1950 Ford - opinions?

[mhsprecher]

I have a Model A, but have always wanted a flathead V8. I am looking at a 1950 four door sedan that is for sale. I have always loved that body style. It seems like it is in pretty good shape. What should I be careful of? Likes, dislikes? I realize this is a very open question, but what do you folks think? I look forward to your input!

[Ross6860]

My 2 cents

If you like it, the price is fair, and can afford it, get it.

Just realize (like I do every time I get a new vehicle) no matter how good it looks, you're going to find things "wrong" or substandard on almost any old car you are buying. Unless you are buying a #1 car or concourse proven vehicle, you'll need some reserve budget to at least go through the car top to bottom, just so you do know what you have.

If it's drivable, take it on a long test drive. You'll find most of the issues with brakes, overheating, tuning, exhaust, etc. Run every accessory it has.

If you have this option, have an impartial "expert" look at the car and get their opinion. They have no emotional attachment to the deal.

Good luck.

[19Fordy]

I would suggest buying a 2 door rather than a 4 door since they are worth more and generally more desirable.. However, you will pay a little more. In the end, it really doesn't matter. You buy what you like and enjoy it.

[TJ]

The fordor is the cheapest on the 50 Ford pricelist. When you look at it check the floorpans and rocker panels. Those are the places you will find rust on the car. Since fordors are the cheapest of the 50's you can afford to spend a little more money for a nice rust free car. Drive the car and ask a lot of questions. Was the motor rebuilt,have the brakes been worked on, how old are the tires, when was it last driven or regularly driven, how old are the tires, etc. Make youself a long list of questions. If you get a lot of "I don't know" answers I would be a little wary of the car. If they say repairs were made ask for documentation such as receipts, etc. Just do as much homework as you can before you buy. You want this to be a good experience and not have "buyers remorse". As stated take a person with you who is knowledgeable about V-8 Fords and they will see things that you may miss.

[wspiker]

Buy what you want at a fair price and enjoy. If you try to sell in the future, and don't get your money back, 'chalk it up' for 'recreation investment' and you will be fine. I find it hard to believe that so many folks think that someone else needs to pay for their enjoyment!

[ford38v8]

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Answers from Ross and Tom are right on, and need no further explanation. I would only add that this particular car you found is the second of a three year run, generally for car ownership being good news from the engineering standpoint, as first year bugs have been worked out, the '50 Ford being a prime example!

[Pat/Ohio]

Check to see if the vehicle has a 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive. Very desirable! If it does...check to see if it works smoothly.

Pat

[Frank Miller]

There is the standard stuff like how much work has been done to the body and when was the engine last overhauled and are there any receipts for work done? I would jack up the front end and inspect the steering linkage and kingpins. Check the idler arm and steering box. If no work has ever been done to the steering box then plan on rebuilding it. A rebuilt one is about $600. How new is the glass and weather strip? Ask if the windshield leaks? This can be a bargaining chip if it does. I have done my 49 twice and it still leaks a little.
This can be a fun old car that will cost more to restore than it will be worth but that is how things go. We're in it for the fun. The experience of driving my 49 convertible cross country was priceless.

[VeryTangled]

Hello mhsprecher, Nice looking A! I assume you're a member of the Model A club?

To help find answers to your questions, could I invite you to a meeting of our local chapter of the V8 club? You'll be able to speak with '50 owners, for sure at least one, our club President who is a local legend because he drives his car several thousand miles cross country just about every year.

You asked your question at an excellent moment. We're meeting tonight, the 20th (and every third Tuesday), club business starts at 7:30pm (be earlier for socializing, light refreshments provided) at the church on the corner of MD 97 (Georgia Ave) and MD 650 (New Hampshire Ave) in the crossroads called Sunshine MD. Bring pictures of the A and the '50 you're thinking about, if you've got 'em! This offer stands for everyone reading who wants to attend, club membership is not mandatory!

I don't have any experience with '50's so I'll leave the rest of the discussion to those who do.

-VT/JeffH

Not a 4 door, but charming!

[waynerod]

Originally Posted by Pat/Ohio

Check to see if the vehicle has a 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive. Very desirable! If it does...check to see if it works smoothly.

Pat

The 1950 Ford only came with the 3 speed manual trans. 1951 Ford had the option for manual or automatic trans. I have the 1950 Ford club coupe, it's been a journey but now almost done. Good luck on your possible 50 Ford.

[flatford8]

I have a 50 Fordor. Love it. My first vintage car. I also have a 51 Tudor Im working on qnd would a 49 Coupe. I guess Im hooked !!!!

[mhsprecher]

Thanks for all the advice. I did go to the local V8 club meeting. A great bunch of guys, of course. It is like an alcoholic going to a bar, though. You won't find many people to talk you out of it. One guy said that he has a 50 Mercury. Greatly superior to the Ford in his mind. I've loved those Mercs for years, too, but out of my price range, I think..

[Barry B./ Ma.]

The 50 Ford was a great car, can be driven anywhere at highway speeds and certainly is great looking. I also have model A's but always on the lookout for nice 49 thru 51's. I ecently had a beautiful 51 fordoor with automatic, very classy looking car. a friend has it now and he says it's a great riding car with the new Diamond Classic radial whitewall tires, no more wandering on the highway. As stated before look over the inner and outer rocker panels and quarters for signs of rust and bondo and also check the floor pan for condition. Good luck.

[Planojc]

Overdrive is a must.

[Cecil/WV]

Not a 4 door, but charming![/QUOTE]


It was nice meeting you at the meeting last night. Sorry I didn't have more time to talk. That is my '50 that Jeff posted that I drive a lot. Going to New England in October nand when I return from that trip, I will only need 5 more states to have driven it in all the lower 48. A trip to Fla. will get those, probably early next year. I'm available to talk '50's anytime you might want to.

[Frank Miller]

Originally Posted by waynerod

The 1950 Ford only came with the 3 speed manual trans. 1951 Ford had the option for manual or automatic trans. I have the 1950 Ford club coupe, it's been a journey but now almost done. Good luck on your possible 50 Ford.

There were two manuals. A straight 3 speed and one with the overdrive. In 51 they added the automatic so there were 3 options that year.