Thread: Project '49 Shoebox.

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Great looking project there, Don; I have a soft spot for Ford "boxes" - my first car was a '51 tudor, and I did it up smart for the times, for a poor boy's street driver. When I saw this after the roof was re-set, it reminds me of a Victoria roofline; that was probably the prettiest shoebox Ford ever, in my estimation. I had a pal back in the early sixties who had a '51 Vickie, but he preferred the '49 - '50 style, so he stuck some '50 front sheet metal on it, srtipped the chrome spears off of the taillights, and confused the snot out of a lot of people.

Don-That's the style T I always liked...............until I saw yours finished!
Ken

Falconvan, Thanks. Yeah, normally I am not a fan of frame swaps because the car sometimes comes out looking like a 4 x 4 when done and the tires don't fit in the wheelwells correctly. But in this case I think it does make sense, and we can stretch or shrink the wheelbase to the same 114 inches that the '49 has.

Steve, you are right, these are getting pricey, especially the tudor versions. We will have a lot of work in converting it from the fordor, but we work cheap.

Rrumbler, thanks. I bet people were confused by changing the '51 around like that. I had forgotten that Ford made some changes between the '49. '50' and '51 models until we started putting the '50 doors on this '49. The door handles are different and are lower on the door. Subtle little changes like that.

Ken, thanks. See, you've been a bad influence. I want a hot rod for every day of the week just like you.


We have moved back onto working on Dan's '29 again. He wants to get it out of the way so he can start in earnest on his '49. Today we put in 12 hours finishing up most of the welding on the frame. That baby is gaining weight let me tell you. We had to keep flipping it over so Dan could weld all the stuff on and I am really sore from the workout. We must have flipped it over 10 times and our gantry crane is tied up holding his body, so we had to do it manually each time. Has to weigh 400 lbs right now.

Here are some pictures of where we ended up tonight. All the little stuff is welded on like radiator mounts, engine mount, transmission mount, all three rear cross members, and we also got both nerf bars mounted. Next step is to build the steering box mount and get it back up on wheels to check clearances and all.

Don

Originally Posted by stovens

Hey Don
I was browsing ebay today and saw this tudor for sale. These things are gaining in value. Maybe you guys will start a new trend!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford-...spagenameZWDVW

If I had the money, and my wife would be out of town for a couple of days, that car would be mine. To many if''s, and she is watching what comes in, she is ok with the out going cars. That is a good deal.

Richard

Don, that frame looks great; you are putting out some quality work. I wish I had that kind of talent. Looks like fine art. Working with your sons, must be great.

Richard

Don,
That really looks good! Nice gusseting and detailing. When it is all done I think the extra weight is an asset. Your back doesn't think so though
Ken

Don
I was wondering about the pauses in posting on this project, as you guys seem very motivated and work hard on these projects. I understand the need for distractions at times, while you let an idea stew on it. I think for some having two going at once helps, for me it would be a disasrter! I get disracted enough with just the truck and my life!
So how about the pink roadster?

Thanks Richard. You are right, working with my Sons is the best part of the whole deal. I don't get to see Don as much as I would like because of his work schedule, but we usually talk every day or so on the phone.

Thanks Ken. Yep, the extra weight should make it ride pretty well. It sure is heavier than a T bucket frame. Surprisingly I don't feel too bad today, I guess a good nights sleep and some Excedrins helped. Even Dan was dragging last night when we got home, and he is in better shape than me. Every time he would weld on another part the thing was harder and harder to flip over. He still is going to box at least the front part of the frame so at that point I don't think the two of us will be able to move it around any more.

Steve: IT'S PURPLE!! I saved a picture just to show you the color it really is. This '32 was the one I saw in a magazine and made me decide what color to paint mine. I haven't done a thing to mine lately. I'm sort of in a holding pattern because of Dan's two projects encroaching on my part of the shop, plus I am getting ready to drive to Georgia to pick up the '46 Ford running gear I bought from a fellow forum member.

Don

If your heading up 95, stop on by! Ill take ya to lunch or dinner.

Thanks John for the offer. We are going straight up 75 though. How about you buy me a beer at Garlits in August...........then I'll buy you one.

Don

Sounds like a plan!

You sure that's purple it looks pink with those red wheels..........LOL
If I make Garlit's in August I will buy both of you Dinner.
BradC

I don't know Brad, have you seen Hotroddaddy and me eat? You might have to take us to a buffet.

It would be nice to finally meet you though.

Don

Don
Did the color fade to pink over the years in the hot Florida sun? Your frame looks the same color as the car above, but the old pics of your car look a bit pink! All kidding aside have a good trip up to Georgia, I'm headed up to Santa Rosa to pick up my transmission today!

I don't know why, but that color always photographed pink. One thing I have to say about the Dupont Centari paint I used, it really held up well for being 20 years old. I know it is old technology compared to some of the new stuff, but with the hardener in there it resisted dropped wrenches, stones, etc and never really faded much. In fact, even where the body protected it from the sun it is not any different than those parts where the sun beat down on it. And, I wasn't shy about using the car daily. Most days it sat outside my work all day long with no cover on it. I guess that is why experts say go with a good brand of paint for the long term results.

Have a safe trip to get your transmission. I'm probably heading to Georgia in two weeks to get my stuff. He still has to remove more of it from the car before I can go up there.

Don