-
Our New Old Car
-
Since we are leaving for a trip Saturday I know for sure I will not be able to take possession before we return around 1/12. I am sure it is drivable now because it was getting the exhaust system the days before Christmas. But I do know once it is driveable the restorer is going to get it aligned and then has to put a lot of road test time on it to get everything sorted out.
I would like to have it available before the Florida trip that is set for the first week of Feb. but unless I can spend some time with it and can verify it has been properly set up for towing I won’t bring it.
-
It’s getting close. Not visible are the receivers for the tow bar and brake and wiring connections.
It was supposed to get a front end alignment this week. When I hang the fuzzy dice (courtesy of big Al) on the mirror it will be good to go.
-
Ooooooooooh Tom, as Jdub would say, that was way HARSH !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Was that you I noticed sitting behind the wheel in the Coca Cola truck ?
Jon, I would have to retaliate on that one.
Matter of fact, I would leave Texas right now and head to Florida with about 25 white sheep and two or three rolls of crime scene tape.
On this site, it is easy to figure out who your friends are.
-
It was a long wait, but today was the day I got the car and now it sits in the garage with its big brother the bus, and its little brother the Z06.
It is going to get some work for me to get used to how it drives. The chassis is more like an all out sports car so steering is super sharp and quick, the brakes are way better than what was on the car in 1950, and I have to get used to a clutch that grabs up high, and a gas pedal that takes some muscle to push.
It handles like a dream and it has a sweet sound with an exhaust somewhere between that of a hearse and glass packs.
I towed it 120 miles from the restoration shop to home and I couldn’t even feel it back there. It took less than 5 minutes to unhitch and remove everything including the tow bar so it is definitely easy to hitch and unhitch.
-
The company that restored my Ford is Mid Southern Restorations http://http://www.midsr.com/
They surpassed all my expections. The project was not a small one because we wanted a car that looked exactly like a 1950 Ford, but with all modern features. They took the body off the chassis and completely disassembled it. Not just taking the fenders off or the hood, but total disassembly so they had the sheet metal only to begin the process. All the sheet metal was sanded to bare metal and completely painted. Any imperfections were repaired. If it needed a new part, like a rocker panel, it got a new rocker panel instead of a patch.
The frame was built by Fatman Fabrications in NC. It has a modern suspension similar to a Mustang. It has a large rear end, sway bars, drag links, coil overs, and the chassis was a perfect match for the body with all the original body mounts.
The chassis had rack and pinion power steering, power disc brakes and a stiffness the original cannot come close to.
The car got a new rebuilt Jasper Ford 302 with a 30,000 miles three year warranty. The transmission was a new Tremec 5 speed manual transmission acceptable for towing, but I opted to add a driveshaft disconnect by Remco. It has a new gas tank. New radiator, new alternator, new power steering pump, a new 3 hydraulic cylinder brake and clutch assembly, a new Dakota digital set of gauges, and new Vintage heat and air.
And when you romp on the gas it goes pretty good. I had it up to 40 MPH today. Just kidding, it is geared for the interstates and rolls nice at speed.
The amount of work Mid Southern put into this car is amazing, but nowhere near as amazing as the quality of the work. To say they do things right is an understatement. If you are considering getting a car from your past to use as a toad, or even to have restored you will not go wrong contacting Al Morgan at 931-432-6377
-
Super nice, Jon!
-
Looks like the best Jon , outstanding job have fun with it
-
Jon,
Your new car is absolutely beautiful! It’s nice to see the final product!
I do have a question, is there a reason why you didn’t use the original hubcaps?
Mark
-
Now the car is complete and I have photos to prove it.
Thanks to big Al the most important part of the car is back in place where it belongs. What good is a 50 Ford without a pair of fuzzy dice?
And of course there is no way that could be a proper toad without this plate on the front, courtesy of Diane and Larry.
And here is the almost hidden towing needs. The receiver for the tow bar and the place to connect the safety cables. The safety cable attachments we made quickly when I picked up the car because it was an oversight so as I get time I will paint them and make them less visible. The electrical plug for the lights is hidden in the grill and impossible to see but easy to access.
-
Looks great Jon… In high school, I had a four door black ’49 Ford with a ’53 Mercury V-8 in it with two double barrel chromed Stromberg carburators and a chromed intake to match… double blown out Smitty’s and shackled to within three inches of the ground… looked great but couldn’t out run its shadow….
Very best,
Reagan
-
I sold the chassis complete with the orignal flat head V8 and three speed. It would roll out pretty good, but would never win any contests.
The little 302 with a 2 BBL in the restored car does a lot better, but it is also not going to be a real performer, but it will run down the highway with no problems. Since it only weighs around 3000# it doesn’t take much to pull it along.
-
That is the coolest toad I have ever seen , great job Jon!!! Sweet!!!!!!!!
-
Congratulations Jon, on the completion of the Ford project. I’am looking forward to seeing in person at the next PC event. The fact it’s towable will draw lot’s of attention when you travel.
In the mean time I was very impressed seeing the dice sent to you after hearing about the original purchase are back inside the car.
The fuzzy dice have found a very good home.
-
When you sent the fuzzy dice they immediately went on the mirror.
When the car was sent for restoration they were placed in a safe spot, and before I hooked up after the acceptance test drive the dice were placed where they belong. Anyone that sees the car sees the dice.
Thanks again.
-
Truly beautiful Jon & Di !!
You have outdone yourselves this time right down to the fuzzy dice !!
You do realize now that you have to act like newlyweds all over again !!
Can’t wait to see it at the Oysterfest !!
Great job indeed.
Cheers, Larry & Diane
Log in to reply.