Another newcomer

[ewr50ford]

"Mr.Ford" is a 1950 Custom Deluxe (I think) Fordor that belonged to my grandfather. The car waited patiently on blocks for over 40 years in Pennsylvania until I could find time and a place to make it run again. As of last week, it is safely in an old dairy barn about 8 miles away. At last !
The car has always been garaged and is good shape (albeit dusty/grimy). My intent is to keep it as original as possible and to drive it at every opportunity.
Other than the warm memories I get sitting in the car and remembering my grandfather, I don't have specific knowledge/experience with this car and 1950 technology.
Although I was promised that the oil, gas, and antifreeze were drained before it went on blocks, the car smells of varnish, and any tanks residues would be over 40 years old. Besides gentle cleaning, my initial intentions are to get the gas tank and radiator cleaned (should I drop and clean the oil pan?). Miraculously, the 60 year old tires still hold air, so the car will stay on wheels until I determine whether the engine is free. Any thoughts/comments on initial steps toward recovery?
I live about 35 miles from Kansas City, and hope to find a Shoebox mentor near me. Advice and comments welcome from all. Thanks, Tony

 

[Brendan]

welcome to Fordbarn, yes I would drop the oil pan, I had about 1 1/2 inch of sludg in the bottom of mine in my 36. you have a nice car!

 

[moonshine runner]

Welcome Tony!! Your only about 3 hours north of us. I like your shoebox Ford! You will enjoy the Barn. Lots of good folks here and a wealth of knowledge.

Kevin

 

[biggeorge]

Welcome from Merrimac Ma.
Good idea on cleaning the tank and radiator. You may want to fill the cooling system first to see if you have any water leaks. Like a cracked block

 

[Mike in AZ]

welcome to the 'Barn.....hopefully you can get it running with minimum effort and enjoy driving it around...mileage??....Mike

 

[ken ct]

Welcome Tony,yes its a 50 going by the trunk handle.All above suggestions above are good. Ken ct. rebuilder of carbs and fuel pumps.

 

[ThomasN]

I filled mine with oil, put mm oil in cylinders and let it soak for a few days. If you try to turn it over by hand, be sure and turn it in proper rotation or you might twist off the oil pump gear like I did. Then I had no oil pressure and the oil pump was froze up solid, pulled engine, new oil pump and good cleaning, reinstalled and ran with boat fuel tank so as to not use original tank and it ran, smoked like crazy for 10 min. and cleared up and now runs great,
Good luck and do not get in a hurry like I did!

 

[flatford8]

Hey Tony.... Mark from Maine here.... Congrats on the '50... It ain't all about '32-'40's..... Send me a PM if you want to discuss shoeboxes...I have a couple..... Welcome to the Barn!!!

 

[jrhaelig]

Welcome to the club! I was able to keep a 1963 Lincoln that was a gift to me from my grandfather when I was 17. I hope yours does not cost the kings ransom that Lincoln did! I did not store that one properly .

You will get all of your answers here - but go slowly and enjoy the sensations of crawling under, over and inside of your new bad habit.

Get a NAPA intake gasket and pull the intake to see what gunk lies within.

Get the brakes squared away, too.

You're going to have a blast with such a great piece to start with.

Your first drive may rival your first (insert favorite first here)!!!!

 

[felix37]

Welcome! Your at the right place to learn about your 50

 

[waterboychuck]

Welcome to the Barn. Since the fuel tank was drained that doesn't mean that the line from the tank to the engine was drained and could be clogged with bad fuel. Put an air hose on one end and blast some air through the line. If you feel air at the carb inlet you should be okay. Also don't drive very far on those tires. The MMO in the cylinder block is a good idea. Let it sit for a week or so. Don't be shy with the amount you put into each cylinder.

Good luck

 

[Royal Ryser]

Welcome! I think there is a place in Lawrence that has a lot of old Ford stuff. The name may be Baxter Ford. Check your phone book.
Good luck.

 

[billwill]

Visit ShoeboxFord.com

 

[Old Henry]

Glad to see another family heirloom being preserved like my '47 that Dad bought when I was 7 and I learned to drive in and drove in high school. Priceless. You might enjoy this video of first starting the engine after it sat for 31 years. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wY389S_KUjs

 

[George49Ford]

I had problem with valve seals after setting for a long time in the cold. I think they hardened. Smoked pretty bad till warmed up. I put about a half can of Seafoam in the crank and that fixed (so far) the problem. About 8 or 9 bucks a can.

 

[George49Ford]

Oh Yeh, Welcome to the site,

 

[59ab]

Welcome to the barn! I also have a '50 Ford that was bought new by my Grandmother. Not near as nice as yours but still glad to have it.

 

[TJ]

Consider joining the Early Ford V-8 Club of America. The V-8 Times magazine is worth the price of admission. When you join the club you will get a roster of members and there is a regional V-8 Club group in Kansas City. There's lots of flathead guys in your area and most all are club members. You can join by going to this web site; www.earlyfordv8.org. The guys in the club will be more than happy to help you with grandpa's old Ford and get it running.

 

[3340]

Nice Car, Welcome From Ohio, All Good Advice Above, Enjoy!

 

[Pat/Ohio]

Welcome to the 'Barn! Nice car...you will enjoy driving it. I drive mine every chance I get. Drove it to church yesterday! Pat