Picked up a nice little 1953 Ford Sunliner over the weekend!

[Chris]

The annual Spokane Swap Meet was this weekend that my V8 chapter puts on and I spotted this 53 Ford convertible in the cars for sale area. I saw the asking price and knew I needed it. These cars are not worth a ton but even so it was less then a lot of guys pay for just a model A body. It has sat for 10-15 years. I got it home and with a battery, some gas and filing the points she fired up and runs like a watch.
I think it was restored in the 60's-70's. It is a very dry car but does have some funky patch work from rear quarter rust and repaired radius rear wheel wells. But otherwise a very nice body. I plan on fixing the "old home repairs" down the road but for now will not hurt anything. The tube grill, filled hood, floor shift dual exhaust and old radius wheel wells show evidence to being an old mild hot rod or custom.
I have been looking for a sort of "turn key" family car that was neat but does not need a full resto and was affordable. This fit the bill perfect.
The engine is a stock 8BA with a stock 3 speed with a Hurst floor shift. The Hurst manual was in the trunk and dated 1964. The car came with a parts car with an OD trans so I may put that in along with back to column shift down the road...
For now, I need to get the engine tuned up, do the brakes, gas tank, some other monkeying around and get a top on it. The top is pretty bad. Probably tires too. These look good but are ancient. I want to lower the rear a little, and back at the swap got a pair of old fakey Caddy caps and NOS Foxcraft skirts (although the skirts don't fit but you get the idea)
So here it is, the new family truckster.

I am new to 52-54 Fords, so this will be fun! My friend Bruce called it an "instant fun" car. And now my Dad is looking for a 53 convertible for himself (he had a few Vicky's a few years back)
Also If anyone has any fender skirts for sale please let me know

[19Fordy]

Congrats! Nice looking car with a custom touch.

[Mart]

Pretty sweet, Chris.

[Ross F-1]

LOL on the funnel! Very nice car by the looks of it!

[Vic Piano]

Outstand Chris! I've had my '53 Crestline Sunliner for 42 years, my first Convertible, and I love it. After seeing your photos, I've got to get to work building the Flathead I've got for it, and get it back on the road. Have fun with the car.

[donald1950]

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very nice ! ! ! i like the blue fuel line supercharger. is that an origonal "go fast" item?

[Chris]

Originally Posted by donald1950

very nice ! ! ! i like the blue fuel line supercharger. is that an origonal "go fast" item?

Originally Posted by Ross F-1

LOL on the funnel! Very nice car by the looks of it!

Hey, I had to fill the float bowl somehow

[Chris]

Originally Posted by Vic Piano

Outstand Chris! I've had my '53 Crestline Sunliner for 42 years, my first Convertible, and I love it. After seeing your photos, I've got to get to work building the Flathead I've got for it, and get it back on the road. Have fun with the car.

If you have a spare "K" wheel laying around I'm accepting donations

[Tim Ayers]

Love it, man. Best of luck with it. What is the ballpark price for one of these? It looks like a great entryway into a post-war convert.

[Displayman]

Nice car!
You will have a lot of fun with that ragtop.

Bob-Hampshire, Ill.

[Vic Piano]

Originally Posted by Chris

If you have a spare "K" wheel laying around I'm accepting donations

I wish...

[mhsprecher]

Very cool! Nice score. I always liked the 53's. A convert is the best!

[Chris]

Originally Posted by Tim Ayers

Love it, man. Best of luck with it. What is the ballpark price for one of these? It looks like a great entryway into a post-war convert.

I don't know what they go for, I never really looked into them. He was asking 6500.00 and he came down some from that. It needs work and is not perfect, but I think I got a good buy on it, and it fit my budget so I can haul the whole family around. The price he sold it to me for is what he paid for it 10-15 years ago...he just wanted his money back. I was looking for something not needing a ton of work but was still cool. Never figured it would be a neat ol convertible.

My kiddo is getting big and needs a place to ride

[Mike B]

You won't get very far with a gas tank that size
Nice car!

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by Chris

I don't know what they go for, I never really looked into them. He was asking 6500.00 and he came down some from that. It needs work and is not perfect, but I think I got a good buy on it, and it fit my budget so I can haul the whole family around. The price he sold it to me for is what he paid for it 10-15 years ago...he just wanted his money back. I was looking for something not needing a ton of work but was still cool. Never figured it would be a neat ol convertible.

