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

[hardtimes]

YOU are a lucky guy, in so many ways! And, he must some love for you. I just know that you give him a bear hug and a good handshake...each time that you see him,eh!! Can not tell you what to do with you heirloom, but I'd keep it the way he gave it.

[peewee2you]

it doesn't appear to need much of anything, other than what was said in earlier part of this thread, make sure the mechanical items are in good working order, brakes and steering, fuel lines, gas tank etc. minor sewing if okay, it's a beaut! the way it is, keep it waxed and clean inside and enjoy it.

[Old Henry]

Wow! What a car!

If mine had started out looking as good as yours I probably wouldn't have done a thing to it. But, it is fun to "tinker" with it and replace a little here and a little there to try to make it more authentic if you're into that. Maybe get the radio working if it isn't. Stuff like that. But, certainly nothing major as far as I can see.

I agree with others that safety is worth some modification, i.e. a starboard tail light and maybe super bright bulbs to go in them to be well seen from behind. Here's a new one ready to install for $28.00: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=JvX6hoUzgBE And here's the super bright bulb to put in them: http://www.vintageford.com/part_sear...3-6sb&Category=

[3738]

Regarding the Standard lacking a passenger fender tail light....

Can't tell for sure in the pictures, but it looks like grandpa already added aftermarket taillights (maybe they are even turn signals) peeking above the back bumper on the driver and passenger side?

[cvstl]

Wow Nice!! I would add a taillight, make sure that brakes are good and drive it. What a great car, and you obviously have a great grandpa too. Get him to help you with the maintenance and take him out in it as often as you can.

[46ford]

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Nice. Drive it. Don't rely on safety equipment, you need to drive these defensively.

[chuck stevens]

Do not change a thing, granpa is watching.

[Vic Piano]

Drive it and enjoy it as is, that's my opinion. Have fun with it.

[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?

[TAshcraft]

I have useed the Whitney's tire bleach and a magic eraser on the white walls. Anyone have any "tricks" to get them really white? I have them looking better than the pics above now but wouldn't mind if they blinded me, lol. As far as when he gave it to me, I must be honest; I served 4 years in the Marine Corps Infantry and another 4 in the Air Force so emotions are not my forte. When I was cleaning it, when the pics were taken, and he walked out and handed me the title, I cried like a baby, snot and all. This is his number 1 most prized possession EVER! The radio doesn't work and I see that earlyford.com (I think) has the parts to replace the knobs. The radio turns on but the station knob won't turn. You guys migh have a trick for that too. Like I stated earlier, I'm not a car buff, until now, but any help you can give is GREATLY appreciated. I am going to change the oil in it this week, I ordered the filter. I took it out the Sunday after he gave it to me and put about 60 miles on it and it ran great. Drips about 5-6 drops of oil after each drive, looks like the rear end has dropped a few drops. Oh and of course I got a screw in the tire on that trip. I actually took my kids down to the old Ritz theater in it, I'll post a pic so you can see the car in front of the theater. Thanks for the comments and ideas. I feel like I have won the lottery! Thanks again. TA

[Vic Piano]

Don't worry about the oil dripping, that’s just the cars way of lettin' you know it’s got oil in it...

[fourtydlx]

THANKS for serving, great car,just have fun.

[bk53]

If I could only follow my own advice... rule 1 if it ain't broke, don't fix it
Live with it for a year and let it tell you what needs doing.

[Old Henry]

Originally Posted by TAshcraft

I have used the Whitney's tire bleach and a magic eraser on the white walls. Anyone have any "tricks" to get them really white? I have them looking better than the pics above now but wouldn't mind if they blinded me, lol.

Many have had success with Ranger tire paint to restore their white walls: http://www.rangerpaint.com/

[31chevy]

You are one lucky grandson, very nice car.
Gary.

[Gumpy]

very nice car and I can see it was well cared for, thankyou for posting pictures on your album in your profile page, your grandpa looks good!

[Old Henry]

Originally Posted by TAshcraft

The radio doesn't work and I see that earlyford.com (I think) has the parts to replace the knobs. The radio turns on but the station knob won't turn. You guys migh have a trick for that too. Like I stated earlier, I'm not a car buff, until now, but any help you can give is GREATLY appreciated.

Your radio may well need an overhaul. The old paper capacitors deteriorate over time and if yours has never been serviced they are probably shot and need replaced along with a number of other repairs. Ask Gramps how long it's been since the radio worked. If it hasn't been recently it probably needs the overhaul. Unless you're an expert in electronics such overhaul is best left to those with experience. Here is a list of places that can do the job: http://antiqueradio.org/parts.htm

[Old Henry]

Originally Posted by TAshcraft

I am going to change the oil in it this week, I ordered the filter.

A lot of maintenance and repair parts can actually be bought off the shelf from your local NAPA auto parts store. That's where I get a lot of mine including the oil filter, points, condenser, etc.

[Tinker]

Drive it, maintain it. Some of the little things that you might want to replace, are the things that make it unique and wonderful.

Learn about the maintenance procedure for your car. Drive it nicely and you'll probably will have a great ford that will drive you anywhere for years to come.

[Pat/Ohio]

Thanks for sharing! The picture of your grandpa through the window glass in the '40 is suitable for framing...what a picture! I would cherish it for sure! Enjoy your car and your new found hobby...you will meet many nice guys & gals while enjoying your car. Pat