Hey everyone, I've been cruising this board for a bit now, mainly the classifieds section. After coming home from Lead East this year I've finally decided to actively search out a project. I currently have no garage (NJ real estate is absolutely out of control), but I'm trying to not let that stop me from picking something up. I'm mainly into 49-54 lead sleds, but can appreciate anything. There is a wealth of knowledge here and I'm looking forward to learning whatever I can. Nick
I'd like to be around 5-7k. Something running that I could gradually add to and work on over time. Whatever it is, it will eventually be chopped and lowered. Haha. Been looking at affordable '54 Bel Airs, '50 Shoebox Fords, '54 Ford Customlines, etc. Must be a coupe. Must be automatic. I've seen some of these cars already chopped and bagged in my price range (closer to 7-8k) on eBay, so I'm hoping I'm not daydreaming. I'm just holding out for the right one.
welcome, are you looking for a 2 door car or will a 4 door work ? I've see a 50 shoebox ford 4 door around my area that might be for sale. I've been trying to track the guy down myself to inquire about it.
Definitely looking for a 2 door. The only car I thought about buying with 4 doors is a '65 Lincoln Continental. I have an affinity for that car for some reason. There's a near perfect finished 4 door '54 Bel Air on eBay right now that's been chopped, lowered, shaved, whole 9 yards, and I just can't bring myself to bid on it because it's not what I really want. I've always been pretty stubborn.
Is it on a hill paralell to a street? Up about 100 or so feet? Its a dark greenish, radiused wheelwells in the rear I think too. Thats either High Bridge or Clinton where that 4 door is. (if Im right)
Making this post must have been an omen, because I saw a beautiful '50 shoebox on my drive home from work today. Glossy black paint in Morristown. Thanks to you guys for the welcome's and for being willing to look into cars for me. I can tell this is going to be a great board.
Welcome from Woodbridge. I have a '51 Ford myself. Be a little weary of the "done" cars in the 5-7K price range. Figure a solid shoebox goes for 4-5K with updated running gear and make that your baseline. Just make sure either you know what you're looking at or you bring someone along who does. Some of these guys on eBay are nothing but jack legs. (A new word I leanred on the HAMB.)
"Welcome to the fast lane on the HAMB, please hold on for the ride of your life" You have very cool taste in your choice of a early 50's ride. Good luck with your search and your dream of a cool cruiser. CRUISER
Really appreciate the advice. 4-5k for a shoebox seems like a great price to me. I saw an almost fully done one go for 10.5k on here aways back, and kicked myself for not looking into it. There's another fully done one up for sale right now going for 20k, which is way out of my league. So it was hard for me to gauge a price. Also good to know there is someone on here in NJ who does bodywork and the like. I'm not aware of any places at the moment who do chops and such. (Seems like most of the stuff I come across is home done, and I certainly don't have the means or the know-how!) Thanks again!
Welcome from 18 miles North of you on 287..hold on to your seat and fasten your seat belt it's going to get bumpy !!!!
Tried to PM you back but it said you were not able to receive PM's/you blocked them. Have an e-mail address I could shoot my response to? Just in case you see this before I can send you something, I can't make it down to Deptford tomorrow. (That's about 2 hours south of me.) Heading to another show in Summit real quick before shooting to NYC. Have some questions and the like. Nick
Wow, haven't checked this thread in awhile. Still searching for the right car. I've looked at a few but nothing was worth taking home. Botched clips, bad chops, excessive rust... Maybe I'm being too picky, but I know I can get more for the money. I upped my budget a bit since I started searching. Looking to bring something home that needs minimal work. Right now the main contenders are a '49-'51 chopped shoebox or a 28-34 chopped/channeled model A. I'm heading to the Jalopy Showdown next month to check out the cars and see if anyone has anything for sale.
Come to Englishtown on May 8th. Should be a lot of local resources for you there. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=347145
Won't be able to make it on the 8th due to work, but I'll definitely come by another weekend. Thanks a lot!
Welcome from Jersey... There was a guy down this way selling a sweet 50 Ford, Flathead, 2 dr for a great price. He was getting out of it due to no work I think. I'll try to look him up. I wanted to buy, but no room. If you wanna chop it, I have the extra door pieces... for free. And, I'll show you where to slice it...also for free.
If Lurker dont want the door parts I would be interested.... I will be getting ready to chop my 50 Tudor mid summer.... I checked your profile and seen that your involved in Englishtown.... I will be down for the spring meet probably on Friday maybe we could hook up...
I sincerely appreciate the offer but I unfortunately don't have the space or the confidence to chop the sucker myself. I'm hoping to come across a shoebox with an updated drivetrain (I need an auto trans unfortunately) already hacked. I know the '51 had an option to come with the Ford-O-Matic... but I'd rather have something a bit more modern. Thanks again!
Rags.... there yours! Us Jersey'ites need to help each other out and support the hot rod/ custom cause! Hahahaaa... Man, I can't wait to get to work on my 36. It has been years since I have done any custom work on 50's cars... I miss it now, and need a fix. Ticktock... you get yourself a 5Os's Ford, I'll help you man. I'd rather see someone chop one right, then have to cringe when I see it creeping around. Off topic... Me and an A-Bomber are setting up some Swedish kids to come to America to work in shops. Just regular mechanical shops to gain some experience here in the US. I may be setting up a Hamb chop at my house/garage for extra activities while they are here. All will go down next May though... I'll keep you all posted with details as they come together. See you at the swap!
Haha I feel you on the cringe part! Thanks so much. I will keep an eye out for unchopped solid Shoeboxes as well. Awesome to know I can get help with a chop round these parts. I found a nice '50 with a 350/350 combo, but the gent wants $13k and the suspension is stock / no subframe. The hunt continues... Nick
Ticktock- We must be neighbors, I am in Morristown too. Currently working on my first car, a channeled 1930 A V8 roadster. Not sure if I can impart many words of wisdom, I am learning as I go. BTW I met Dirtiest Devil about a month ago, and he is a very informed and friendly guy. I have to go back down and get those pedals one of these days. Peter
Im actually in Boonton..... I usually do Wendy's in Denville WED nights and Walmart in Boonton on FRI nights..... Look for my Roadster Pickup. Rags...........
Had no idea there were cruise nights so close. I'll definitely stop by sometime. Thanks again for all of the advice everyone. I really appreciate it!
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