Originally posted by Don Shillady
What a find! Just stay cool and replace a few parts like the fuel pump and maybe the carb and replace the points. As Bob says it might be a good idea to replace the whole fuel line and have the gas tank soaked in a hot derusting tank, just slightly acid. You could even find a complete new reproduction tank if your tank is rusted. Just give it a tune up at first and treat it with the historical reverence it deserves; you have something valuable there so just take it easy and then worry about what other things you might do. Is it a true Model-B with a 4-cyl or a V8? If it were mine I would not rod it to a large extent, just add hydraulic brakes and try to find a good flathead block to build up; I'd even keep the 6V system just to keep the gauges original. Although the flathead will be more expensive and end up with less power than some OHV-V8, the overall expense of changing the whole driveline would be more expensive than just changing the engine. If it had a lot of rust and needed many patch panels you could do whatever you want but for me it would be a return to teen age wonder to just build a mild flathead deuce coupe. If it is a 4-cyl you could really have some nostalgic fun with mild upgrades like a higher compression head or even a rare OHV 4-cyl conversion (warning $$$) along with a dual or down draft carb manifold and some attention to insert bearings and pressurized oiling. You might end up with only 80 H.P. but it should still be a good car for rod runs or flirting with AACA folks.

Note that if you have an original, uncracked V8 block you could sell it to a restorer for an amazing price, high enough to build up a 59AB 24 stud block or buy (maybe) one of those French (new) V8 blocks along with a stroker crank and add a 4-bbl intake.

Don Shillady
Retired Scientist/teen rodder
A flathead 4...how cool would that be. I agree 100% with Don. I wouldn't do anything to that car that couldn't be undone. I'd look for vintage speed parts for whatever engine you have and leave well enough alone. The make steel reproduction bodies for hot rods. You have a time capsule. As mentioned, I'd change the brakes to hydralic (safety issue), but other than that...

Heck, just for the novelty I hope you do have the 4 cylinder.