1939 convertible Sedan

Sixseven

Sixseven

Well-known member
I am looking for advice to either run or go ahead with an attempt on a possible purchase of this car. I am looking at aa 39 convertible sedan. So far, all I am looking at is photos. I will be viewing the car in person before a firm decision is made. I know better than to ask the value of the car either now or in the future.

The car is reported to have a solid, rust-free frame and complete operable drive train. The top frame is complete. The body is generally complete but has rust "issues" in the back around the trunk lid and along the floor rails located under the door. The owner has disassembled the car and reports that it may be missing a few parts, but not many. Most all the trim including the grill, bumpers, hubcaps trim rings are there etc. Since the car is not assembled, it is very difficult to determine what is missing. I do know that it is missing the interior soft goods: carpet, door panels, front and rear seats, arm rests and such.

I fully understand that the cost to restore this car would probably exceed it's value if professionally accomplished. What problems can I look forward to? What is a deal killer for a car like this?
 
Body trim and mechanical items are easy to come by.
Floors and rear trunk panels are also available.
Seats for the '39 fordor convertible sedan are almost impossible to obtain.
How much is he asking for it ?
 
Before you embark on what appears to be a basket case check with Vic Piano. He is considering thinning out his toys one of which is a 39 Conv. sedan. The beauty of which its ready to enjoy now! Go to his thread "What I did on my lunch hour" Nov.18 post#2517 for more info. Time is a thief... Bill
 
Your age could be a factor if this is a project car. Most projects are 5 to 7 years. Do you want to drive it now or wait? Also if key pieces are missing(seat frame , exterior trim, top latches, etc.) it could get real expensive. I've seen decent convertible sedans that are drivers on e-Bay for around $35,000. If you do the math on a project (paint, body work, upholstery, engine, trans, etc) you will probably exceed that amount by many thousands of dollars.
 
The reality of 39 convert. sedans is that they are not that popular in the marketplace. It seems that the ones that are advertised in venues such as Hemmings remain unsold month after month. You should be able to buy a decent older restoration or good survivor for a price in the mid 30's. If you undertake a complete restoration be prepared to spend 5-10 thousand in mechanical restoration, somewhere around 8-15 thousand on upholstery, 5-10 thousand in body work, and 5-15 on a paint job. Add in the cost of tires, reproduction rubber and all of the other parts, chrome, glass, woodgraining, etc. etc. and the costs of a restoration soon become staggering. If you really want the car and are prepared for the time and expense involved then go for it. I would not buy a rusty incomplete, disassembled convert. sedan.
 
Original doors and decklids can be expensive for these convertables. Definitely check those parts for rot. Upholstery could be improvised using front seat out of sedan but wouldn't be concourse, rear seat can be altered to fit from a reputable upholstery shop. I've never owned a convertable but know it has many unique parts and some made from unobtanium.
I'd go for it if the price fits and you can build within your budget with or without 100% correct parts.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Mark
 
Unless it has the impossible to obtain parts and is realistically priced.To restore a basket conv sedan you will most likely be way over money wise.They have a leather interior and a large difficult top.As mentioned you can find great driver quality cs for30K-40K.You would be hard pressed to build one from a basket case for that money.phil
 
trainguy said:
Unless it has the impossible to obtain parts and is realistically priced.To restore a basket conv sedan you will most likely be way over money wise.They have a leather interior and a large difficult top.As mentioned you can find great driver quality cs for30K-40K.You would be hard pressed to build one from a basket case for that money.phil
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X2. Pass and live to fight another day.
 
Great advice, exactly what I asked for. Thank you. I have an unfortunate "save it" attitude that makes it hard for me to see this car disappear via part out. That might be the best application for this thing.
 
Key parts to ensure are present are all four doors window frames and regulators, the channels in the doors that the windows ride in, the removable upper B pillars, and the garnish moldings on the inside of the top of the doors. If any of the above are missing, their replacement will be a serious challenge.
 
Never forget the Basket Case Rule:
The missing 5% is equal in value to the 95% that isn't missing.
 
I have a 39 convertible sedan in Pa. I like the convertible coupe a little
better but if there are 3 or more people the sedan is nice. All stock with
3:78 Columbia. Nice roomy car. G.M.
 
maybe sixseven should buy the 39, part out and use the profits to buy that restored one. Not every old car can (or should) be saved. The parts from one can bring back many. Just a thought.
 
39topless said:
maybe sixseven should buy the 39, part out and use the profits to buy that restored one. Not every old car can (or should) be saved. The parts from one can bring back many. Just a thought.
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it's possible. I sure hate to take one off the books forever though.
 
Interesting question. The '39 CS will always be more valuable than a '39 Deluxe Fordor. And, the total cost depends on how much you can do and how much you have to farm out. In either case, you never get back what you've "invested", but sometimes you can't put a price on the fun you have along the way and the satisfaction you get each time you look at your finished project!!!

Dick.
 
I have a '39 CS and it is an outstanding driver. I've been driving it for 26 years. Ford built 3,561 Convertible Sedans in '39, the last year for that body style. As others have said, if you have the time, money,etc, and the parts that are unique to the CS are there, l'd go for it😁
 
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