First of all in the spirit of full disclosure, I got this car the way it sits. I have never bought a "Done" car before. Always bolted everything together in the traditional "find it, fix it, install it, drive it" fashion. I've been working my way up to put this car together since High School, got close a few times and, well you know. Kids, house, fix the house ......... The full on build always took the back seat. This car actually came along at the right time, in fact it more or less came to me, so I laid down the bucks for it. I feel like this is currently another persons car that I am driving and want to make it my own. I bought it thinking there were a few things I might change, but basically I dig it the way it sits. There are a couple of billet parts that have to go, it has a GM tilt and Camaro Wheel (Ford V8 logo in the horn button)....little stuff. I'm not into the crate 350 in a Ford crowd so the 302 was a big plus. The absolute worst thing in my book is the Mustang II suspension up front. Its done right with the boxed frame and a cross member kit. I would like to put an axle back under it but am wondering if it would be worth the effort and cost. It drives great and the full fenders cover it up pretty good. It needs a hood for driving up here in the Great North Wet. I have thought about a one piece top that I could fabricate and know a guy with a bead roller to put in the right lines. Lots of input so far from friends says put a full hood on it, I would only need to move the alternator. What do ya think? By the way, I've got to give credit to Jack, the guy that did most of the build. He passed away a few years ago and the car just mostly sat.
First off I like the car, very clean looking and sounds like it is well built. I am building a full fendered '31 sedan with mustang II stlye front suspension, if my car were not to have fenders I would go with a beam axle, but then I plan on driving the dog s%&t out of mine and have the independent suspension forthat reason. Since you asked for ideas, I would lower the grill shell to match the cowl, lower the front a little and go to a smaller dia. front tire. If you want more of a racing look maybe some American torque thrust D wheels with the gray spokes (my favorites). Some pin stripes and then just drive it. Just MHO.
I agree about the billet. A hood with open sides just looks right on a full-fender A with a OHV-V8. It appears that the rad sits higher than the cowl? I think some Cal Custom valve covers would look more vintage. I had a pair years ago and always liked them. I'm a Ford guy but the Cobra and similar VCs always looked modern to me. You might be able to find an alder-looking air cleaner housing that would back-date the engine a little more. Something painted. And a non-HEI dizz cap. Can't help on the body. I come here to learn about vintage steel and don't have "the creative eye" that others do. I think this car is sweet looking as it is. As for the suspension, I view that as a bonus. But then, if I owned it, I would be driving the canyons and mountains as I do now, not crawling through the Route 66 restaurant parking lot, so the better handling would be greatly appreciated. Zoom zoom this, MFers!
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