Not the most familiar with Flathead Fords (I was always a Studebaker man). I am interested in this 36 convertible sedan locally. Its stashed in a dry garage and was out once in the 1990's -thats when a pic of it on a trailer was taken. Rest of pictures are current, hard to get any overall shots as its packed in a garage. Engine is loose. Interior and top are trashed. Frame is good and body is pretty good for a rust belt car. Has title. Last on the road in the 1960's. Was supposedly a Ford family car when it was new, but I take that with a grain of salt since no documentation. My questions are following: - How much reproduction soft trim and interior is available for the convertible sedans? - What in particular should I be looking at on it for missing parts or rust prone spots? - Fair price range for one in this shape? I think my plan would be just making it mechanically sound and putting a top on it, maybe some blanket seats and just enjoy it as a sweaty old thing for awhile. Not really needing a complete restoration right now in my life.
Expect to find areas of rot in the trunk area and along the lower portion of the body behind every fender. That engine looks like a 35-36 or 37 85 horse. I wouldn’t pay much more than 4-5 grand for it. You could easily need to replace or rebuild that engine. That’s around 4-5 grand by itself.
WOW. That's a great find on a pretty rare car. Check the lower cowl feet where they bolt to the frame. if they are rusty or weak, it will screw up door/body alignment all the way to the rear of the car. Also, the floors are the MAIN integrity of the body on a Convertible Sedan. The better they are, the better everything will remain aligned.
You will get most answers to your questions on wwwfordbarn.com. Its Ryan's sister site devoted to stock early Ford's. That engine is a 24 stud 38 -48. Has a clock in the glove box door.That alone in nice shape is worth some bucks!
Where in Michigan? There are a lot of us in Michigan. I'd be willing to bet someone would come take a look with you and give you an honest assessment of the car.
Nobody makes tops or interiors for those in a kit since Lebaron Bonney closed up. Might be some small shop could custom make it though.
As far as building a street rod I can't say, but as far as doing a restoration it's one of the most expensive cars to restore. As others have mentioned, make sure everything is there, as not much is available for this body style, especially sheet metal and top parts. How much is the asking price?
Its a long term gearhead buddy who has it, he has not mentioned a price to me yet. Hes getting to an age where he has too many projects...... He bought it from another mutual gearhead friend in the 1990's who is now deceased. At the time in the late 90's he gave $7k for it if my memory is accurate.