AJFord54

I have a cabin in Pennsylvania. Monday was opening day of deer season. In the cabins around me the hunters abound. I counted 18 vehicles, of which 15 were big trucks. It's the thing right now. Talked to a dealer who told me that about 85% of these $50,000 trucks were leased. First of all - I can't imagine shelling out say $15,000 for a down-payment and then financing $35,000 for 6 to 7 years. Ouch! Next, I can't imagine shelling out $3500 "acquisition fee" and then spending $350 a month for a payment that allows me to drive it for either 24 or 36 months, and then limit me to 10,000 to 15,000 miles. And, when the lease is done, you start over. (I laugh at my buddy who says: "But it includes oil changes"). And heaven help you if you use it to carry a payload and scratch the inside of the bed - get out your wallet when you turn it in. I just purchased a brand new 2017 left-over Jeep Trailhawk with 3 miles on it that listed for $31,700 and paid $21,900. Even that hurt, but it was acceptable in this day and age. Everywhere you go you hear that the "middle class" has been forgotten. In my opinion, we have caused out own problems. Lease or buy a new truck, buy a second family car, have a cell phone bill at $175 a month, a Spectrum cable bill at $150, buy a home at $300,000, pay the taxes on it, of course you have no money left. Remember the '50s and '60s? The cars were $2500 to $3500, the telephone bill was $18 a month and the house payment was $125. We were happy viewing Chanels 2, 4 and 7 and had no cable bill. It's all relative as income was lower, but I do think our parents restrained themselves a bit more than our generation. We've been headed for this doom and gloom for years and years and I've said it all along that at some point the bubble bursts. So what GM and the rest have done all of these years is simply do the balancing act of keeping costs down (outside labor) so we can continue to "somewhat" afford their vehicles. It is a form of labor negotiations with American workers, and while it hurts, it's not all bad. It creates global wealth, which creates demand for some of our American made products. It's called "Laissiez Faire", or let the market take care of itself. Certainly, there are trade problems that need to be constantly re-worked, but that too is an ongoing back and forth. The current closings are like a pendulum - they'll come back and perhaps this might be a message to workers to go back to the table and renegotiate contracts.

Already that way - early bag phones in mint condition worth considerable bucks. Sigh..... )

There's a joke in there somewhere, but I'm not about to touch it.

So nice to have a person who poses a question respond back to all of us. Thank you as well for your reinforcement. Manners have not gone completely out the window.

No, First of all, I don't know how that would be possible. It is as OHV as you can get. The only similarity is that they are both 239 CI engines. The problem with the '54 OHV was that it was the 1st year design for that engine and like most new products, there were bugs, fitting problems, rear seal leakage, and design issues. Things like pulling the fuel pump, changing the oil canister, etc. was and is a real pain. The upper oiling system was fine if you changed the oil regularly . If not, it could get gummed up and the problems begin. I will agree however that the 272 would be a better choice if the two engines were both available and all things being equal. It produced 162 hp vs. the 130 hp. of the 239 and had improvements over the 239 as discussed above. I believe either will bolt right up, but am not sure. That's where the other site gear heads would be of better assistance. One thing not discussed yet is the transmission. The unknown with your car is the transmission. It should be a consideration before you make a move to change it out. Perhaps you can find a working package that will drop right in - one that doesn't leak and has a proven track record. I can tell you that there are many out there due to guys dropping in a 302. Once you do your research, you can look into '54s through '57 that might have been modified and grab their older components. Not sure where you are located, but it would be a big help to know. FYI - Canadian 1954 Fords used the 1953 Ford flathead in their cars. Nice article: https://www.hemmings.com/magazine/hcc/2007/01/1954-Ford-Mainline--Customline-and-Crestline/1394817.html

Best thing you could do is join the '54 Ford Club of America where there is a wealth of information available for a mere $25 a year, which includes 4 quarterly newsletters and the '54 Ford Club Facebook page and forum. Note: you can go directly to each one without paying dues, but we would appreciate the support. You can also go to the HAMB site and gain a great deal of knowledge. Next, this was the first year of the overhead valve engine in the '54 Ford ('53 was a flathead) and it is somewhat of an orphan. The oiling system presented problems if not cared for, and yes, a leaky oil canister was a frequent problem. Many of our members switch them out to either 272, 292 or 312s. There is also a 256 that was the "Police Interceptor" in the '54, and standard in the '54 Mercury. A common move for many of our members is to install the Ford 302. However, if you were to find a good 239, there's nothing wrong with going in that direction. I wouldn't worry a bit about resale value on the engine swap as unless you are going for an AACA, it is not critical on a 4 door. Additionally, there is a push towards customizing on many of these '50s cars which includes swaps of transmissions, rear ends, intakes, etc. Take your time and do your research. Post your questions on the above sites and watch the information roll in.

