The Ford Barn

GeorgeHarry · 10-19-2022, 07:24 PM

I am the proud owner of my grandfather's '51 Ford Custom Coupe, and I'd finally like to get it running now that I might be able to afford it. The car hasn't been driven since maybe '80. All original. He bought it new. Around '96 when he died, I could get it to turn over but not run. Since then, it's sat in mom's garage.

I'd appreciate any advice on how to pick a shop to revive this beauty. I know precious little about engines/restoration, so I'm concerned about picking the wrong shop and getting ripped off or having the car mistreated. This car holds great sentimental value for me.

I live in San Diego. The car is in Shreveport. Many thanks for all advice.

GeorgeHarry (my grandfather's name)

KiWinUS · 10-19-2022, 07:28 PM

Love it. Good luck. Unfortunately too far from me.

petehoovie · 10-19-2022, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeorgeHarry

I am the proud owner of my grandfather's '51 Ford Custom Coupe, and I'd finally like to get it running now that I might be able to afford it. The car hasn't been driven since maybe '80. All original. He bought it new. Around '96 when he died, I could get it to turn over but not run. Since then, it's sat in mom's garage.

I'd appreciate any advice on how to pick a shop to revive this beauty. I know precious little about engines/restoration, so I'm concerned about picking the wrong shop and getting ripped off or having the car mistreated. This car holds great sentimental value for me.

I live in San Diego. The car is in Shreveport. Many thanks for all advice.

GeorgeHarry (my grandfather's name)

It's a shame that you won't be able to experience the thrill of getting it to run by doing the work yourself...

petehoovie · 10-19-2022, 08:17 PM

You should get in contact with your local Early Ford V8 Club to find a member to work with you to get it running....And, to get the "thrill"...

SAN DIEGO REGIONAL GROUP 19
1211Fifth Street
Coronado, CA 92118

Contact Joe Valentino
email: [email protected]
Phone: 619-300-4280

Club website: https://www.sandiegoearlyfordv8club.org/

51504bat · 10-19-2022, 09:02 PM

First question. Are you going to ship the car back to San Diego or try to have it worked on in Shreveport?

rockfla · 10-20-2022, 06:53 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

MY question is...ARE you asking about getting it running and driving type of shop OR a "Restoration" shop??? Two different animals. I can write you a book on the second one!!!!

TJ · 10-20-2022, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petehoovie

You should get in contact with your local Early Ford V8 Club to find a member to work with you to get it running....And, to get the "thrill"...

SAN DIEGO REGIONAL GROUP 19
1211Fifth Street
Coronado, CA 92118

Contact Joe Valentino
email: [email protected]
Phone: 619-300-4280

Club website: https://www.sandiegoearlyfordv8club.org/

Pete gives you some good advice. Get the car shipped to your location so you can follow the process of getting it running to your satisfaction. You can also follow the expenses. Having it worked on in another state is a recipe for some real problems. I'm sure the people in the San Diego V-8 Club will be of great benefit to you.

19Fordy · 10-20-2022, 12:14 PM

Follow TJ's advice. Otherwise, you have no control over what's happening.

Ford Freak · 10-20-2022, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 19fordy

follow tj's advice. Otherwise, you have no control over what's happening.

^^x2!!!^^

wagoon · 10-20-2022, 03:44 PM

Definitely get the car to you and find a shop close by. Develop trust with the shop so they can help you in the future with any maintenance you are unable to do yourself.

GeorgeHarry · 10-20-2022, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petehoovie

You should get in contact with your local Early Ford V8 Club to find a member to work with you to get it running....And, to get the "thrill"...

SAN DIEGO REGIONAL GROUP 19
1211Fifth Street
Coronado, CA 92118

Contact Joe Valentino
email: [email protected]
Phone: 619-300-4280

Club website: https://www.sandiegoearlyfordv8club.org/

Thank you for that contact info! Great resource!

GeorgeHarry · 10-20-2022, 09:04 PM

Sorry for any ambiguity. My plan was to have it shipped to San Diego and find a shop where I could be on hands as much as possible. My primary goal is to get it running and safe. I'm not looking for a bunch of crazy restoration gimics. I want it as original as practical.

Thank you for all the responses. I think contacting my local club is a great start.

10-19-2022, 07:28 PM	#2
KiWinUS Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Charlotte NC KiWi-L100 available here Posts: 2,990	Re: How to choose a shop? Love it. Good luck. Unfortunately too far from me.

10-19-2022, 08:17 PM	#4
petehoovie Senior Member Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 8,489	Re: How to choose a shop? You should get in contact with your local Early Ford V8 Club to find a member to work with you to get it running....And, to get the "thrill"... SAN DIEGO REGIONAL GROUP 19 1211Fifth Street Coronado, CA 92118 Contact Joe Valentino email: [email protected] Phone: 619-300-4280 Club website: https://www.sandiegoearlyfordv8club.org/ __________________ The only thing nice about being imperfect is the joy it brings to others.... *"Silver rings, your butt! Them's washers!"* "We shot our way out of that town for a dollar's worth of steel holes!" - from 'The Wild Bunch' - 1969 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NReUd2_0u0 Last edited by petehoovie; 10-19-2022 at 08:40 PM.

10-19-2022, 09:02 PM	#5
51504bat Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: SoCal-Redlands Posts: 3,058	Re: How to choose a shop? First question. Are you going to ship the car back to San Diego or try to have it worked on in Shreveport? __________________ Making the simple complicated for over 30 years.

10-20-2022, 06:53 AM	#6
rockfla Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Jacksonville FL Posts: 4,030	Re: How to choose a shop? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) MY question is...ARE you asking about getting it running and driving type of shop OR a "Restoration" shop??? Two different animals. I can write you a book on the second one!!!!

10-20-2022, 12:14 PM	#8
19Fordy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 11,017	Re: How to choose a shop? Follow TJ's advice. Otherwise, you have no control over what's happening.

10-20-2022, 03:44 PM	#10
wagoon Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 10	Re: How to choose a shop? Definitely get the car to you and find a shop close by. Develop trust with the shop so they can help you in the future with any maintenance you are unable to do yourself.

10-20-2022, 09:04 PM	#12
GeorgeHarry Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2021 Posts: 4	Re: How to choose a shop? Sorry for any ambiguity. My plan was to have it shipped to San Diego and find a shop where I could be on hands as much as possible. My primary goal is to get it running and safe. I'm not looking for a bunch of crazy restoration gimics. I want it as original as practical. Thank you for all the responses. I think contacting my local club is a great start.