My kiddo is getting big and needs a place to ride

Awesome pict. I hear ya. I'd be all over that for that price. You did good.

[funrunr]

What a great looking car, enjoy it all you can!

[PRRJim]

I like the box in the trunk. It has to be nearly as old as the cat itself. Don't throw it away!

[trulyvintage]

Chris,

What a beauty ...




Jim

[Oakhurst]

Great car and a good buy. I sold my model A in 1958 and bought a 53 Ford convertible because I needed a better car for dates. Nosed and decked it. 54 Chev grill and a $29.95 Earl Sheib paint job. Skirts, not for me, no tissue dispenser either. BTW, my girl broke up with me later and started going with the guy I sold my model A to.

[Vic Piano]

Originally Posted by Oakhurst

Great car and a good buy. I sold my model A in 1958 and bought a 53 Ford convertible because I needed a better car for dates. Nosed and decked it. 54 Chev grill and a $29.95 Earl Sheib paint job. Skirts, not for me, no tissue dispenser either. BTW, my girl broke up with me later and started going with the guy I sold my model A to.

Wow, talk about a double whammy... LOL

[scooder]

Oh my! I like that!
Martin.

[corvette8n]

Some guys have all the luck.

[waterboychuck]

Nice car Chris, I couldn't make it as I'm on crutches and it just didn't seem like fun going to that event. Next year for sure.

[48 coupe]

Just like back in the day. I like it . I think the overdrive would be a big improvement. At some point maybe just a slight engine warm up. Not real crazy with the grill. Like they say do it your way.

[tonydennisadw]

in 1956 had a 52 in the same color with the cont kit in trunk been looking for it here but guess it got crushed... had another conv bought but at last min guy backed out.. so now ive ended up with 2 52s hardtops... took me a while to figure out can only drive one at a time hahahah good luck dennis

[40 Deluxe]

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First thing, get rid of that absurd little air cleaner! Your engine will thank you!

[Talkwrench]

Nuttin wrong wit dat!

[oldbugger]

Neat car, 54 was one of my first cars, always had a soft spot for that body style.

[richard crow]

put the stock grill back in it.and it will be a great servier

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by richard crow

put the stock grill back in it.and it will be a great servier

I love the bar grille. Helps to de-clutter the front end.

[Chris]

Originally Posted by Tim Ayers

I love the bar grille. Helps to de-clutter the front end.

I like it too, but I like "goofy" 50's looking cars. They have a timless charm that I only see in old magazines and TV shows.

[Vic Piano]

Here's a photo of my '53 Crestline Sunliner, in front of the house I had built when I first moved to Florida... That was 22 years ago...

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by Vic Piano

Here's a photo of my '53 Crestline Sunliner, in front of the house I had built when I first moved to Florida... That was 22 years ago...

Vic:

Is that the stock grille in that car in the pict?

Tim

[Vic Piano]

Tim, yes it is. The '51, '52, and '53 Fords had what's come to be known as "Korean Chrome", because of the shortage of materials due to the Korean War. The chrome plated parts were varnished at the factory to keep them looking good. As I recall (I'll have to go read the original owners manual that was in the car when I got it in '73) there is a section that deals with the care of the varnished chrome... Fortunately, several years ago I found a re-plated OEM unit that I will eventually install, once I get the cars third restoration under way...

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by Vic Piano

Tim, yes it is. The '51, '52, and '53 Fords had what's come to be known as "Korean Chrome", because of the shortage of materials due to the Korean War. The chrome plated parts were varnished at the factory to keep them looking good. As I recall (I'll have to go read the original owners manual that was in the car when I got it in '73) there is a section that deals with the care of the varnished chrome... Fortunately, several years ago I found a re-plated OEM unit that I will eventually install, once I get the cars third restoration under way...

Thanks. Maybe I like the original grille after all. I'm not a huge have of the center "bullet" on the '49 & '50. The stock grille in your picture looks great on the car.

So I guess I like both: Chris' tube bar grille and the stock.

[TonyM]

Cool. Good luck with the car.

[Vic Piano]

Originally Posted by Tim Ayers

Thanks. Maybe I like the original grille after all. I'm not a huge have of the center "bullet" on the '49 & '50. The stock grille in your picture looks great on the car.

So I guess I like both: Chris' tube bar grille and the stock.

