Blue Oval Hotrods

From Back Yard to Barn

In 1963, my dad and his brother had their eyes set on a 1934 Ford Tudor Sedan. They stumbled upon it in Indianapolis. The car desperately needed restoration, but it had a certain charm that caught their attention. They learned that the previous owner was relocating to California. The owner wanted to sell the car fast and not take it. So, seizing the opportunity, my dad and uncle got a loan for $200.00 to own the car. 

But that was just the beginning of their journey. When they arrived at the car’s location, they were surprised to find it was in pieces. The body, frame, engine, and all other parts of the car lay scattered around the yard. Each piece was covered in layers of different-colored primer. That didn’t deter them, though. They put all the parts into the back of a truck. They towed the frame behind it to Ron’s Emerson Avenue home. 

It was quite a sight—Ron steered the frame home behind the truck with car parts driven by Don! When they arrived at Ron’s house, they parked the car in a barn. The barn was perfect for assembling the car. With a lot of elbow grease and determination, they started putting the car back together, piece by piece.

1934 Ford Restoration Readies for the Road

The previous owner had started to restore the car. They installed a 1953 Mercury flathead engine. It had a 255 cubic inch displacement and boasted 125 horsepower. Most of the parts had been purchased along with the car. However, some missing pieces had to be sourced separately. These included the door handles, running board coverings, and window channeling.

They towed the car to a mechanic named Jack Rayburn with everything assembled. He had a shop in Acton, Indiana. Jack worked tirelessly on the car. He wired it and did some mechanical work. He got the 1934 Ford up and running. After completing the mechanical and electrical work, Jack handed the car to Harry Wagner. Harry took charge of the bodywork and paint.

Harry’s skill in painting was evident. He applied 13 coats of black lacquer on the car. The lacquer stayed on it until 2021, with a few cracks and chips through the years. The car was then taken to Franklin, Indiana. An upholsterer with a shop in a Phillips 66 station worked on the car’s interiors. The car was upholstered in black tuck and rolled leather, giving it a classic and elegant look.

Despite all the modifications, the car remained mechanically original except for the Mercury flathead engine. It had mechanical brakes, which were typical for cars of that era.

First 1934 Ford Restoration Complete

In the spring of 1966, the 1934 Tudor sedan was completed and ready for the road. It was a beautiful car that Ron and Don were both proud of. Their families would often take it out for leisurely Sunday drives, enjoying the smooth ride and classic design. The car was well-maintained and in great condition over the years, creating memories for both families.

However, as time passed, the car saw less and less use. It was driven only occasionally and stored in various locations, including Ron’s and Don’s garages. The car gained wear and tear over the years. Both families grew up around it while it was stored in their garages. The result was scrapes and dents on the body and rips and tears on the interior. Despite the character marks, the car remained in overall good condition, but the first restoration was beginning to fail.