Barn Find Restomod: 1937 Ford Coupe
Here’s a ’37 Ford Coupe Restomod that definitely needs more photos and questions answered, but is an interesting car nonetheless. The seller say’s “This is a true barn find, a one owner complete car that has always seen indoor storage and no foul weather driving. Clear title. More photos will be added as cleanup and tuneup begins.” There’s no background story other than it has been sitting for many years and more photos are definitely needed.
The coupe’s body is described as having no rust, no dents, and no missing parts. The body panels are said to be original with no body filler and no evidence of any accident or rust repairs. Since the photos aren’t the best, we have to take the seller’s word as he describes the paint as old and with “orange peel” with a few chips and light scratches. The factory grille assembly is in very good condition as are the steel running boards and rubber covers, and the trunk area is solid. All safety glass throughout is free of cracks, chips or scratches except for a small chip on the edge of the driver’s window. The original bumpers have been rechromed and 1939 Ford LED tail lamps have been installed. Halogen headlamp assemblies have yet to be installed on the coupe.
The photos of the coupe’s cabin aren’t the best, but we’re told that the bench seat, side trim panels, and headliner have been professionally reupholstered and it looks attractive. A Cadillac steering wheel and tilt column was installed at some point and the black dash has the factory instruments. Warner temperature gauges are mounted under the dash and a new wiring harness and fuse panel have been recently installed. There is no carpet currently in the car.
Unfortunately, no photos of the engine are provided. The original V8 has been swapped out for a 350-cubic inch V8 from a 1973 Chevy. It’s mated to a 350 TH automatic transmission and a ’57 Ford 9″ rear axle assembly has also been installed. Other upgrades include a 1978 Mustang Il independent front suspension system that was custom fitted to the original frame and features power rack and pinion steering and power front disc brakes. The seller claims that this ’37 Ford Coupe can be driven as is, or can be gradually restored or modified to the next owner’s liking. The coupe is featured for sale here on craigslist in the Chicago area for $19,750. It is located in Canada one hour north of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. The seller goes on to describe how to import your car into the U.S.A. I’m not familiar with the process, but he says “simply stop at Customs and present the clear title, a receipt, and the VIN #, and you’re done. Also, you’ll pay nothing. You can register the car in your home state in the usual way, and pay your tax.” So, what do you think? With its refreshed front end styling, the ’37 Ford is still one of the coolest-looking coupes ever built.
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Comments
If it’s a “restomod”, just leave it in the barn. Ugh.
Nice car. Too bad you screwed it up with that Chevy drive train. Just saying!!!
“True barn find”
Looks like a garage, but close enough I guess.
Here come the whiners who’ve never built a car complaining about a Chevy in a Ford.
Or, perhaps, they have built many, but merely have an opinion, just like you. I helped build a 32 Ford roadster with a 600 HP electric drivetrain. I am unclear if you consider that “whining”.
You should be in jail.
Sorry, we were hired by Factory Five Racing and Microsoft to build it. Totally legal (and hugely expensive)- no jail for any of the team members. A closed mind is sad.
If I had a dollar for every Auto expert ! that complained about my 39 coupe that I put a 283 chevy in I could have retired at the age of 40 I can appreciate there point in keeping cars original but putting higher horsepower motors in these old coupes has been going on since the 40s and it was at the owners discretion.I really do not know why so many negative comments.,if you want to buy the car fine if not why do you care,
I have no negativity on your choice for your car – or anyone else. I simply stated I prefer Ford in Fords. I’ve seen many a beautiful car with off-brand running bits. I’ve always wanted to get a nice ’55 Chevy 210 and put about 500HP ford motor in it and a Yuge sticker across the brow: “Powered by Ford!” :0) Just for the irony.
Jealousy.
Well said I have done three 1940 Fords two with 302 ford and one with a 350 chev. When the naysayers start chirping about a chevy I just ignore it.
I like it. Looks solid and needs to be finished. Might try to negotiate the price down a bit to get extra cash to finish it out.
Opinions are allowed, yes? I prefer Ford running gear in my Fords.
Why do people complain about the lack of photos and details? All an ad needs to do is give you enough information to whet your interest. Then you contact the seller, ask anything you want, and look at the car in person – a million photos taken by a seller can hide a million things wrong that will be obvious the first time you lay actual eyes on it.
I will bet none of the complainers have ever gone to the street rod nationals, thousands of Fords with Chevrolet V8s and every other kind of driveline are there, this huge show has been going on every year for the past half century, restored pre war cars have lost value because the people that liked them are gone.
I wonder if the 32 Ford roadster with a 600 HP electric drivetrain that I helped build was there…
as my dad would always say”if you don’t have anything good to say,then say nothing”…mot sure why it seems so many people these days who aren’t serious buyers have to voice there opinion…if you don;t like it,simply move on….
Actually, it would look more period correct with a Buick Nailhead or an Olds Rocket.
Built a ’53 Studebaker coupe with an Olds Rocket engine and modified 4 speed Hydromatic transmission and nobody complained.
Looks like a good start at a high price. If it was currently licensed and accessible without traveling to Canada for an in person inspection, it might be worth it. Too many unknowns at this point. Maybe at a price under 10k it might be worth taking a chance.
Thanks guys ,now I don’t have to start my rant about these automotive experts, that regulate what engine has to be in what car!
This is NOT my kinda car , you could fit an isuzu turbocharged diesel engine and it still wouldn’t appeal to my tastes…
Btw, it is the cubans preferred engine swap , that and Hyundai !pretty funny to see and hear the old jalopies clunking away on the malevon in havana
OR, inspect the car, have owner drive it one hour to the U.S.
Now it is here.
Have the seller’s buddy bring him back home.
BECAUSE buying a Canadian titles car and bringing it to our border will lead to hours of US border questioning and possible impound for days.
You are giving the seller a lot of US cash. His friends will help him get home.