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EFV-8 Club Forum / General Ford Discussion / Restore or not

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Discussion Topic: Restore or not -- page: 1 2

46coupe

12-10-2015 @ 8:20 AM

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Hello everyone. I'm new to the club and forum so I hope this is proper procedure. I purchased a 46 coupe about 2 months ago and have purchased the 1941-48 Ford book. I was told by the seller that this car is a survivor and original. According to my new book and other research this appears to be true. Interior is original with no tears, stains, etc. Interior trim and paint in great shape. The headliner in complete with no tears, just unglued in places. Exterior body has some surface rusted scr*pes, chips and a few very small dents. Paint appears original.
My question, should I totally restore the car or maintain what I have and address the imperfections and restore the running gear inside and out instead?

deluxe40

12-10-2015 @ 9:05 AM

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Nice looking car. It's yours and you should do what will please you the most. In my opinion, your car looks too good to restore. People will enjoy looking at its original features and finishes. There is always something to be done to improve a car to keep you busy. Also, one of the great pleasures of owning a Ford V8 is driving it and you won't get to do that for a long time if you tear it all apart for a full restoration.

46coupe

12-10-2015 @ 9:17 AM

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Thanks for the reply.As of now I have to address an oil drip and see if I can adjust the clutch. Not looking for awards but didn't know if there is a class for original cars at most of the shows. Would you or anyone know if there is, or does it depend on the show and venue?

ford38v8

12-10-2015 @ 9:28 AM

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Beautiful car! Parked in between two fully restored cars, yours would always draw more attention. The patina of an original is more attractive, and the imperfections provide the provenance.

If you have never been to a V8 Club National Meet, you must go, and enter your car in the Rouge Class on the Concourse. The award for this class is based in originality, rather than condition, and is divided into three categories, from which you will likely qualify for two, maybe three: Exterior; Interior; and Running Gear. Go to the Home Page of this Forum, and click on Upcoming Events. Welcome to the Club!

Alan

46coupe

12-10-2015 @ 3:35 PM

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Alan
Thank you for the info. I will check out the meets and shows. Going to Alabama this Sat for the last car show of the year to benefit kids. My son is taking his SRT Challenger. His first show.
Thanks again
Brad

Ihateoldcars

12-10-2015 @ 4:38 PM

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Congratulations on your purchase of an Early Ford V-8.
First, I want to encourage you to join the Club and the Regional Group nearest you. You can find info on this site. RGs are an excellent source of knowledge and networking. Second, my suggestion is that you enjoy the car for a while, get to know it, learn its personality. Hopefully you will grow to appreciate it and enjoy the time spent. I have always tried to own a car a year or so before I start making any changes, except for safety or operational issues. During that time you can attend events, discuss options with other owners and decide what steps to take next. Lastly, if possible have someone in the Club look at the car to verify its originality. Sometimes people think that a car is original but in fact the work was done so long ago that it looks original or was done in an attractive but incorrect way. Most of all, enjoy the car. Again, congratulations.

12-10-2015 @ 5:05 PM

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DFWI !

This message was edited by MG on 12-10-15 @ 5:22 PM

46coupe

12-10-2015 @ 6:07 PM

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Thanks for comments. I planned to do what you suggested. So far using the Ford book I bought from the club, the areas checked have been exactly as described in the book. I' m sure not all are and some will not prove original.I do plan on driving to Bristol Tn wen I have more confidence in the car and have taken time to check out all the mechanicals.
Regarding the last post,I had not planned to, for quite awhile.

len47merc

12-11-2015 @ 5:42 AM

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One more - IMHO, PRESERVE it (don't restore it). And never look back - you'll never regret it. Attend a meet or two and you will realize the value, not only of what you have, but in preserving it as well. Read the judging specs and understand them clearly before turning the first nut/screw/bolt and know what is allowed to be changed. Once you are fully conversant in this make your decision on what you may wish to change, if anything (for instance, safety related items that may make the car safer to drive, etc.).

Were it me I'd make sure the brakes, suspension and steering are rock solid and from there I'd just enjoy it. Very nice - congrats!

(EDIT - agree with the Rouge Class showing comment. Try to do this if possible - you'll be amazed by how much you learn from the experience)

Steve

This message was edited by len47merc on 12-11-15 @ 5:44 AM

woodiewagon46

12-11-2015 @ 7:41 AM

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I agree with the "keep it as original" suggestions, remember it's only original once. Your '46 is too nice to restore. I would make it safe by looking over the braking system. Make sure the wiring is in good shape and all lighting is in working order. Yes, join the V-8 Club and attend their advertised shows, you would be welcome in the Rouge Class. Enjoy the car as it is and in the future if you think the car is in need of a restoration by all means do so. I think you will find that you will get more enjoyment from a car like yours that you can drive and not be afraid of getting caught in the rain or parking it in a lot. Have fun with it!

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DISCLAIMER: The V-8 Club does no independent testing of any of the opinions, thoughts or suggestions presented in the website on the Forum, in the Tech Tips section, or any section. A reader should consider the website to be a forum wherein differing solutions to a particular set of circumstances may be discussed. Ultimately, the selection of an item for an individual's vehicle must be based upon the independent study of the vehicle owner in consultation with people in the hobby and restoration experts.

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