The '36 Ford Coupe Rebuild - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**LockDoc** · 01-19-2010, 10:53 AM

- UPDATED 8/24/2017

This is covering close to 6 months so it will take me a couple of posts to get up to speed on it. I'm just finally getting off my dead butt and getting this posted.

First a little background on the car. When I was just a young punk and dating my wife, my future father in law had this '36 Ford 5 window Coupe sitting behind the corncrib. I kept hitting on him about selling it to me but he said that the brakes were bad on it and he was afraid to sell it to anyone for fear they would try driving it with the bad brakes and get in an accident. I purchased a complete '39 Ford hydraulic brake system off of a local hot rodder, loaded it in my car and drove out to the farm to show it to him. I told him if he would sell me the car I would install the hydraulic brake system on it before it was ever driven. A couple of weeks later he gave me the car. I didn't do anything with it for a year or so then decided over the winter to start the build. I put a Buick 322ci V-8 in it and retained the stock Ford transmission and rear end. That was in the winter of 1961-62. Yes, next summer I will have owned the '36 Ford for 50 years!

The first picture is the only picture I have of the car when I first got it. The second picture is in 1963 just after we painted it Metallic Blue. In 1968 I updated it and installed a 327ci Chevy small block, Muncie M-21 4 speed, and painted it a Plum color. (Third Picture) In about 1985 the paint was getting bad so I primered it and put the Outlaw style wheels on it. (Fourth picture)

LockDoc

**LockDoc** · 01-19-2010, 10:54 AM

Roll forward to 2009. My friend Ron had finished his '40 Ford coupe and was looking for something to work on. He asked me if he could take the '36 up to his place and start rebuilding it. I said no problem but I was working on the Red/White'71 Chevy 4x4 and wouldn't be able to help him until I got it finished. He said that wasn't a problem and took the car to his place. As you can see by the following pictures he completely dismantled the car, replaced every piece of metal that was even remotely rusty and replaced the front floorboard that I had cut out and replaced with fiberglass. I completely cleaned and undercoated the underside of the body and the body was finally ready to go to my friend Gary's for finish bodywork and paint.

LockDoc

**LockDoc** · 01-19-2010, 10:57 AM

-
Here are some pictures taken at Gary's of the body in different stages of prep for paint and final clear coat. Just like with the Red & White '71 4x4 I had to sand my a$$ off while Gary sat around and drank beer and watched me. The muscle on my right arm looks like Popeye's…

I am working on the frame and will post some pics of it in a day or two.

LockDoc

rwolf9653 · 01-19-2010, 12:16 PM

That looks great! I love a good story behind a car or truck.
Is that the same metallic blue you had it in pic#2, 1963?

TennesseeZ · 01-19-2010, 12:31 PM

First, congratulations on keeping it so long (and thanks for saving it from the scrap yard).

Second, the bodywork looks great, now it's ready for another 75 years, probably longer since I know it'll probably never spend any time in the snow again.

What are the plans for the drivetrain this time around, I think nostalgia with the 327/M21 would be cool, but a LS would be cool too.

**LockDoc** · 01-19-2010, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwolf9653

That looks great! I love a good story behind a car or truck.
Is that the same metallic blue you had it in pic#2, 1963?

Thanks, and yes, I am painting it the same color as it was when I first built it.

LockDoc

**LockDoc** · 01-19-2010, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TennesseeZ

First, congratulations on keeping it so long (and thanks for saving it from the scrap yard).

Second, the bodywork looks great, now it's ready for another 75 years, probably longer since I know it'll probably never spend any time in the snow again.

What are the plans for the drivetrain this time around, I think nostalgia with the 327/M21 would be cool, but a LS would be cool too.

Thanks Z. Drive train will remain the same. I rebuilt the 327 two years ago so I need to use it.

LockDoc

72BlckButy · 01-19-2010, 03:45 PM

Awesome progress on the Coupe Leon, this will be a blast from the past for you and Pat. Keep us posted on your progress.

Running the wide whites like in '63?

NONHOG · 01-19-2010, 07:28 PM

I will be haunted by this thread

Its an awesome car !
My pick if I ever get to do a rod. Ever since I built a yellow 36(vert) model as a youngster.

