1949 Ford design or production issues

40cpe

40cpe

Well-known member
I think I want a nice shoebox ford tudor. I know there were many improvements starting in '50. I'm thinking about a nice '49 that is too far away to go for a casual look. I would like from you that are knowledgeable of the '49 advice on things to look for that would be expensive or impossible to repair or modify. I tend to keep my cars for a long time and I don't want a car with issues that bug me, or worse, unsafe.

TIA for your thoughts.
 
The only thing I can add is that Ford had a slogan for the introduction of the 1950 models that said "1950 Ford, better in 50 ways". That being said, I think the problems were with seat upholstery, etc. Unless you're looking for an outstanding original car, I believe the overall condition is more important than the model year.
 
The door latches were a problem, be sure the doors latch securely. That latch design was only used for 49, it was that bad.
 
door handles drooped on the 49, 50 had push button door handles and the gas cap was moved from out side of the 1/4 panel to under a door flap, other small changes you wont notice unless your really into the shoe boxes, the 51 was the ugly one, they changed the grill and made it look bigger and bulkier, but thats just my opinion i guess, and trunk hinges were hidden on the 50, on the out side of trunk on 49, look for a tudor coupe, roof line is shorter, deck is longer, looks a lot more racey
 
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Door hinges and hood hinges were 1949 only. I understand that there were some front end problems that were cured for 1950
 
I've had several shoebox Fords, and my preference is the '50. That being said, I had an early '49 that was unrestored, very correct, low mileage, and always garaged. As great a shape and it was in, the fit of body panels was horrible. As mentioned above, the door latches were very bad. You find yourself closing the doors multiple times only to find them half latched later. Other than those things, the rest of the car was very capable. They do shake themselves loose in suspension, and steering mounts, but that just means a loosey goosey steering car can often be greatly improved by adjusting and tightening everything. I think the brakes are very underrated. When setup correctly they are very capable.
 
An uncle of mine who was a Ford tech in 1950 and 35 years there after recalled that the panel fitment was a real issue, not surprising for a complete redesign model year.

Regarding 1951 being an ugly year,........ I tend to disagree:) but perhaps I am biased.

Shoebox
 
40 cpe - I really like my '49. The grill has the propeller design, with the ends of the prop,
are the turn signal lights. On 50's that light is above the bumper and below the 'prop'.
Since it is a station wagon the doors are heavy, the hinges tend to sag, and that affects the door closing. I did spend hours this past summer on the door latches, which were full of dried grease and related crud. Adjusted the door striker, and replaced the door handles. Huge difference. Will replace the door hinges this winter. The front independent suspension is OK, mine is way past needing replacement of worn out components and that along with the steering are on the winter agenda. Overall I really enjoy mine, will take it to the A&W Root Beer car show this Sunday in Lodi, CA. As for looking for a car, it took about two years to find this one. I traveled all over to find the right one, out of state trips, etc. That was as much fun as driving it today. Attached are the cancelled checks and the buyer's order sheet from the dealer. Copies of the originals.
Good luck and let us know how it all goes with your search.
 

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We had a '49 in about '56 or '57. The things I remember about it are the rattles and the door latches. I had a '50 tudor in college and it was a great car. I have nothing against the '49 styling. The '49 I'm pondering has had a extensive, documented, on-frame refurb and is straight as an arrow, from the pictures. It's a thousand miles from me.
 
I've had my "bone stock" '49 for 25 years. Drives, handles and stops very well, as long you keep it within it's capabilities. Wouldn't trade it for the world.
 
Gene, the closest I've come to owning a 'shoebox' is my '53 Convertible with a Ford-O-Matic, that I've had for 42 years. I have however, been working on my friend Don's '50 Convertible three speed with OD for a while now, and I can tell you that it is a different experience from what I'm accustom to with my pre '48 cars. From a styling standpoint I favor the '49's over the '50 & '51 cars (except for the '51 Victoria). Now that I've done nothing but confuse the issue, if the '49 is as nice as it sounds, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Have fun at the Moonshine Festival.;)
 
Hi Vic. We aren't going to Dawsonville this year. One reason is because the show has outgrown the town. I got stuck in the show area last year and couldn't get out. It is growing every year and it will probably be worse this year. Besides, I sold the '40 this week. Here it is going out our drive for the last time:(

Here is a pic of the '49 I'm pondering.
 

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I've had them all. First was the '49 tudor, then the '51 tudor. First two in the mid ,50's. Now I have a '49 convertible and a '50 tudor. I like the looks of the '49 the best, chrome dash knobs are sweet. As for the door handles and latches never had a problem with the 49 model. These shoeboxes are a Lincoln compared to a fat fendered car.
 
Gene, I can't make it to the shine festival this year either. I hope you enjoy the shoebox as much as you've enjoyed the '40.
 
My '49 convertible was just 8 years old when I bought it.
I soon named it 'Shake Rattle & Roll', but man, that Overdrive was great!
 
Vic Piano said:
Gene, I can't make it to the shine festival this year either. I hope you enjoy the shoebox as much as you've enjoyed the '40.
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Vic, I'm hesitating on the '49 because of (1) I don't want it to be a "bounce-back" event like marrying the first girl you find after having been rejected by your "real" love. (2) The real and perceived inadequacies of the '49 compared to the '50.

I'm going to give it a little time.
 
WestCoast said:
door handles drooped on the 49, 50 had push button door handles and the gas cap was moved from out side of the 1/4 panel to under a door flap, How did the door handles droop when they were pull out like a refrigerator handle?? i guess, and trunk hinges were hidden on the 50, NOT , they were on the out side of trunk on 49, and '50 look for a tudor coupe, roof line is shorter, deck is longer, looks a lot more racey
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Note bold print
 
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