My next project - mind made up?

"Nibbles" (nibbles) 05/23/2016 at 10:56 • Filed to: project car hell, rusty not trusty, ford, model b, model 18

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So I was pretty dead set on getting this ‘86 IROC for my next project. It’s a clean roller with a ton of parts that I can grab for $1,000. I’ve always loved the 3rd gen F-bodies and an IROC is, well, about as mullet-tastic as you can get.

Then my bud tells me that his grandad has not one, but two 1932 Ford Model B pickups. Turns out that he has one Model B with the 4-banger and one Model 18 with the 3.6L Flatty. Neither are in good condition but the frames are solid and cabs are not entirely rusted through. Then he tells me I could grab one of ‘em for “...2 or three grand...”

Now I’m torn. Well, I’m not really torn as much as trying to figure out the logistics of getting a rusted out, octogenarian Ford from the East Coast to Colorado without it turning to dust in the process. Two and a half large for a Model 18 is pretty hard to pass up

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Nibbles 05/23/2016 at 11:06

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Fly out then Uhaul trailer it back? If not, there are shipping companies that could do it, I imagine shipping wouldn’t be THAT much! :)

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Nibbles 05/23/2016 at 11:08

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True comedy: a lot of the parts for the FERDs are as easy or easier to come by than the IROC.

Nibbles > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht 05/23/2016 at 11:10

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I kno rite? The ‘32 Fords are just about the most popular hotrods in the wuuuhrld .

Nibbles > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars 05/23/2016 at 11:43

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I’ll probably end up shipping it. Renting a truck to drive the thing back halfway across the Us doesn’t appeal to me much, and the Dakota isn’t set up for a cross-country trip.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Nibbles 05/23/2016 at 12:09

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On a related note it bothers me very much when sellers advertise a car with the “special” engine and then proceed to tell us that it’s got no motor.

“For sale Mustallengermaro 350 H.O. no engine or tran-”

“Well it’s not a fukkin’ 350 anymore is it?!”

shop-teacher > Nibbles 05/23/2016 at 12:35

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Which one do you want more when it’s done? Answer that, and then buy that one.

Nibbles > shop-teacher 05/23/2016 at 12:36

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The ‘32, OBVS

shop-teacher > Nibbles 05/23/2016 at 12:53

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Then go for it. Personally, I’d rather have an IROC, but I’m a weirdo.

JRapp: now as good as new again > Nibbles 05/23/2016 at 15:45

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I think the other question you need to answer is do you have the means (time, money, will-power) to get said Model B/18 to the desired end state? You mention that they’re not in a particularly good condition. You may be able to find an F-Body in much better shape and reap the benefits of your efforts much sooner. It also comes down to what you want for the short term - do you want a project car to work on, or do you want a car to drive. If you’re happy working on something and waiting to enjoy driving it, the prize will be that much better in the end.

Nibbles > JRapp: now as good as new again 05/23/2016 at 16:12

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I have all the time in the world. We have an S40 T5 R-Design and a manual Dakota 4x4 V8 for driver duties - this will definitely be a long term project and a labor of love :)