my first shoebox

[GrandpasA]

Just super excited right now as im now a pround new owner of a 50 two door shoebox..

[green50]

Congrats, nice car! Lets see more pics.

[49 Spinner]

Enjoy the shoebox, more Picts please

[Barry-ct]

Nice car!

[Cecil/WV]

Shoebox Fords are really great drivers. I have driven mine in all lower 48 states since Oct of 2010 with my wife by my side.

[GrandpasA]

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Heres another. Its a original rochester ny car gargaged its while life... It will now get to retire to california with me...it has a flathead v8 too. Love the way it sounds...

[flatford8]

I can see your smile from here!!!....SHOEBOX......MARK

[GrandpasA]

Heres one more.. Its got a flathead v8 in it.. Its a original Rochester NY car garaged pretty much its whole life..now it will make the trip out to california with me and retire to some warm dry weather.. Im sure its happy as hell right now..lol..
The interior is beat but complete and the car runs drives and stops great. Just needs some new tires..
Gonna lower it a bit, pinstrip it up a little and restore the interoir and drive the heck outta it.. My wife has a vintage trailer we will tow behind this ford too...
I wanna put a 12v radio in so i can have some modern tunes but its still 6v any suggestions? Without hacking it up..

[GrandpasA]

One more..

[corvette8n]

Nice looking car, purchased my first in 1964, it was a '50 like yours same body style, wish I was smart enough to keep it, enjoy.

[BILL WZOREK]

1st Major problem I see is your Garage is way / WAY to clean >> LOL

[GrandpasA]

Its actually my brothers garage in ny. My garage will need ti be reorganized to make it work out in california when it gets there..
The car wont be in cali till this spring..

[tubman]

I have a '51 club coupe I drive all the time in the summer. As mentioned above, shoeboxes are modern enough cars to be completely adequate as daily drivers.

As to tires and lowering, I put a set of Aerostar springs in the front, and am thinking of 2 or 3 inch blocks in the back, though I kinda' like the rake. I bought on a set of Coker Classic WWW radials a couple of years ago and couldn't be happier; the changes made a huge improvement in ride and handling. When I had the re-pop Firestone bias plies on it before, every cloverleaf intersection was an adventure at anything over 20 MPH.

As to "tunes", this is one time to think modern. An iPod or the like hooked up to some of the ultra-small speakers they make today will give you a superior sound to just about any radio you can put in with minimum hassle. With proper grounds, connections, and an adequate battery (think Optima), 6 volts is fine for these cars. If you really want a radio, there is a place in Wisconsin (Google is your friend) that makes a 6 volt device that plugs in between your antenna and radio that allows you to receive FM stations. I am lucky because where I am located in north central Minnesota there is a good AM "Oldies" station, so I do just fine with my stock radio. I have the "deluxe" (8 tube) radio, and when I set the tone control to "Bass", it sounds just fine.

Good luck with your new ride, if you have half as much enjoyment out of yours as I have had with mine, you'll still be happy. I've had my car almost 30 years and our relationship even survived an "affair" I had with a "hot '36 3-window about 20 years ago.

[Dick Webber]

First car I ever drove, about 1951, was a 50 Deluxe tudor V8 with overdrive. I never got over 50 Fords even though I don't own one. The stable is full and the right one never crossed my path.

[40cpe]

That looks like a nice, solid car. I love the '50 tudors. Congratulations.

Just an observation, not criticism, is the Deluxe side trim on the front fenders. The dash, windshield and back window trim show the car to be a Custom. Maybe the front cap was changed at some point in its life.

[donald1950]

nice car.. have fun driving it....

[Mike B]

Originally Posted by 40cpe

That looks like a nice, solid car. I love the '50 tudors. Congratulations.

Just an observation, not criticism, is the Deluxe side trim on the front fenders. The dash, windshield and back window trim show the car to be a Custom. Maybe the front cap was changed at some point in its life.

I would think so as well. with the green firewall...no big deal though, still a nice ride it will be!

[GrandpasA]

Yes its missing on the hood emblem that says "custom". I was thinking id either find the correct pjeces or find another hood.. Which ever comes first i guess..
Ill take all the criticism and observation that are thrown at me and my car..i like feedback..

[GrandpasA]

So are there any ford swap meets happening un the northern cali or central cali areas anytime soon..?

[Chappy]

Glad to see the car go to a good home. If you are going to lower it, Ford aerostar springs in the front will give you about a 2.5" drop. In the rear, a set of lowering blocks, or de-arched springs. I bought my springs from Jamco, not sure how they are nowadays they had some issues a while back with getting the parts out, or some spring repair shops will "de-arch" them for you.

