New Car- New Member- LOTS of questions!

[soonersace]

First of all let me say wow- what a wealth of info on here. Ive been a longtime lurker and this is my first post.

Ive had a 69 Galaxie for 30 years a 55 Tbird for 7 years and now I just bought my first flathead: a 1934 Cabriolet.

Let me start by saying WHY I wanted a 34 Cabriolet. I'd been admiring early flatheads for a few years and was cleaning up some stuff with my mom when I came across this photo.

This is my grandma (who I was really close to) on her honeymoon to my gramps. All it says on the back is New Mexico. I guess Gramps bought the 34 right before they got married in Iowa. They then drove the car to California, then a 2 week boat ride to Hawaii. After a month in Hawaii they came back via the boat and took the car to Oklahoma where they settled. My Gramps died before I was born but my gram died in 2003. I had heard about the trip but never knew what car until I came across the photo. I also have some 8mm film of Waikiki beach in 1934... no hotels... LOL.



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ANYWAY- a few years ago I got a thought it would be fun to own a 34 Cabriolet. I have looked at a few but always passed. I spoke to Cliff Heiling at the 2018 Ford show in Minneapolis and he encouraged me to go forth and find one. Super nice guy. So.. earlier this spring one came up and the next thing I know I own it!

In all honesty Im not sure If I got a lemon or a steal- I have the title from the guy who bought it in 1971. He restored it... some is pretty good- some is not as great as I thought. The "Professional" woodgrain... is paintbrushed woodgrain. To a dumb axe like me it looked pretty good until I learned it needs to be redone. The original owner sold it to a "Car Dealer" who seemed to be more of a car collector who died. Im sure some of you saw this car for sale.
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I had not driven the car until yesterday. (its been too cold- I live in the tundra) My storage place is 20 miles away. I had driven it around the block twice. I filled up the radiator with distilled water and headed home. The wife followed me home expecting the worst and it surprised us both and ran like a top. When I got home there was a little leak from one of the hoses. I suspect I will replace them. I spoke to little dearborn and it sounds like I should just head to NAPA for the hoses-

I did order Diamond backs (I have them on my Tbird) Im having those installed this week. The tires are 2001. I dont think the car has been driven too much the last 10 years or so. I will change that. I drive my cars all summer long.

Im going to post some photos- PLEASE let me know your thoughts.. Good AND BAD. It looks like I have one leak- I hope its from a nut and not from a sparkplug.
there seems to be Some spillage under the carb- but It seems dry and not fresh.
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The oil leaks a bit- as I suspected- I dont think its anything crazy.

I was headed to Atlanta a couple of weeks ago and stopped by Third Gen Parts... wow what a great family. Michael sold me a great air cleaner which I have cleaned and oiled up.

Id love a suggestion for getting the dashboard redone- I was told Honest Charley was a good vendor- but they seem to be closed. I went by they seemed pretty quiet. Emailed them and got no response.
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Also- Is the rearview mirror correct?
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I did get on the list for a greyhound from Mr Digger.

I know I need a part for the wheel lock- Im not sure what it is called.
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The radio is an aftermarket- it has a newer radio in the box
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Im humbly in awe of the knowledge on this board and I look forward to learning more.



Thank you and Im sure Ill post more- I reached the photo limit!!