Attached are pics of my just acquired today 49 Ford 8BA Flathead engine. This old guy comes into the shop last week and tells me he has a complete 49 Ford frame and engine and trans he would like to get out of his garage. Story goes its been in the garage for the last 20 years, was going to restore the car, but it never happened. 10 years ago the kids chopped the car up and this is what's left. I was afraid to ask what chopped up meant, but I found out today when I went over to look at it. Seems he decided he wasn't ever going to restore it and didn't want the car anymore and did not know what to do with it, so the kids literally cut it up with a SAWZALL! to dispose of it. It was a running car 20 years ago. I told him I was interested in the engine and trans but not the frame. He said I could have the whole works for the price of the engine, that way I could have it put on a flatbead and towed to the shop. So I go to his house today (5 blocks from the shop) and look at it. The engine/ trans/diff is totally complete and looks original and very nice shape, has oil and anti freeze still in the engine. The frame is incredible to, it still has factory paint and surface rust only. Sad what they did to the car because the condition of the frame says it was pretty much a low rust restorable car. I bought it and had it flatbeaded to my shop. Worst part, I got the title for the car also! Why they chopped it up I just don't know. I was going to keep the engine and trans only and dispose of the rest, but now I just can't justify cuting up the frame to get rid of, its just too nice. Is there anyone out here that would be interested in the rolling chassis?Its from a 49 Ford 2 door. I am in the Chicagoland area. I now have the motive power for my future 32 5 window! Now I just have to build the car! Just goes to show you there is still stuff just down the street in garages waiting for someone to rescue it! .
The Jalopy Journal