Of the three year run of that body style, I like the '53 the best over all. Not to mention that the '53 is the '50th Anniversary of Ford Motor Company, and the last production year for the Flathead V8 in U.S. built Ford & Mercury cars & trucks. Also the last year for king pins in the Ford and Mercury Cars, I'm not sure when Lincoln went with ball joints but Lincoln discontinued the 337 Flathead after '51. When I was 5 years old, my dad traded a '49 Merc Convertible in, on a new '53 Ford Mainline ForDor Sedan with an OHV I-6... I'm still not happy about that... LOL

[mercman from oz]

Sweet. What a great find. Would love to have it in my Garage. In Australia, the only "Barn Find" 53 Ford that we would likely find would be a 1953 Ford Customline 4 door Sedan, and even the chances of finding one of them is practically nil.

[48 coupe]

Now that's funny. I don't care who you are.

[48 coupe]

trying to comment on oahhurst post. HMMMM.

[mercman from oz]

Here are some closeup shots of these 3 similar year Fords. The Maroon car is a 1952 model, the Blue car is the 53 model, the same as the Convertible in this Post. The bottom photo show all 3 years, starting off with the 54 model. While they are similar, the front fenders of each are all different and not interchangeable, though they will fit.

[itsa52]

Nice car and a great price,, Top OK? Not sure about the K wheel I may have one.

[wbedwards]

I like it! What a nice old ride!

[Chris]

Originally Posted by itsa52

Nice car and a great price,, Top OK? Not sure about the K wheel I may have one.

No, the top is bad. I may try replacing it myself. If you have a spare assessory wheel let me know!

[Sid the Maineiac]

Great car and great deal I would think ! Drive it like you stole it as I think you did !! lol

[JSeery]

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The funnel should be good for short trips, very short!

[hotrodA]

Chris scores AGAIN!

It never ceases to amaze me what you drag home!

[mercman from oz]

For some unknown reason, the pictures on my Post above have disappeared, leaving little squares? I had close up shots of 1952 and 1953 Fords, plus a picture of a 1954, to highlight the differences. If you wish to look at these pictures, please go to my Test Forum. I will add the picture of the 1953 Ford again, and hope that it doesn't disappear this time around. This is the Grille that this lovely Sunliner should have.

[itsa52]

I know where there is a 52/53 Merc accessory wheel,, complete but needs restored 250 but I'll bet he would sell for less

[itsa52]

And now I know why they call it the "K" wheel

[flathead_jr]

53s came with EAB flatheads not 8BA but it's possible someone found a good running swap. I know where there's a 53 rag top for sale in my area but it's a project for sure. I have a 54 I'd like to sell as well again a project! Both cars located in Southeast Idaho.

[Chris]

Originally Posted by flathead_jr

53s came with EAB flatheads not 8BA but it's possible someone found a good running swap. I know where there's a 53 rag top for sale in my area but it's a project for sure. I have a 54 I'd like to sell as well again a project! Both cars located in Southeast Idaho.

I called it an 8BA as thats normally what I refer to late model flathead engines as. After looking closely this car has Mercury heads. Makes me wonder if its a 239 or 255...

[flathead_jr]

If it has the EAC Mercury heads chances are it's a Mercury engine, if so install a set of EAB heads and you'll have a way better set up anyways. The Ford had higher compression. With a 4" stroke you get 8:1 compression with Ford heads.

[Chris]

Originally Posted by flathead_jr

If it has the EAC Mercury heads chances are it's a Mercury engine, if so install a set of EAB heads and you'll have a way better set up anyways. The Ford had higher compression. With a 4" stroke you get 8:1 compression with Ford heads.

They do say EAC on the heads, but you can simply put Mercury heads on a Ford engine, correct? So it will be a guessing game unless I measured the stroke or pulled the pan

[Chris]

I got the brakes gone through, tank cleaned out and new fuel line run. I have rebuilt the carb, fuel pump and gone through the cooling system. Also painted some wheels and put new tires on it. It now drives but I still need to fiddle with the wiring and I need to look into why one rear brake locks when the brakes are applied.






I picked up a set of skirts to help hide the wonky repaired wheel wells. I also picked up a 53 vicky that has a lot of new and NOS parts as well as some nicer trim and such. I'm going to take what I need and sell the rest.

[Tim Ayers]

Man, you just seem to have a knack for kicking up these old Fords. Rock on!

