| 1st Ford | -- 09-05-2016 @ 4:51 PM |
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Hi I am new to the forum. I am thinking of purchasing either a 49/50 2dr V8 Sedan. Before I pull the trigger, I was hoping you experts could tell me what I need to be looking at or for when I go see a car that's for sale? 1. Are there areas of concern on the frame, body? 2. Powertrain issues? 3. Anything else? Also, are parts new/used readily available for the 49/50 Fords? Thank you, Also, this may end of being an out-of-state purchase and am wondering are there any organizations out there that will inspect cars on behalf of interested buyers?
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| nelsb01 | -- 09-05-2016 @ 6:52 PM |
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When I purchased my low mileage 1949 Ford Fordor 19 years ago, one of my friends told me, congratulations on getting the car and then told me "Tour on Sunday, the alignment shop on Monday". Guess that gives you an idea about Ford's new suspension setup for 1949. Other wise, there have been no problems. (needed new tires after 18 years and 18000 miles). Also the rear transmission seal replacement doesn't count. Most mechanical parts are available from the retail auto parts stores. Even replacement style shocks from the Pep Boys. The body rockers were great dirt collectors and that could be the number 1 spot for rust. Where the front fenders join the cowl is another catch basin for dirt. If I was to do it all over again --- and it would take a lot, since I really like my 1949--- just let me say, that Ford's advertising for the 1950 models used the slogan "50 ways better". So, for someone that is looking for an 'improvement' in a vehicle, then you should lean toward a 1950. But, on the other hand, if you want a vehicle that was totally re-designed from the post war 1946-1948's, then 1049 is your year. Besides, it is the last year all parts carried the Ford script (even my original rear trans seal) --FoMoCo became the future in 1950. I know that others will add their thoughts -- but in the end, you only have to please yourself. Good luck with your purchase. This message was edited by nelsb01 on 9-5-16 @ 6:54 PM
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| CharlieStephens | -- 09-05-2016 @ 8:27 PM |
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Get a lot of pictures (50+) and go over them carefully. If it looks like some areas were "missed" ask for more. If you like what you see buy an airline ticket and go see the car in person. It will be the best investment you can make. I am currently selling a '57 T-Bird and have about 60 pictures I send to people that are interested. Charlie Stephens This message was edited by CharlieStephens on 9-5-16 @ 8:28 PM
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| ford38v8 | -- 09-05-2016 @ 8:35 PM |
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Bruce, I had intended to say basically the same thing about suspension in '49, but you said it first. My first car was a '49. Memories. I will say this: It took a beating and kept on ticking. Message to First Ford: Do not buy any car sight unseen. It's kinda like mail order brides. You pays your money and you takes your chances. ...Or, check out the merchandise before you buy. That said, join the Early Ford V8 Club, get your National Roster, see who's near the car for sale and ask him about it. He's liable to know the car personally. If he doesn't, he might be persuaded to take a look for you. Alan
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| BUCKAWHO | -- 09-06-2016 @ 5:40 AM |
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Hi...A year ago, I drove from Indiana to Mass. to inspect a '51 coupe. Took a floor jack, creeper, jack stands, tools, and a flashlight with me. Inspected it the best I could, and "had to have it" as they say. Since then, it has been great fun to drive, but has had a few minor problems that I was able to fix, nothing major. It looks good, runs well, drives nice, and gets a lot of attention wherever we go. Brings back my younger days, and was a fun purchase with no regrets. The purchase price also included enclosed delivery to my home. So, my advice is to check out your prospective purchase personally, and negotiate your best deal. BT
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| trjford8 | -- 09-06-2016 @ 7:00 AM |
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Parts are readily for the 49-51 Fords. The 50 would be your best bet and it really comes down to the condition of the body. As others have said the rockers and the lower rear portion of the front fenders are the first places to look for rust issues. Other areas would be the lower rear quarters. On the '50 also look at the fender area behind the parking light housings. Also the front passenger floorboard can be another area to check due to a past leaking heater. The old jute in the floor mat trapped water from the heater and rusted out the floor pan. Bottom line is check out the car in person and take someone with you who is knowledgeable regarding old Fords. If you give us an approximate location of the car we may know someone in the area who can inspect it for you or go look at it with you.
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| TomO | -- 09-06-2016 @ 8:10 AM |
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I second the preference for a 50. The 49 Ford door latches are another problem area. These were redesigned in 50 along with some other parts to make the 50 a much better car. I bought my Lincoln out of state. I paid an appraiser to check out the car He fell in love with the car and did not report on some of the defects that the owner had described. That set off a warning flag, so I flew in to see the car in person. That was the best money that I spent. The car was as the owner described, but I now felt more comfortable in purchasing the car. The best people for describing the looks of a car, are the ones that transport antique cars for a living. They will document every paint chip, dent and rust spot on the car. There are a few appraisers that follow the auctions and I have had good luck with their reports. Tom
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| tonys1950 | -- 12-07-2016 @ 11:09 AM |
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IF THE FRONT DOORS SAG WHEN YOU OPEN IT--PASS. IN THE RUST BELT THE COWLS RUST AND THATS THE RESULT, BIG JOB AND MONEY TO REPAIR. SAVE YOURSELVE LOTS OF GRIEF, MAKE SURE ITS A WESTERN CAR OR AT LEAST A DRY STATE VEHICLE
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| tonys1950 | -- 12-07-2016 @ 11:13 AM |
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AS TO PRE PURCHASE INSPECTIONS, GO TO CARS-ON -LINE.COM. THEY HAVE A EXCELLANT PRE PURCHASE INSPECTION PROCESS AND WORTH EVERY PENNY !!! I SOLD A CAR TO GUY OUT OF STATE AND THE INSPECTOR CAME BACK A SECOND TIME FOR MORE PHOTOS, I THINK SOMETHING CLOSE TO 75 OR SO, VERY GOOD SERVICE
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