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EFV-8 Club Forum / General Ford Discussion / Common 1949 Ford Dependability Issues

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Discussion Topic: Common 1949 Ford Dependability Issues

precisionpointe

03-20-2014 @ 10:07 AM

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Joined: Mar 2014

I am brand new to the forum and only recently purchased my first Ford V8, a 1949 Custom Club Coupe, 6-volt. The car is in good shape (older restoration) and runs well. I intend to tour with the car and am interested in which replacement parts I should have on hand to make repairs occasioned by common problems.

Am I overly prepared if I have various replacement bulbs, drive belt, cap, rotor, condensor, points, fuel pump, spark plugs, radiator hoses?

What about a spare voltage regulator? Spare generator? Spare water pump?

I realize I can't be prepared for every outcome, but what are my most common "mid-tour" problems likely to be?

Thank you very much for any help anyone "in the know" could offer.

Kens 36

03-20-2014 @ 11:57 AM

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Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your purchase! I like that you intend to tour in your car. If you are not already a member of the Early Ford V-8 Club, join the National Club and consider joining the nearest Regional Group in your area. Those folks area great resource. If you do not own the Club’s 49-50-51 book, go to the Online Store on the home page and purchase it – another great resource.

You will get many different answers for your question, but you are on the right track. My theory is to take any part that might fail, that you can replace on the road, and that you can easily carry. Remember, your car has two water pumps. They are specific to right and left – you should carry them both. I also carry a set of belts, a set of hoses, bulbs, fuses, coil, condenser, points, cap, fuel pump, carburetor, regulator, overdrive parts (solenoid, relay, kickdown switch), spark plugs, brake light switch, and probably several things I’m forgetting to list. Many carry a starter and a generator. Many also carry a spare axle with the bearing already pressed on. I like to think of these things as problem preventers. The part you don’t have seems to be the one that fails most often.

Also carry all tools needed to change these items out and all the fluids you might need: oil, pre-mixed coolant, brake fluid, top fluid for a convertible (not in your case), and plenty of cold water for your wife while you are fixing your car.

Ken

precisionpointe

03-20-2014 @ 1:18 PM

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Thank you, Ken! This is precisely what I needed to know. I am a notorious "over preparer," but find I rest easier when I am best prepared.

I have already followed your first suggestion; my wife and I are new members of the Idaho/Washington chapter of the Early Ford V8 Club. I will look into the manual you suggested as well.

Thank you, again,

Tom

nelsb01

03-20-2014 @ 9:18 PM

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May I add one thing that will be a great addition to your vehicle. That is a modern Ford scissors jack. You can find these in most Windstar vans, early Explorers and Ranger pickups. They are light weight, take up very little space, and can lift over 3000 lbs. Especially with your 1949, they work great for raising the frame to get that pesky rear tire off if you have to change it. And, also include a 12x12 plywood board for setting the jack on if you are working on soft ground.
Welcome to the Club and enjoy your 49. I have put over 17000 miles on mine in 15 years and only once did it have to return home on a flatbed. That was before I started carrying a spare rear axle.

TomO

03-21-2014 @ 7:34 AM

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I have seen the inside of Ken36's trunk and he doesn't even have room for another wire jumper. My advice would be to survey the room under the back seat and carry some of the heavier parts, like water pumps and generator there. An axle will also fit under there.

I would like to add nuts and bolts to the list. Carry a small number of the common sizes like 10/32, 1/4-20, etc. and a bolt cutter to make the bolt the right length. Baling wire and duct tape are also very useful. carry a gasket material kit and scissors along with RTV. 3 or 4 12ga wire jumpers, 2 ft long with alligator clips are also handy to have along.

Most important are roadside flares or reflectors.

Tom

keith oh

03-21-2014 @ 9:09 AM

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Why make life so difficult? Join the AAA club or your insurance probably has a roadside help clause and carry your Early V/8 membership book that has names and telephone numbers of folks in every nook and cranney of this country including Canada. Members are very good about helping, just ask. The locals always know availability of parts and expertise. I have helped folks and made new friends on more than one occasion.

deluxe40

03-21-2014 @ 10:34 AM

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in 30 years of touring I have replaced two carburetor floats, one generator, one water pump, three distributors, several coils (none since I discovered Skip Haney) and one flat tire. In all cases, I was able to catch up with the tours and avoid missing out on the fun. Plus, I have been able to loan parts to others who needed them. Who wants to wait for the flatbed when you can fix it yourself and keep going? Nevertheless, the roster, cell phone and Auto Club service came in handy when the fan went through the radiator on the '32 and a hole in a cylinder drained water into the pan on the '40.

ford38v8

03-21-2014 @ 12:17 PM

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I've toured extensively through the USA, and a little in Canada, and have 200 pounds of spares and tools for the unexpected. I've broken down three times, each requiring scrounging beyond my collection of spares. I don't carry anywhere near as much anymore, knowing I'll never have exactly what I need anyway!

My advice is to take only fuel and ignition parts and tools... And importantly, take your V8 Club Roster.

Alan

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