Affordable Ford V8's

Mikko_

Mikko_

Senior Member
I'm currently in the process of putting together a 1928 Model A Phaeton powered by a 4 banger but I'm feeling the itch for a flathead V8 powered car too.

I've been reading up on different models but all I've come up with so far is that I definetly want a closed car, don't need 2 open top cars in the Swedish climate.

Budget is tight so the initial purchase cost would need to be around $10 000 so that pretty much rules out all coupe models I guess.

I'm no stranger to working on old cars but I want something that atleast is close to a running car.

What would your choice be with these criterias and why?
Happy to hear your opinions and suggestions.
 
Welcome. Look carefully & you may find a older restoration model A coupe for under $10000. Then get a Vern Tardel book to build an A/V8. Getting a restored car gives you upholstery,bodywork & paint already completed along with being complete. Bid $$$ saved here. Model A’s of any model can still be purchased at a good price in the US if you take your time & look.
Good luck.
Cheers
Tony
 
For me it would be either a 1935/36 2 Door Slant Back OR either a 1939 Standard Two Door OR 39 Mercury Two Door. I think the 35/36 2 door slant back is sporty looking for a Sedan and I love the look and style of the 39 Standard and the 39 Mercury has a lower leaner look!!! OH and NO white wall tires on either PLEASE
 
Go to Hemmings and search on your make, years, and dollar range (plus a little for negotiation). Not much "near running" shows up, but there are a few '49 - '53 sedans that could be fun.
 
For a daily driver, I'd choose '50-'53 Ford 3 speed OD. These will have the gearing, suspension, comfort, and availability of parts and service you'll want at a reasonable price.


For a car that may sit idle during much of the year, consider a '37 or '38 Ford. These will have cable mechanical brakes, which will prove to be reliably superior to early hydraulics.


Any car you decide on should be the best example of that model you can find, even if you have to pay premium for it. You'll be sorry if you go for the bargain without considering the long term costs.
 
Great answers.
Budget could probably be stretched a bit above 10k, winter is coming so I have a few months to do some more saving before next summer.

AV8's are cool and I have the Tardel/Bishop book but with one Model A project going already I feel like I don't need another big project right now, even if I have a ´47 flathead and '37 toploader sitting in the garage.

I will look into the 35/36 slantbacks a bit more, thanks for the suggestion.
 
Kind of like a "which oil is best questions". The later the car the more comfortable and the more complicated. I would think anything from 39 to 48 is a happy medium. Nothing against earlier or later all have quirks but just a medium.
 
I'm not looking for a definitive answer, just want to hear some opinions from more experienced people than myself.

Fully aware of that it's my decision to make in the end of what car to buy.
 
How about a Volvo 544, seeing as how you're in Sweden? They look like a 41 Ford.
Just kidding of course.
I love old Volvos- I have two 1800's and a 544.
 
The 1939 and 1940 Tudors and Fordors are relatively inexpensive for what you get. The 39 has that classic dash and floor shift as well as the last year for bulb headlights before Ford went to sealed beams. The 40 has a 'modern' dash, shift on the column and just slightly more visible tail lights. One caution, check the rear end ratio stamped as a series of numbers on the differential pumpkin. Mine turned out to be a 4.11, too low for highway speeds but a great excuse to buy and install. Mitchell overdrive. Good luck finding your V8, you'll enjoy it along with the A, as I do.
 
Hi; Buyer just shipped my '34 circle track car to Germany and I saw the bill of lading, under $2500 I remember. Oakland docks to Germany by way of the Panama Canal. Newc
 
Jim in Wisconsin said:
How about a Volvo 544, seeing as how you're in Sweden? They look like a 41 Ford.
Just kidding of course.
I love old Volvos- I have two 1800's and a 544.
Click to expand...

My best buddy on this ford starved island tools around every day in a 544 Duett, which is pretty much a suburban/panel delivery volvo. He has a chicken crate (which I gave him, from Jonesborough Arkansas) on the roof rack, along with a bald spare tire and a galvanized gas can. I gave him the chicken crate because his mom was born in Johnsborough AR. Maybe I find a pic later.
 
Couldnt help myself. John is such a great guy, even though he is a volvo guy. G&otta say it's a cool vehicle.
 

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Jim in Wisconsin said:
How about a Volvo 544, seeing as how you're in Sweden? They look like a 41 Ford.
Just kidding of course.
I love old Volvos- I have two 1800's and a 544.
Click to expand...

Funny you mention it because it has crossed my mind but these days they bring almost the same money as a Ford V8.
 
HDowse said:
The 1939 and 1940 Tudors and Fordors are relatively inexpensive for what you get. The 39 has that classic dash and floor shift as well as the last year for bulb headlights before Ford went to sealed beams. The 40 has a 'modern' dash, shift on the column and just slightly more visible tail lights. One caution, check the rear end ratio stamped as a series of numbers on the differential pumpkin. Mine turned out to be a 4.11, too low for highway speeds but a great excuse to buy and install. Mitchell overdrive. Good luck finding your V8, you'll enjoy it along with the A, as I do.
Click to expand...

I do like the looks of 39-40 Tudors and Fordors a lot better than 41-48 Tudors and Fordors.
 
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