[1937pickup]

Congrats-great looking car at a great price.

[FL&WVMIKE]

You are lucky that the upholstery is usable. The converts had a hard time with that. You are, also, lucky, to make it original, you only need a grille and wheel covers. Maybe an air cleaner too.
In the 60s, I had a '53 hardtop, which I drove, daily, to work. The black paint, on the dash, looked so deep, it was, as if, you could stick your finger into it.
I had a chance to double my money on it, so I sold it. What a dumb thing to do. I found it on the back row of a car lot for $450.00, drove it for two years and sold it for $900.00. Sure wish I still had it. The $900.00 is long gone, now ! I had collected a large box of NOS parts, which I let go with it, including a NOS Coronado (fake Contininal kit) for it. 1950s parts were very inexpensive, in the 60s. The Ford dealers were junking them.
Have fun !
MIKE (mikeburch)

[mercman from oz]

The builder of this imported 1954 Ford Sunliner couldn't locate decent Parking Lights. Also, the original Grille needed to be chrome plated. His solution to this problem was to make a tube Grille, and thus saved lots of money in Chrome Plating. The finished car was painted in period style scallops.

[TJ]

You might want to buy the V-8 Club's 52-53 Ford book. It's a two volume set with a ton of information on these cars. These Fords are still affordable for young people on a budget that desire to get into the hobby. My first car was a '52 Merc in 1960. It was "nosed" and "decked" with lake pipes and Dodge Lancer caps. It had a flathead with a Merc-o-matic . Wish I had it back.

[Chris]

Originally Posted by TJ

You might want to buy the V-8 Club's 52-53 Ford book. It's a two volume set with a ton of information on these cars. These Fords are still affordable for young people on a budget that desire to get into the hobby. My first car was a '52 Merc in 1960. It was "nosed" and "decked" with lake pipes and Dodge Lancer caps. It had a flathead with a Merc-o-matic . Wish I had it back.

I do plan on buying the books through my V8 club. And I agree on affordability. I am still a younger guy, and while having some cars that every nut and bolt cost an arm and a leg (33-34 fords) it is nice to have a neat old Ford that is a lot less cost wise, and also parts are easier to get at auto parts stores. I am just excited to own a car my whole family can easily ride in...my wife, son and I crammed in my roadster last Saturday to go on a V8 club tour and it was TIGHT! Those kids' car seat are wider then the average human!

Hopefully in the next week or two the 53 will be on the road

[TJ]

Looks like the tail lamp lenses are 56 Olds. I'll bet that car has some good history to it.

[Chris]

Originally Posted by TJ

Looks like the tail lamp lenses are 56 Olds. I'll bet that car has some good history to it.

I actually put those in to add to the mild "custom" vibe. This car is probably what a high school or college kid with a part time job would have done. Simple bolt on stuff to make the car stand out

[Lawson Cox]

I put them on a 50 company car, They looked neat, cost very little.

[Chris]

I went and picked up my Vicky parts car tonight, I was really excited to dig through all the parts! NOS tail light housings, crest trim, tail light lenses and stars, u joint, turn signal housings, even a cigarette lighter! NORS includes a ton of parts to rebuild the front end. Got a couple spare radios, a spare grill incase I want to swap to an original, recored radiator, even a set of NOS hubcaps! The car itself is actually pretty nice. Has typical quarter panel and rocker rot, but hopefully a project someone will want. I really like the black/white with green interior.

[Chris]

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Also had this neat little 50's "Yankee" side mirror that is in excellent shape and looks better then the 60's style mirror the convertible had on it when I bouight it.

[cmbrucew]

Chris
I would rather have your luck than a license to steal.
You seem to have a knack for finding nice cars.
Congratulations on this one.
Bruce

[FL&WVMIKE]

That is very similar to the Victoria, that I sold, back in the 60s, as I mentioned in an earlier post.
I still have some weld in fender patch panels, if you need them, also some NOS stainless moldings which go on the rear fenders. the slanted ones. You look like you need the patch panels. Very reasonable.
Thanks,
MIKE (mikeburch)

[Chris]

Originally Posted by FL&WVMIKE

That is very similar to the Victoria, that I sold, back in the 60s, as I mentioned in an earlier post.
I still have some weld in fender patch panels, if you need them, also some NOS stainless moldings which go on the rear fenders. the slanted ones. You look like you need the patch panels. Very reasonable.
Thanks,
MIKE (mikeburch)

