1952-59 Ford 54 Customline in Tempe, AZ

Hi all,

I just sold a 53 Chevy 210 that I spent the last 5 years turning into a dependable driver and picked up a 54 Ford Customeline two door last week.
The car is pretty solid as far as I can tell. (still going through it)
Engine runs but rough. Body is straight and seemingly rust free, it is in black primer,
Interior is good enough and the headliner is beautiful!!
Electrical is original and seems to be in good shape. There are some (hopefully) minor issues... The good news is that the electrical is my comfort zone... I will want to convert to 12 volts at some point but the 6 seems ok for now.I had to completely rewire my Chevy and convert to 12 volt just to be comfortable driving it farther than walking distance from home.

For starters I am looking to rebuild the carb (It has issues)...see if that helps the engine run smoother and figure out whats next.Possibly valve job..or more.
The car has overdrive...not sure whats up with that?? yet.
Hoping to learn from the group and share anything I learn,which will probably be the hard way...)

Cheers!

 

Welcome from So Cal, quite a few guys on here with 54's so you should get some good tips. Post some pics when you get a chance.

 

This would probably be a good investment http://www.ebay.com/itm/1949-1953-1...ord&hash=item1e68614a42&vxp=mtr#ht_1144wt_948 and this http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/group.php?do=discuss&group=&discussionid=27686. Welcome to the group! over a dozen 52-56 Ford members are in the Phoenix area.

 

Thanks for the welcome.

Even the wonders of the Internet cannot replace a good library.
Thank you for the link Jeff. I have a su****ion that book will come in handy. I am already checking the mail daily for my recently ordered copies of the Ford manual and 54 supplimental. What's one more gonna hurt? Not to mention I read somewhere that a poorly adjusted overdrive can mess some stuff up.
I will work on getting some pics up this weekend. I spent last weekend trying to figure what's going on under the hood..maybe this weekend I'll try to make it presentable.

 

Thanks for the welcome.

Even the wonders of the Internet cannot replace a good library.
Thank you for the link Jeff. I have a su****ion that book will come in handy. I am already checking the mail daily for my recently ordered copies of the Ford manual and 54 supplimental. What's one more gonna hurt? Not to mention I read somewhere that a poorly adjusted overdrive can mess some stuff up.
I will work on getting some pics up this weekend. I spent last weekend trying to figure what's going on under the hood..maybe this weekend I'll try to make it presentable.

 

Another SoCal welcome.

 

Welcome from Mesa. Where in Tempe are you located? Let me know if there is anything I can help with.

Rocky

 

Thanks Rocky, I am in South Tempe between Chandler and Phoenix.
Did you bag your car?
Looks good!!
I have that on my list right after "get it running and safe"

 

No bags. I've got the Aerostar springs up front with 3 1/2 inch blocks in the back. And thanks for the compliment. It doesn't look anything like my profile pic anymore. Ive completely shaved the side trim and door handles. In the process of trying to get all the body work done myself. Its a chore.