New buy will need help from all of you

[Paperman]

Just bough my first pre 60's ride. 1938 4 door standard. Going to get it this weekend. Solid car from the pics and owners description on the phone. It needs an engine as it is without one right now. What years do I need to look for? I plan to make it an unrestored driver. I'll post pictures when I get them and I'm sure to ask more questions.

[Walt Dupont--Me.]

If you want an original 38 engine it could be a 21 stud or 24stud or a 60hp. 38 had all 3. Walt

[TonyM]

Welcome and good luck with the car. Looking forward to the pics.

[Paperman]

Here are a few from the ad. Headed to get it this weekend.

[BABAR40]

Great to have you here! Your journey is starting, good luck.

[Paperman]

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Are there any catalogs or mail order places that stock any parts? Any manuals online or places I could buy one?

[TonyM]

Joe's Antique Auto
C&G Ford Parts
Drake's
JobLot
Mac's
Gaslight Auto
Kantner
Speedway
LeBaron Bonney

[TonyM]

You might want to buy the 1938-1939 Ford Book, published by the Early Ford V-8 Club of America (seen on the left in the photo).

[4dFord/SC]

Here's a good technical resource for all things flathead: http://www.btc-bci.com/~billben/flathead.htm

[JM 35 Sedan]

Looks to be a pretty solid car to start with. A 59 series engine would be a good choice for a driver. Ask questions and keep us posted on your progress. Always good to have your approximate location included in your avatar. Wouldn't hurt to drop that picture of your '38 in your avatar either . Welcome to the Fordbarn.

[Mike in AZ]

welcome to the 'Barn....add Sacramento Vintage Ford to your list of catalogs....have fun....Mike

[Bruce in southern OH]

Great, have fun! Need to add location to your "Handle", that way we can help in providing sources of help, information and events, again have fun with car.

[TonyM]

Originally Posted by TonyM

Joe's Antique Auto
C&G Early Ford Parts
Drake's
JobLot
Mac's
Gaslight Auto
Kantner
Speedway
LeBaron Bonney

A few more:

Dennis Carpenter Early Ford Parts
Van Pelt Sales
Bubba's Hot Rod Shop (early Ford ignition)
Bill Hirsch

[flatford8]

IMO a restoration can get overwhelming. Alot of time,work and money. I like your plan. Make the brakes and suspension safe and dependable. A good running motor. The electrical system safe and reliable. Do the interior as much as makes you comfortable. Then drive the wheels off it!!!!!!........Mark from Maine.

[38Tudor]

Great car! Good luck!

[JSeery]

Love 38 standards! My only suggestion would be to ditch the headlight conversion it has on it. The original style (converted to seal beam) looks so much nicer. That looks like a really nice car.

[Tinker]

Cool car! Great year!

[RPM]

Welcome! Great car, enjoy! RPM

[Bassman/NZ]

Originally Posted by JSeery

Love 38 standards! My only suggestion would be to ditch the headlight conversion it has on it. The original style (converted to seal beam) looks so much nicer. That looks like a really nice car.

I agree.

[jimTN]

It is somewhat of a rare car, not because of how many were built but how many have survived. I would suggest you get ahold of Flathead Ted to see if he has brake floaters that work with a 38. If the brakes have not been changed to hyd then you need the floaters which IMHO are as good or better than hyd. Any 85 or 100 hp engine from 37 to 48 cars will work 48-53 truck and 49-53 car engines can be made to work with the right assortment of external parts.