Thanks, sent you a PM

[Chris]

I got a lot done over the weekend, started by running new wiring to the rear lights in the car. The old wiring was really shot and the only thing that worked were running lights. Now run and brake lights work, license light and even the gas gauge I was very impressed with how dry this car is, the rear floor pan looks great under all the red dirt I keep finding everywhere (car came from Utah)

To access the wiring I had to pull the rear seat and drivers side panel. While it was off I put new rollers on the window as the rears were not hooked up (rollers broke, popped off track). Got both sides done and put the top up for the first time (manually). It needs a top desperatly and I have a loose appointment to have one installed over winter. But for now it will be a good weather car. Not much left to do mechanicly, still need to look into why one brake locks up and install a seat belt for the kiddo while the seat is out...then I can start in on the fun stuff of buffing and cleaning...watch the old girl come back to life

[FL&WVMIKE]

CHRIS ............................
I don't know how to post photos in the Private Messages, so I am posting them here.
I will sell all of these NOS 1953 Ford parts, to you, for $60.00 plus $15.00 postage.
I thought that both fender lip patched were the same until I laid them out. They must be for different models. It would not be too difficult to shorten or lengthen them to the correct length. The angle of the camera exagerated the difference in the lengths.
Thank you,
MIKE (mikeburch)

[Chris]

Originally Posted by FL&WVMIKE

CHRIS ............................
I don't know how to post photos in the Private Messages, so I am posting them here.
I will sell all of these NOS 1953 Ford parts, to you, for $60.00 plus $15.00 postage.
I thought that both fender lip patched were the same until I laid them out. They must be for different models. It would not be too difficult to shorten or lengthen them to the correct length. The angle of the camera exagerated the difference in the lengths.
Thank you,
MIKE (mikeburch)

Thanks Mike, check your PM's

[tonydennisadw]

had a 52 conv in that color that i got in 57 loved that car first car was a 50 plymouth 4 d business mans coup that dad insisted i buy for first car saw the 52 knew had to have.. happy crusin

[tonydennisadw]

mike mikeburch how about a weld panel for front right fender lower back also and inner brace to it

[FL&WVMIKE]

Originally Posted by tonydennisadw

mike mikeburch how about a weld panel for front right fender lower back also and inner brace to it

tonydennisadw ..........................
Sorry, those are he only panels that I have and Chris wants those.
MIKE (mikeburch)

[JAKEFORD]

That is a cute car. Reminds me of my old 53 Victoria 2 dr hardtop.

[Chris]

I think I figured out my rear brake locking issue...I pulled the drum off last night and noticed that the shoes would not go in as far as they should...neither side was up against the anchor pin. I fiddled around with them seeing if anything was binding or hanging up, and without any problem I could see I pulled the shoes off. Looked eveything over and eveything looked fine, so I re-installed everything, bolted the wheel back on, hit the brakes and the pedal went to the floor. Fluid coming from that wheel. So off comes the drum again and I see the front side of the wheel cylinder blew the dust cover off. I pulled everything back off, and found the cup behind the piston had turned crooked in there.

So I think what happened was the wheel cylinder was messed up the whole time, and would not allow the brakes to seat all the way down like they are supposed to. Me fooling with the brakes probably caused the wheel cylinder to blow. At least thats what I am guessing happened. Have to pick up a set of rear shoes now, but I think it should solve the problem.


Oh, and yes I was the one that out the cylinders together. I alwasy take them apart to inspect them and make sure they were together correctly

[Chris]

Got a set of new shoes yesterday and had the drums turned. Put it all together and everything looks good. Just need to swap the new shows on the other side, bleed the system and test drive it.

[TJ]

Hang onto that parts car. That automatic steering column is worth a few bucks. Also those 52-53 cars had some axle problems and I have seen more than one break when guys were on tours. Not sure why , but I have seen three broken axles on these cars. One guy was lucky and had a spare axle in the trunk. Says he threw it in the back at the last minute just before he left to go to a V-8 meet.

