To restore or not to restore; that is the question!

[19Fordy]

I would buy the little parts that need replacing and install them "little by little" while first and foremost still maintaining the road worthiness of the car. I say that because at some point in the future these parts may not still be available - even as repro.

[Old Henry]

Here is a complete maintenance list for 46-48 that would, for the most part, apply to your car so that you can keep it in tip top shape.

[Old Henry]

If Gramps didn't have an original owner/operator's manual for the car you might try to get one of those. I don't see one for sale on ebay at this time but you can keep checking. Here are some other manuals that might come in handy: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sop=...d+manual&rt=nc

[ole39]

wow, what a jewel! drive the wheels off it!

[2935ford]

You're a lucky fellow....just maintain, drive it and enjoy it.

[bmwillia]

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Beautiful car!

I would drive it as is and like others have said, replace the little things if they bother you or if you are interested in fixing it up, but I wouldn't do anything that took it off the road for an extended period of time unless absolutely necessary.

Have fun! Welcome to the hobby!

[dude]

Ever thought of asking your Grandfather,he might have the correct answer..

[BrianCT]

Originally Posted by TAshcraft

They are blinker lights. The passenger side blinks but the driver side stays on when the toggle switch is on. Any ideas on how to make it blink instead?

First see if a bulb is burned out.

[TomT/Williamsburg]

Pretty nice little car - I'm with the rest saying to leave it alone completely as this is the way Grandpa built it. He's giving it to you now so he can SEE your enjoyment with the car. Honor him by learning to drive it well and then spend as much time with him as possible, together, in that car. You will make him the happiest person on earth, you will never forget it, and neither will he.

Good luck and do all of us "grandpas" proud!

[41ford1]

I looked at the pictures in the album. That is a gem. Appearance wise it looks perfect to me. Your grandpa gave you a real nice heirloom.

[Mart]

I'd work WITH Gramps on the car.

Get a feel for how he does stuff, and just learn from him and then carry on doing the same!

He didn't do too bad, did he?

It's a great looking car and a credit to him.

Mart.

[jim1932]

Ask gramps if there is anything he would do with the car if he had the money or could find it. While he is with you, I wouldn't change anything he doesn't "wish he could find". Being younger and on the internet, you may be able to find a lot of things he never found. ButI wouldn't do a thing he doesn't say he would like to see done.

[russcc]

Nice as is. The key points from the comment are;
1. Respect who gave it to you, and what it is.
2. Restoring a is major ego trip & cost. You usually never get the cost back if you sell it.
3. It's only "original" once, leave it alone.
4. There are lots of "restored cars", and an original car is unique, and we all know it.
5. With the Fordbarn as resource you can resolve any issue, and improve it as needed.

[41panelmark]

Maintain it and drive it, have fun.

[Old Henry]

Originally Posted by Old Henry

Here is a complete maintenance list for 46-48 that would, for the most part, apply to your car so that you can keep it in tip top shape.

Oops. I posted the older version of my maintenance schedule. Here is the better one. Both have the same info but this newer one is more "user friendly."