1952-59 Ford Thinking about trading

Hey fellas, just thought I'd throw this on here for some possible advice/opinions. For those of you that don't know, I have a 54 customline that now has a 302/c4. I can't get it to run right and I am getting kinda tired of it. I lucked into my 1st 54 and then really lucked into this one. I never really sought out to have a 54 ford, it just kinda happened. I've had fun with it. While searching the local Craigslist, I found a 42 Plymouth. I've always loved pre-war cars, especially as customs. This car is pretty straight and still has the inline 6 and 3 on the tree. Supposedly his buddy got it running with some fuel in the carb. Obviously I don't know if that really happened. It's also missing the front seat, carpet, things like that. He's got a few crates of parts that go with it. Has it listed for 3500. I guess right now I am just interested in knowing what you guys think about it. The ad on Craigslist has expired. It was posted in early September. Otherwise I would include a picture. Well, what do you guys think?

Thanks!
Rocky

 

Oh, and he just told me he has an lt1 with a turbo 350 that he would throw in.

 

i love the old ones 2, i guess thats why i got so many. but im fortunate enough to have the room for them. however i got another car give to me i have to make an addition for. in the end you have to make up your own mind we cant make it up for you. the obvious thing is it alot more of a project than you 54 if you are able to drive your 54 down the road i consider that a huge plus. the ol plymouth your gona need an entire rebuild on the brakes or do something like a mustang 2 under it especially if you going with the 350/350. you will have to change out the rear end and it most likely has a buggy spring that you will have to change out to regular springs. so figure 2500? for front and rear suspension with brakes. kinda makes me think your better off with your ol ford. but once again you have to make up your mind.

 

I thought you had most of the bugs out on the '54,what is holding you back? Sounds like the Mopar would be major work compared to what you now have,actually the 5.0/302 Ford is a better fit in the Mopar than a SBC since it is narrower and the Mopar steering box needs the clearance even the 318/360 Mopar is a better fit than the SBC.

 

Jeff, I just basically need to get it to where I can drive it. For some reason I am still getting a puff out of the carb while trying to move forward or backwards. When this puff happens, the car completely dies. The 54 would be nice to cruise around right now because the weather is great! I guess I'm just not mechanically inclined enough to figure out what is really going on.

 

Stick with the Ford. Your problems with the 302 will be something very minor. Building the Mopar will be a far bigger job and way more time they you expect.Just work thru each of the engines systems one at a time to determine if each part is doing its job correctly. It is a great feeling to find what the problem is. Take your time.
Best of luck.

 

I don't think the mopar would be a far bigger job than I expect. I have built cars from nothing before. I know what time frame those kinds of projects can consume. That's not so much of an issue for me. I'm going to look at the car this weekend and make a decision from there. In the mean time, I will be working on the 54 to try and get it right. Who knows, if I get it running and driving right, a better opportunity might come along.

 

Here's a trade for Ya! http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/cto/4160017117.html

 

Hahaha thanks Jeff! I'll be sure to go look at that one this weekend too!

 

So I've been doing a lot of thinking and research on the 42. They have factory IFS fronts and leaf springs in the back. They also use Aerostar coils to lower them. Disc brakes are only a few hundred dollars too. I have pretty much made up my mind that I will be trading. I'm not saying its a smart move or a great idea, but I'm ready for something new. He's also throwing in a newly rebuilt 351 and trans. Don't know if I will use it or not. If anything, I can sell it to pay for the upgrades and rebuilding of things on the car. I'm going to look at it 1 more time this weekend and then will probably swap them the following weekend. Thank you to everyone for the input on this. As always, your ideas and comments are appreciated.

Rocky

 

as far as your car and backfiring out the carb, id say you got some plug wires crossed. possibly using the wrong firing order. or got it running to lean.

 

I'll let the next guy figure it all out. I'm sure it's gonna be some easy fix. The guy also has a 54 ranch wagon project with a mustang II front end. It's a basket case though.

 

So if you trade it is mandatory that the new owner joins the Group. Or go this route buy it and sell the Ford http://tucson.craigslist.org/cto/4187471214.html

 

I had a '41 Plymouth once and regret selling it. They are a lot of fun and not real expensive to fix up.

Jeff, I almost spit my coffee out when I saw that link!

 

Jeff, I have already talked to him about joining up and he is a member on the hamb, just not our group. He said he would check it out. Doesn't get on the hamb much. Also, not a chance in hell I would get that "monster" dodge. That thing is hideous!

 

I kinda like the Dodge it would make a cool G***er, not a bad price either.But then I used to have a thing for the weird, you should see some of my ex-wives

 

And p*** up on the Nash, what are you guys smoking these days?

 

Zapato, I already purchased the Nash. I'm thinking of a one seater, full caged g***er. However, I want to keep the stock driveline. Might do a full gold flake paint job too!



I kid...

 

Rocky,I thought the pink Nash should have a pink and gold flake roof and a blown Ford 460 under the hood just for fun.

 

Oooh that could be *****in! Could you imagine all the people's faces if someone really did that?

 

Since we have been poking fun at the Nash here is an eye opener! http://www.hemmings.com/cl***ifieds/dealer/nash/amb***ador/1607090.html?refer=blog