Older Light Restoration, Driver Quality, Mostly original!
Hi, Earlier this year I acquired this 1950 Ford Custom Coupe from an elderly gentleman who was no longer able to drive. This was his toy that he enjoyed for many years. He explained It was partially restored and painted prior to him owning it, but the car is still very original. I have enjoyed driving this car during this spring and summer, I got tons of thumbs up driving it around, it really is fun to drive with the manual 3-speed on the column, and cherry bomb mufflers. But I need to make room for a new project. You can either drive this time capsule and enjoy it just the way it is, or it would make a good candidate for a total restoration. I will explain to the best of my ability the condition of the car, its got its pros and cons…
Pros:
* Mechanically sound car. The flathead V8 starts right up, very responsive, does not blow smoke at all, no strange sounds, does not overheat. Runs very smooth, and reliable.
* 3-on-the-tree and manual transmission shift smoothly through all gears, clutch works good, no slipping at all, has good life left in it.
* Drivetrain is smooth, no vibrations or strange noises, rear axle no issues or leaks.
* Brakes work great, will lock up the tires, stops in a straight line.
* Car drives straight and smooth, and floats down the road.
* All of the gauges work fine (Speedometer, fuel, batt, temp, oil pressure)
* The heat works well enough to warm you up on cold days.
* All exterior lights work perfectly. Aftermarket turn signal kit installed (Turn signals were an option back then!)
* All glass is in place and windows go up/down.
* Frame is solid, no visible rot. Evidence of old undercoating now peeling off, but seems to have preserved the frame very well.
* Car is a head-turner. Paint looks good from 20 feet away, gets lots of looks and compliments.
* White wall tires are in very good shape and have almost full tread life left.
* All original trim is present, does not appear to have any pieces missing.
* Tail lights upgraded to 1951 style lights.
* Floor pans and trunk are original, and in decent shape. Evidence of old undercoating appears to have preserved them
* I have the rear quarter skirts that cover the rear wheels.
* The car is mostly original (except the paint, exhaust system, and some minor things) Under the dash you will find original cloth-covered wiring (6 volt positive ground system), original gauges, knobs, heater controls and system, and radio (not working). Original seating (seems to have been recovered at some point), original suspension, and all sheet metal appears original.
Cons:
* Paint job looks like it was a Maaco job and is starting to show its age. Still shiny though. The flames are actually a decal. Bodywork on lower part of body panels and a few areas on the hood was poorly done, there is bondo and paint covering rot in those areas. While it looks ok from 20 feet away, up close its sub-par.
* Rocker panels are rotted away. Someone put replacement panels over them and riveted and bondo’d them in place. Those panels are now pulling away (see pics). This can be fixed if you took the time to cut out and replace both rockers properly.
* Trunk pan has some rot holes inside along the inside edge under tail light housings. It does’nt need a whole new pan, just some spot repairs.
* Many of the chrome plated trim pieces on the body are pitted. The stainless trim and front grille however is in good driver condition except for some small dings and scratches.
* Interior needs refreshing, but is usable and in driver condition, can be kept as-is if desired.
* edges around glass have some staining. Small chip in windshield.
* There is 70 years of grease and dirt caked on the underside.
* Exhaust is currently being held up by wire as the rubber mounts dried out. Exhaust system should probably be re-done as it is a mixture of old a new pieces that don’t particularly fit well together.
I’m sure i’m missing some smaller details, but hopefully the pictures should tell the rest of the story. I have a video of the car running and a walkaround, message me for it. Like I said. Its a time capsule and really fun to drive around. Its good enough for the local cruise night, but far from a showpiece. Im looking for the next person to care for it and enjoy it. Good luck!
Price: Auction
More info: Listing has ended. Click to search on eBay for similar 1950 Ford Custom (Affiliate link)
Seller's other items: watch555ny
Location: Garden City, New York, United States