[Mike B]

Originally Posted by GrandpasA

Yes its missing on the hood emblem that says "custom". I was thinking id either find the correct pjeces or find another hood.. Which ever comes first i guess..
Ill take all the criticism and observation that are thrown at me and my car..i like feedback..

I wasn't critiquing I'd just noticed the paint difference, and was thinking repaint.

[klicker]

Nice one! Sure is straight. Enjoy!

[GrandpasA]

Originally Posted by Mike B

I wasn't critiquing I'd just noticed the paint difference, and was thinking repaint.

No worries..
yes it was repainted cuz original paint would be green on this one..

[sortkaffekop]

Very nice car!

Are the twin exhausts original? How are the one routed around the gas tank? Im curious, because my french Vedette look a lot like yours, and there is hardly any room to go around the tank. I would like the twin exhausts too!

Cheers, Christian

[49 Spinner]

I lowered my 49 Tudor last using the aerostar springs and 3in blocks just last week. Easy work.

check out these sites for more Shoebox info, enjoy the reading

www.shoebox-central.com for parts

facebook shoebox page https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/250134582087/

The Hamb shoebox builders http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/t...-guide.296506/

Aaronstarnes http://www.aaronstarnes.com/blog

[GrandpasA]

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Originally Posted by sortkaffekop

Very nice car!

Are the twin exhausts original? How are the one routed around the gas tank? Im curious, because my french Vedette look a lot like yours, and there is hardly any room to go around the tank. I would like the twin exhausts too!

Cheers, Christian

Havent really got under the car and took a good look around yet.. Soon come though.. My brother says it has old glass packs on it...

[GrandpasA]

Originally Posted by 49 Spinner

I lowered my 49 Tudor last using the aerostar springs and 3in blocks just last week. Easy work.

check out these sites for more Shoebox info, enjoy the reading

www.shoebox-central.com for parts

facebook shoebox page https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/250134582087/

The Hamb shoebox builders http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/t...-guide.296506/

Aaronstarnes http://www.aaronstarnes.com/blog

Thanks for the info..ill check them out..

[surfgeezer]

Last weekend in January is the biggest swap meet in NorCal , in Turlock...

[GrandpasA]

Ive been to the turlock show about ten years ago..love that event..found some good stuff there..unfortunatly i go to the king of the hammers offroad race that week..
But i occationly hit up the pomona swap atleast once a year..

[Gumpy]

Very nice looking car...pinstripping would be nice!!

[denverslim]

Shoeboxes' are my favorite cars. Every family had one (3 years)--they are entrenched in Ford history. They are one of the most often customized Fords, also...and they clean up nice too.
You might go over to shoeboxford.com and introduce yourself...slim

[GrandpasA]

Originally Posted by Gumpy

Very nice looking car...pinstripping would be nice!!

Lowering and pin stripes are definately in order...

[GrandpasA]

Originally Posted by denverslim

Shoeboxes' are my favorite cars. Every family had one (3 years)--they are entrenched in Ford history. They are one of the most often customized Fords, also...and they clean up nice too.
You might go over to shoeboxford.com and introduce yourself...slim

Nice vert slim... I like that chrome molding with the white in the cove...

[dono50]

Nice shoebox that found a good home with an owner that appreciates their classic style and dependability..
Restored mine 20 years ago and like it as much now,as then.
Good luck

[LuckyFordGuy]

Looks good just drive it you will love it Rog

[GrandpasA]

Yes I will drive the heck outta it...

Just got my first part for it.. A nos hood emblem from eBay.. Still in the box too.. I love that shit.. Lol.. Now I need the chrome strip that goes on the hood as well..anyone got a nos one?
I also found a pinstripper up in redding,ca who seems to have been doing it a long time, any suggestions for that as well, I want a good reputable pinstripper for the job...

[green50]

Originally Posted by GrandpasA

Yes I will drive the heck outta it...

Just got my first part for it.. A nos hood emblem from eBay.. Still in the box too.. I love that shit.. Lol.. Now I need the chrome strip that goes on the hood as well..anyone got a nos one?
I also found a pinstripper up in redding,ca who seems to have been doing it a long time, any suggestions for that as well, I want a good reputable pinstripper for the job...

Good for you! I like finding parts for mine too. When you say "Hood Emblem", do you mean the red, white and blue plastic with chrome bezel?

