First Timer

I'm familier with the Journal, now I'm full fledged and registered. I own a 1939 Ford coupe that i bought last spring. It was a whole car and close to a basket case. I want to put back in a hot rod version as it was post war. It appears that someone was about to do this long before i bought it. Pontiac tail lights were installed on the body between the trunk and fenders, original tail lights have been patched as well as the gas door on the fender. I also have two narrower wide five wheels for the front The interior is shot, two fenders, grille, hood, motor, side panels and other stuff came with it, but was off at the time of purchase. Since then i have blasted, primed and painted the frame and all that was attached and more. I have a 53 flattie and trans, 46 wheels and tires, f1 front brakes and other crap i have forgotten. It is taking a long time, i only have two days to pound iron.Thats my story. When i can figure out how to post pics i will. If anyone has pics of a 37 to 40 less fenders and running boards, i would like to see them. Krowbar

 

Welcome Krowbar, from Ca. Sounds like a great project you got there. Don't feel bad, none of us have enough time for our projects. I just sit in mine every now and then and picture what it will be like to cruise her down the road again. Remember, good things come to those who wait and Rome wasn't built in a day. Sorry can't help you with the pictures. Bet there is some posted somewhere around here.

 

I've been reading a few few notes since returning from the Concours d'Elegance at Pebble Beach. Yes, the blue roadster is a restoration of my 1959 version. This '59 version was created after my brother was in a crash. You could not dial 1-800-send new rails in 1959, thus I designed a new frame and IFS.

I sold the car in 1963, found it in 2000 and restored the car. After the design and detail parts for the new configuration were done, I was asked to go to Pebble Beach. This meant reverting my IFS back to the 1959 configuration. Fortunately, I had the original transverse spring. The spring and outboard shocks were installed via a bolt-in kit designed to preserve my newest pushrod, inboard coil over suspension attachment points.

Since Pebble Beach, the car has been converted back to 2007 technology. However, I don't feel any difference in ride or handling between the two suspensions.

Yes, the car was at Pebble Beach with the same 1950's owner/builder and the car will remain in the FitzGerald Family indefinitely. It was also at the Ty-Rods Annual Reunion in September 2007. There are no plans for further car shows.