[itsa52]

Looks like you are going to need some parts for the top mechanism too.. I switched my Merc back to hydraulic, love it.. Ford went back to hydraulic in 54, Merc in 55, not sure why they switched Ford first

[Chris]

Originally Posted by itsa52

Looks like you are going to need some parts for the top mechanism too.. I switched my Merc back to hydraulic, love it.. Ford went back to hydraulic in 54, Merc in 55, not sure why they switched Ford first

I have all the parts (I think), they were in the trunk

[Chris]

Well first official "out of the neighborhood" drive tonight. Went about 15 miles and it did fine. Front end is a little loose and rattley, I'll have to go through it this winter

[Chris]

We are supposed to drive the 53 to a wedding this afternoon but it's a rainy day. Regardless, I spent the morning buffing the car and trying to bring the paint back to life. For me not really knowing what I'm doing it shined up pretty well


Before



After




And done

[Vic Piano]

Lookin Sharp.

[funrunr]

Just finished reading this thread over AGAIN, your car is growing on me. Looking great especially the tail light lenses and polish job. Nice touch!

[GrandpasA]

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Damn sweet ride, it's growing on me too... Love the green and vert top...
I have a similar ride in similar shape, I drive it every day, but it needs some front end love, this winter as well it will be done...

[Chris]

Got it on the highway today. Did really well. Cruises just fine at 55-60. If I really stand in the gas or climb a long hill it will loose power and buck a little like its starving for fuel. If I let off the gas for a couple seconds it's fine. So it is starving for fuel. But why? I checked the float level and it was fine. Maybe the pump can't keep up? I rebuilt the fuel pump and every single piece of the fuel system is new (including line). Anyone have ideas? It's nothing that will keep me on the side of the road I don't think, but annoying none the less

[Steves46]

Chris, was the tank cleaned or new? Maybe debris is getting caught in the pick-up tube. Steve

[TJ]

Originally Posted by Steves46

Chris, was the tank cleaned or new? Maybe debris is getting caught in the pick-up tube. Steve

I suspect the same thing as Steve. Crud in the tank.

[Chris]

Originally Posted by TJ

I suspect the same thing as Steve. Crud in the tank.

Originally Posted by Steves46

Chris, was the tank cleaned or new? Maybe debris is getting caught in the pick-up tube. Steve

I had the tank professionally cleaned, all new lines, filter, pump and carb. Every single piece of the fuel system is new. I'll pull the sender and look inside but I suspect it's clean

[Vic Piano]

Maybe it's not a fuel problem... Could be electrical...

[funrunr]

You could try putting in an inline electric fuel pump ( cheap and easy) run off toggle and see if it helps next time.

Edit; I also had to install fuel regulator, the elect. pump is 2-5# and was flooding carbs (97's), I had to adjust a couple times until 2 1/4- 2 1/2# runs good. These are not acurate regulators

[Chris]

Originally Posted by Vic Piano

Maybe it's not a fuel problem... Could be electrical...

I am 99% sure it is fuel...it does fine in town and cruising along. When the demand for fuel is high (running hard or climbing a long hill) it will start loosing power and bucking like it is running out of gas. If I keep my foot in it the problem gets worse. If I let off the gas and let the fuel pump catch up its fine for a little while. If I slowly climb a hill the problem never occurs. Just makes sense that the fuel supply cannot keep up with the demand

[Chris]

Originally Posted by funrunr

You could try putting in an inline electric fuel pump ( cheap and easy) run off toggle and see if it helps next time.

Edit; I also had to install fuel regulator, the elect. pump is 2-5# and was flooding carbs (97's), I had to adjust a couple times until 2 1/4- 2 1/2# runs good. These are not acurate regulators

I have a new carter 6V pump ready to install...but it should not need it and I'd like to figure out what's going on. I'll keep messing around with it but if worse comes to worse I'll install the electric pump

[V8COOPMAN]

Could be a little wear on the fuel pump lobe on the cam. DD

[Gumpy]

Car looks like fun, I like the floor shift!

[Chris]

Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

Could be a little wear on the fuel pump lobe on the cam. DD

Yes I am wondering that as well. I compared the push rod to a new one and the length was the same so it's not the rod. Do you think it would hurt anything if I stuck a small shim between the pump and push rod? Give a little more lift?


The car had an electric pump on it when I bought it, bypassing the original pump. So there may have been a problem to begin with.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by Chris

Yes I am wondering that as well. I compared the push rod to a new one and the length was the same so it's not the rod. Do you think it would hurt anything if I stuck a small shim between the pump and push rod? Give a little more lift?