[GrandpasA]

Originally Posted by green50

Good for you! I like finding parts for mine too. When you say "Hood Emblem", do you mean the red, white and blue plastic with chrome bezel?

Yup... It's so cool to find stuff in the original box..

[kingskid]

Great looking car! Same color as mine. I used the Aerostar coils to drop mine 2.5" in the front. You will be real happy with it I'm sure. Drive it and enjoy it! Merry Christmas!

[GrandpasA]

Does it matter the year aerostar?

[tubman]

-Don't think so, but the Moog part number is MM-850.

[flatford8]

Thanks for posting and bringing out the Shoebox people. I drive a'50 Fordor.....Im working on a '51 Tudor and would like to find a '49 Vert. Mark

[GrandpasA]

A vert would be a dream..but my tudor is just as close..

[GrandpasA]

Merry. Day after xmas everyone we made it through...lol..

[GrandpasA]

Looking for a local pinstripper in the chico(northern california area) who is amazingly good at pinstripping..any suggestions?

[GrandpasA]

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So my shoebox was supposed to leave but is in limbo waiting to go..

[GrandpasA]

My shoebox is finally on a transport to California as I write.. Getting excited.. Gonna grab my wife and go cruisin'

[GrandpasA]

Here she is getting loaded up.. So long cold humid rusty New York, on to warm dry rust free retired life of Northern California..��

[40cpe]

Wow, you have been waiting 8 months to get it delivered?

[Mike B]

Originally Posted by GrandpasA

Here she is getting loaded up.. So long cold humid rusty New York, on to warm dry rust free retired life of Northern California..��

It's nice when the kids come home, huh?

[GrandpasA]

8 months, to get this thing, I know it's a long time coming... It's been in my brothers possession and he's been taking his time but the shippers really have been a pain in the ass.. We used uship.com it took three different shippers before one finally picked it up two others flaked for days....

[jack orchard]

Great car. I hope it arrives undamaged. Enjoy the hell out of it.,...jack

[GrandpasA]

Originally Posted by Mike B

It's nice when the kids come home, huh?

Love it when the kids come home.lol

[Charlie ny]

Grand,
I used a compact 12v battery to power a modern (at the time) AM/FM/
casette in my '35 sedan. These batteries are readily availble and are about 5x4x1 1/2.
I charged it twice a year. In a 30's car the radio chassis is quite large and readily
accepted the transistor radio and battery. An inverter 12v from 6v would work too
I guess. At the risk of being placed on a stretching rack you could change the '50
to 12v , yikes did I just say that ?
Charlie ny

[GrandpasA]

Originally Posted by Charlie ny

Grand,
I used a compact 12v battery to power a modern (at the time) AM/FM/
casette in my '35 sedan. These batteries are readily availble and are about 5x4x1 1/2.
I charged it twice a year. In a 30's car the radio chassis is quite large and readily
accepted the transistor radio and battery. An inverter 12v from 6v would work too
I guess. At the risk of being placed on a stretching rack you could change the '50
to 12v , yikes did I just say that ?
Charlie ny

Charlie,
Oh do I have plans for this ride, 12v as you mentioned will definitely be done because airbags and on board air install plus a booming system and led lights all around..

[40cpe]

Oh, no!!!

[tubman]

Sigh!

[GrandpasA]

If it was a survivor from the west then original it would stay but since it's a east coaster like myself, it needs to be custom to survive out here...lol...I also have a all original 1931 model A that will always be that way so this is how I get to have some custom fun without hurting my modelA....

[GrandpasA]

Here she is finally out west and went for a proper cruise with the car loaded up with five adults and hit the streets of Chico good times and really fun car..

[GrandpasA]

[GrandpasA]

So after having the car in my possession for almost a week now, I'm in love with it, runs drives and stops like a dream.. I've driven it everyday this week and don't plan to stop anytime soon.. And that flathead sounds so good with that vintage cherry bomb exhaust..! Just need to order some new bias ply tires and a new set of shocks all around..

[Phil Gillespie]

Good for you. That's the ultimate driving the cars and feeling the whole driving experience. However if considering change of tyres in my opinion radials would be the way to go along with a set of new shocks and maybe have steering alignment checked.
All the best for future enjoyment of old Fords.
Phil NZ

[GrandpasA]

I've thought about radials but I want it to have that ol'50s look to it and radials don't doit for me..I'm getting the Coker 670-15 3" wide white wall tire..I found a set of 4 from summit racing for 644$ shipped to my door..

