my 55 Chevy to the drag strip. This winter it was my daily driver, after my 84 S-10 blew a head gasket.

 

I like it.
FOREST CARS may be the next buzz word classification.
Trees grew around them, cut one down to count the rings and see how long it been there.
I have retrieved cars that required a day of chain saw work to get at them.

 

Vall , it sure looks good and its proof that the power of an hour in your home garage can get it done. Congrats.