The car had an electric pump on it when I bought it, bypassing the original pump. So there may have been a problem to begin with.

I've read about guys putting a 1/8"-thick chunk of leather out of an old belt to accomplish such. DD

[Chris]

Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

I've read about guys putting a 1/8"-thick chunk of leather out of an old belt to accomplish such. DD

Ha! I'll give it a shot

[Chris]

The mail man was nice to me yesterday, I won this on Ebay for what I thought was a pretty good deal considering what restored ones go for. It needs some work but will be perfect in the Sunliner

[FL&WVMIKE]

Could you have a dirty fuel filter ? I have seen that happen.
MIKE (mikeburch)

[Chris]

Originally Posted by FL&WVMIKE

Could you have a dirty fuel filter ? I have seen that happen.
MIKE (mikeburch)

It is possible, but the whole fuel system probably has only 50 miles on it? I may take the filer off and cut it open to see what is inside...just in case there is some crud in the newley cleaned tank. A filter would be a cheap replacment part

[Chris]

Well I drove it to work today...or tried. About half way to work it acted like it ran out of gas, although has about 3/4 of a tank. I tried getting it started but finally had my wife come flat tow me back home. While being towed I put it in 3rd and let off the clutch...let it goa little ways, hit the key and it fired. So it muct be the pump or somthing in the tank or fuel line. I'm going to investigate tonight, and if I see nothing in the line I will install the electric pump and hopefully be done with this...it's getting old quick haha!

[GreenMonster48]

I've seen similar symptoms on a bad coil, or mismatched coil/resistor....food for thought..

[Chris]

Well I think I fixed it?! After work I took the sending unit out and looked inside. I saw some debris...nothing big but figured I should clean the whole system. So drained and pulled the tank. Washed it out with the garden hose and blew air through the pickup tube a ton. Then the fuel line. Had the filter off so cut it open and it looked clean inside. While everything was off I ran a 6' piece of 5/16 hose from the pump to a can of gas I had just drained. Fired the car up, removed hose from gas can. Waited for it to start to die and dropped the hose back in the tank. It only took a second or two for the sediment bowl to get fuel rushing in and the car picked up and kept running. So I'd say the mechanical fuel pump is working well. Hooked everything back up, moved the filter location as it looked like the filter line could have been pinched in a curve, checked all fittings and clamps for tightness and took it for a drive. The starvation for fuel on heavy acceleration and climbing hills is gone. I tried getting it to do anything unusual but it ran fine. So hopefully my fuel problems are gone

One question though, while running I occasionally see what looks like a rush of tiny bubbles in the sediment bowl. Just every so often and it does not seem to effect it. Could this be signs of a problem?

[funrunr]

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I feel like we are your cheer leaders, rah rah rah, kick it in the ass....rah rah rah drain that gas! Yeaaaa Chris. Seriously, your perseverance has paid off. Once again good job!
Mark

[Chris]

Originally Posted by funrunr

I feel like we are your cheer leaders, rah rah rah, kick it in the ass....rah rah rah drain that gas! Yeaaaa Chris. Seriously, your perseverance has paid off. Once again good job!
Mark

Haha, I just hope it's all soreted out but like all old fords there is always SOMETHING to fix

[Steves46]

One question though, while running I occasionally see what looks like a rush of tiny bubbles in the sediment bowl. Just every so often and it does not seem to effect it. Could this be signs of a problem?[/QUOTE]

Sounds like an intermittent air leak between the pump and the tank.

[Blu Dice]

Originally Posted by Steves46

One question though, while running I occasionally see what looks like a rush of tiny bubbles in the sediment bowl. Just every so often and it does not seem to effect it. Could this be signs of a problem?

Sounds like an intermittent air leak between the pump and the tank.[/QUOTE]

x 2

[Chris]

Well I guess I should wrap this thread up by saying I drove the car on our reliability run and it did a flawless 350 miles! Goes down the road nice and smooth! This winter/next year I plan to have a top installed, all new top seals, rebuild the leaky steering box and entire front end, and just keep driving it. I need to go through the 3rd member as well, as the crush sleeve is gone so the pinion is slightly loose. And at some time put the overdrive transmission in it.














And when I think it needs it, I picked this nice rear clip yesterday from a fellow V8 member who has saved it for 35 years. It will repair all the "wrong" with my rear quarters that were radioused out and poorly repaired years ago.