So I hear Aerostar front springs fit the front with no modification and I get a two inch drop?

[TJ]

On the shoebox check all your steering components too make sure everything is nice and tight. Check all the bolts that hold the box to the frame. Especially the bolt that goes through the frame. That bolt can break or come loose( you might want to remove that bolt and inspect it). Also check the wear on the idler arm. Nice tight steering components makes all the difference when putting on bias belted tires.

[GrandpasA]

Thanks for the advice TJ, running a set of fifty year old Goodyear bias plys on there now so really any new tire would be like a million times better.. I also plan on a redoing the entire front suspension this coming winter.. So steering, tie rid ends and steering box will all be gone through..
Ok here's my first pic of the two old girls parked together..

[GrandpasA]

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Heading down to cars and coffee at Starbucks in Chico, first Saturday of every month they have a gathering in the best buy plaza... talk shop, drink coffee...
The 50 will be there....

[GrandpasA]

Looking for the correct fabric for a upholstery redo on my 50, any suggestions on where to find some?

[GrandpasA]

Ok for anyone in the Chico/ Northern California area, there's is a car show in Durham, CA today, the 50 will be there come on down and say Hi....!

[GrandpasA]

Ok let the suspension and front end restore commence..
Also a new set of bias ply mounted and balanced on the original rims are all ready to go..!
2" drop front and three drop in the rear..

[GrandpasA]

Well it's coming along should have it back off the rack. In the next week, then some street time for a few weeks then back to the shop for a full interior redo...
Man this shoebox is so cool..

[Shoebox]

Originally Posted by GrandpasA

Looking for the correct fabric for a upholstery redo on my 50, any suggestions on where to find some?

The upholstery was perfect original except for driver side front seat, in my 51 Tudor. I was able to get a kit for just the front seat from LEBARON BONNEY and the fabric match was dead on.

[GrandpasA]

Thank you shoebox, I'm gonna start the search for some fabric..

[Talkwrench]

Thats got a lot of potential ..Sweet!
I fitted some Aerostar springs to my 56 , well lowered it well and truly, I think they drop them 3 1/2" [I already had some cut springs in] I think the problem is because the car goes so low the benefit of the progressive side of the spring isn't there as it has already bottomed out by then.. If you dont want it that low a spacer on top would serve you well. However they are cheap springs for you guys and work ok.

[GrandpasA]

Thanks for the info, I know someone who put those moog springs on and it was a 2 1/2" drop, looked good too..
Talkwrench what shocks you using when it's that low? I was thinking of using some KYBs..

[GrandpasA]

The front end is out and is getting cleaned up then on to all new suspension, steering, drag links, tie rods and king and link pins.. Oh boy getting more excited..

[GrandpasA]

Wish I had taking some more pics, the car is getting close to the suspension being done...haven't cruized her in over two weeks, JONESING HARD...

[GrandpasA]

Ok so the front end is mostly done, after media blasting all the parts and starting to assemble the front end I realized the drag link I ordered wasn't in the box, so while I'm waiting for that to get here, we are gonna de arch the rear springs so I don't have to use drop blocks... Again wish I took some pics.. Soon come..

[toby]

Put on a heavy duty front sway bar from JAMCO Suspension. They are $210.00 and well worth it.
www.jamcosuspension.com

[GrandpasA]

Im Gonna look into these front sway bars you speak of.. Do they help out that much?

[toby]

It really helps when cornering.

[GrandpasA]

So I guess I'm gonna order that sway bar kit.... it's only another 200$ added to the project. And it's only money too, can't take it with me when I pass on.. so better enjoy it now...

[GrandpasA]

Ok haven't posted in a while busy life I guess, I be been driving her a bunch these pastfewdays and man she's awesome..

[GrandpasA]

I added a Fulton visor too recently..

[GrandpasA]

Working on the rear suspension, just to give you an idea of the rust I have to deal with on this east coast car..lol

[GrandpasA]

So after days of soaking these nuts and bolts, with no luck.. So many decided to breakout the angle grinder with a cut wheel.. Now we will get somewhere..

[SofaKing]

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Originally Posted by GrandpasA

So after days of soaking these nuts and bolts, with no luck.. So many decided to breakout the angle grinder with a cut wheel.. Now we will get somewhere..

Pretty car. I had a number of large, rusty, suspension bolts simply twist-off with a 1/2" breaker bar.

[GrandpasA]

Got the grinder out and cut them off.. I was hopeing they would just twist off, but with no luck I started grinding..