wow, we really do sound like the people at car shows that we don't care too much for... ...my uncle had one of those, except it was green, a 58 model and a chevy..... .....what color are you going to paint it ....when are you going to finish it .....if it were mine i'd....... hahaha!
Speak for yourself ("we"), I do. Some call it bullshittin', some bench racin', some thinkin' out loud, some shootin' the breeze. It doesn't do any harm to give an opinion.
I'm in shock!! I can't stop looking at the pictures. What a cool find that I'm sure everyone here would kill to own.
In the end you will end up doing what you want with it. In the mean time I think it should be professionally photographed and presented in a publication like the Rodders Journal or in a book for posterity and for all to enjoy. Congratulations have fun learning about it. Chris
Restore it with the approach of an archaeologist opening King Tut's tomb--document everything that's there, try to decode what's almost gone, like the paint color and path of striping...this car is a REAL datum point of how it really was, what a particular well finished rod looked like. Somebody put a lot of time and money into this thing, and it was nice...and should be again.
My thoughts on restoration vs. fix and drive as is -- Think of a classic airplane (WWII warbird for example). Would you rather see one as it was found neglected out behind some hanger for 30 years or mechanically sound and completely re-finished? (and guess which one is worth the most) Very neat as a survivor; much better brought back to its original condition. My $.02
Well, all that I have to say is that you came to the right place to share your good fortune and to ask for advice! The first thing I would do would be to contact one of specialty auto insurance companys (do a search) and follow your heart...your are a blessed man!
I thought of something nice that you could do for your elderly friend who built the car. You could have a nice big portrait of the car painted of how it looked in its prime and present it to him. I'm sure he would get some nice memories every time he looked at it. If his health fails he may never see the restored car in person. The finest automotive artists in the world are right here on the H.A.M.B. Just thinking out loud.
Another thing you might want to do (as if you need any more suggestions) is to put together a collection of photographs of the car (including any you may have of where it was found and the removal). Send them off with a written description to Rodders Journal and see if they would be interested in doing an article on the car. If so , and their request, you might want to have them photograph the car so it would appear at it's best (unrestored) for the magazine before you get too far into tearing it apart for the redo. Just a thought as it won't EVER again be in the condition it is today and they will have the means or suggestions for preserving the image in the best manner. Your call. Frank
IMHO, the "stories" relating to this car should come from the guy who built it and any pictures and memories and document he can put with it for the current owner and future generations to enjoy. GET THEM NOW if this guy is still alive....TAKE DETAILED pictures as it is now...and then restore the car to its original build configuration and take LOTS of pictures and write lots of words about the restoration. It would be disrespectful to the car and to the builder to leave it slowly rusting away. Thats how I would treat this car....oh, and I would drive it after it was restored, too. This is one for the books, boys. Very nice score.
i agree... this roadster reminds me of another quality roadster that was found in much abused condition in a barn ,the roadster i am talking about is the Nekamp roadster saved from ruin by jim jacobs .and thanks to his efforts the Nekamp roadster will be around for along time to come .i think this roadster deserves the same treatment
Sounds like y'all are zeroing in on a good plan. Of course it's up to the owner. But getting in touch with Rodder's Journal, collecting documentation, amassing all info...etc. then carefully restoring to the SAME LEVEL OF FINISH as it once was. Can't be much better than this. Wow!
Again thank you all for the great advice. I have been looking for the right insurance carrier and have not been able to find one I feel good about. Anyone have an opinion or suggestions as to a good ins. co.? Thanks, M
One of the items I could not locate were the valve covers. I had found a set from another engine, (found out after I tried to fit to the engine. Seems the covers are for a 371 or up as the gap on the top side of the cover is too great to be filled with a gasket. In an earlier link it looked as the number on the head was an 8. I looked again and the number is a 3, (see attached link). Having seen this would this engine with a 3 7/8 bore be a 324 block with 303 heads? The bore is as close to 3 7/8 as it can get with std. pistons. Any thoughts? http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s109/mmmaxwe/29FordEnginePics12.jpg
well, it's almost definately a 303. while you can put 303 heads on a 324 you really wouldn't have. standard bore for 303 is 3.750 and an 1/8th overbore is not uncommon on a built motor. I was very suprised when you came back with it being standard bore. magnesium rocker arms were not cheap back then and if you were going to put them in your motor you would have already had alot done before those rockers went in. I'm guessing theres quite a wild cam hiding in that thing as well. btw the intake on that motor (edelbrock ol396) is for a 303.
So we can say 303 with since the Heads are marked 3 and the EB intake is an Ol396. I did not expect to see std. on top of the pistons. Engine appears to have not been run long there is no ridge on the walls. Not even to grab with a fingernail. I hear the Olds blocks are hard has bricks, if so they must hold up well. I would be curious as to the HP from this, hard to tell I know. Headers 3x2 and a touched up engine would produce 200HP? Thoughts... Mike
It would be CRIME not to restore that car to it's original build. Somebody did a lot of work and wanted it to be " Shiny " and done right. They never would have chromed anything or painted anything if they wanted it " Patina " style. I think the builder would be proud to see it the way she was built....
more than that I'm sure. especially a built motor. if the cylinders don't look too bad, check the valley pan for junk(mouse) and damage. also pull the pan before you start it. alot of guy will tell you to just start it up but I know from experience that it's worth the time to check it out first(which it seems you are willing to do). I got a rebuilt flatmotor that had been sitting for a while. pulled the pan and found a rats nest in it. had to pull the whole motor apart and re-assemble it. much better than the alternative though.
Restore it but leave the dash as is. Car still has a story to tell and is preserved. My 2 cents worth!
Go with your heart on this car. Listen to none of us. Do what you want, no regrets. And have FUN. I'm so jealous I could spit.
On the insurance--a normal company is going to be thinking either streetrod or antique; that ain't either. For proper insurance, I think it will need professional appraisal by someone who is familiar with the world of restored early rods. It is valuable because it is a unique and original survivor, intact enough to restore, and it doesn't fit common categories.
The motor will be gone through before I try and start it. For me it takes less time to go through the motor and not worry about it afterwards or try and start it and possibly screw it up. When the motor is out I will go through tranny and all the new things to make sure it runs and drives right. Bruce, exactly to your point I have been having trouble finding an appraisal/someone to insure due to the special situation. Any recommendations as to who can do a good appraisal. M
100% right on. It isnt in good enough condition to keep it as is. It didnt look like that in the 50's or 60's so ur not really preserving anything. One thing i would try to save is the interior, but other then that, i would redo it just to what it used to look like.
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