At least he could have come up with something that didn't sound like Fraud Tradings. Reminds me of a guy that owned a company "Honest XXX's" - biggest crook in town.

In this case, put a high number on it as usually it is non-taxable as part of an inheritance. Then when it is sold, the proceeds will be minimal. Thus, if your "cost basis" is $8500 and you sell it for that, there is no profit on the sale. Of course, it should be appraised and documented or at least the NADA, Kelly, etc. values attached.

Man - I love that car! If it's solid and runs well, it is a bargain. It's in your neck of the woods. You should check it out.

Few random thoughts: Take several photos of the car and post them on this site. Look at the rockers - outer and inner, inside lower doors, above the wheel wells, etc. for rust. Take photos of the interior, CHROME, mileage, etc. Also, the engine compartment. Start it, drive it if possible. If you are unsure, don't purchase without letting others see the car. You will get a lot of good advice here and perhaps get beaten up a bit, but it will all be for the good. You don't want to make a $2500 or so mistake. Also, is it a 2 door or 4 door? You put the same amount of money into a 4 door, but it doesn't have the value as a 2 door in the end. EDIT: Just sent you a private message

Have any of you purchased the kind that is a clear plastic that you attach an air compressor to keep it inflated? I suspect better for a motorcycle, but they have always intrigued me. If they work, it would seem to be better than many as the air is constantly moving, no ground to allow moisture to cause rust.

"For every $1,000 you are willing to spend, you can buy $4,000 of someone else's investment." Bernie - I like that and it may be true!

Absolutely nothing. I guess I get that from AACA guidelines. I suppose it depends on what type of show you are attending and perhaps I might add the 1954 Ford Dealer Showroom catalog. Otherwise, AACA likes it clean. Let the car speak for itself. For the record: I hate a display surrounded by bowling trophies - err event trophies.

He mentioned not the original engine. That would detract from the value unless a correct period engine was installed. I haven't googled the car yet, so I don't know if the Wildcat was offered back then - I would assume so. Can you verify that the engine was replaced? Also, the VIN should tell you the correct engine that came with it from a size vantage point.

You have a great opportunity to slowly restore this beauty. I'm sure most of us are drooling at the chance to begin cleaning up the engine compartment. Start with that - it's my pet peeve when looking at a classic and it can easily be done. You originally mentioned "enhancing its value". Cleaning it up will be a good start after that tune-up and brake job. Join the AACA and become addicted like the rest of us.

Pictures of engine please.

I think it's a nice car! Interior looks to be very decent. I can't tell if that's a tach in the center console but if so, might it give us some insight into the size of the engine. The fact that it's a convertible enhances the value tremendously. When you indicate that it doesn't run well, what's it doing? Perhaps just an oil change, plugs, points and condenser might be a huge help and certainly, along with brakes make for an easier sell. You're not talking a lot of money for a tune-up and after that you just may fall a bit in love and have fun driving it. Please keep us posted.

Just called Moser's and discussed - nice guy! He suggested I look at SMS as well and will do so.

Bernie (is everyone listening)? "You are a genius". I have searched through GM and found nothing, but knew I'd seen something like it before. As a Ford man, I should have known better, but just like the magician always has you looking at the right hand while he's working the left, I got snookered. In fact, I owned a '59 Ford in my youth with a similar (wrong color) interior. As the Chris Craft is a '61, this makes total sense that they'd be using a '59. While I'm not 100% it's right, I think you're on the right track. Will keep you posted. Many thanks! Andy

Thanks Rusty. Luckily I have the old seats for someone to compare.

I just purchased a 1961 Chris Craft 17 foot ski boat and am looking to replace the interior. I was told that all Chris Crafts used GM interiors. I'm attaching a photo of a Chris Craft with the correct interior and wondered if any of you could look at it and tell me on what make, model and year GM car this may have been used. If I could match it up and purchase the material, I can secure it to the seats myself. The color is an aqua blue and white with gold inserts. Any thoughts? Thanks.

I'm sort of lost for words on this. But frankly, and honestly, most of this lies on you. You allowed them to keep it for two years, you allowed them to keep it outside. i can only hope you are friends with him and he has some sort of insurance. I'd get several estimates from local shops that are of good quality and present them to him. Let the shops make the determination as to the color match vs. a repaint.

Herb Oakes passed in 2017, not 2012 as listed.

I have just acquired a large selection of 1954 Ford parts - some NOS, Most is great condition including engine parts, horn rings, parking light assemblies, trim, chrome, etc. Please pm me for specific items you might need.

I have just purchased a huge inventory of 1954 Ford parts including parking light assemblies, dashboard, engine parts, trim pieces, etc. Many are NOS. Please pm me with specific needs