**LEEVON** · 01-19-2010, 09:01 PM

I love this car! The first rebuild with the black steelies and white walls looks great. Very fitting tribute for it's almost-50th-anniversary with you at the wheel.

**LockDoc** · 01-19-2010, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72BlckButy

Awesome progress on the Coupe Leon, this will be a blast from the past for you and Pat. Keep us posted on your progress.

Running the wide whites like in '63?

Thanks Nate. Yes, It will have the black steel wheels & 2" whitewalls again.

LockDoc

**LockDoc** · 01-19-2010, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LEEVON

I love this car! The first rebuild with the black steelies and white walls looks great. Very fitting tribute for it's almost-50th-anniversary with you at the wheel.

Thanks LEEVON. That's the way it will be again.

LockDoc

cdowns · 01-20-2010, 08:04 AM

great lookig start,bet u cant wait to get her together and turn the key

**LockDoc** · 01-21-2010, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdowns

great lookig start,bet u cant wait to get her together and turn the key

Thanks Cliff. Pat & I are really looking forward to driving it again.

LockDoc

nuke1 · 01-24-2010, 12:06 AM

Leon, that is a great story about the car. Glad you still have it, and glad you got that brake system working on it. LOL. Beautiful car, can not wait to see it done.

BACKYARD88 · 01-26-2010, 05:10 PM

That's an awesome car Leon! Can't wait to see it finished!

**Dieselwrencher** · 01-27-2010, 12:29 AM

Leon, that is awesome! I'm so jealous! I am hoping I can get the 40 repainted before spring, but I doubt it will happen with as many irons are in the fire right now. That car will be attending some cruise nights I'm guessing real soon.

kyull67 · 01-27-2010, 11:52 AM

Looks great!
Did you guys make your oun floor pans using a bead roller? I'm getting ready to do the floors on the Biscayne and was thinking of making them myself.

**LockDoc** · 01-27-2010, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyull67

Looks great!
Did you guys make your own floor pans using a bead roller? I'm getting ready to do the floors on the Biscayne and was thinking of making them myself.

Thanks guys, I hope to have some pics of the frame up before too long. I picked up the POR-15 for it today.

Kyle: The floor pans are repo's. I have access to the tools to make them but I was still working on the Red/White '71 4x4 when Ron needed them so I just bought them. I think it would be a blast to make them at home though.

LockDoc

**Dieselwrencher** · 01-27-2010, 04:42 PM

Leon, I never saw it the first time, but in your 2nd pic, I see a parts car for me. Please go back to the future and grab that for me, would you?

Bob 68327 · 01-27-2010, 10:58 PM

Car's lookin' Great !! Leon

**LockDoc** · 01-28-2010, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dieselwrencher

Leon, I never saw it the first time, but in your 2nd pic, I see a parts car for me. Please go back to the future and grab that for me, would you?

The 40's owners name was Hughie Snook He lived across the tracks from my grandparents. That was the only car he owned for many years. Don't think I didn't try to buy it...

LockDoc

**LockDoc** · 01-28-2010, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob 68327

Car's lookin' Great !! Leon

Thanks Bob. You need to run over to Gary's one of these Saturdays when we're workin' on it.

LockDoc

Bob 68327 · 01-29-2010, 12:01 AM

As soon as I can I will get ahold of you on a Sat. been pretty busy on Sat lately but I would love to see it ! Keep up the great work !!

Sven · 01-30-2010, 05:01 AM

What a great car and what a great story, thanks for sharing ...

-Steve

01-19-2010, 10:53 AM	#1
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,317	The '36 Ford Coupe Rebuild - UPDATED 8/24/2017 This is covering close to 6 months so it will take me a couple of posts to get up to speed on it. I'm just finally getting off my dead butt and getting this posted. First a little background on the car. When I was just a young punk and dating my wife, my future father in law had this '36 Ford 5 window Coupe sitting behind the corncrib. I kept hitting on him about selling it to me but he said that the brakes were bad on it and he was afraid to sell it to anyone for fear they would try driving it with the bad brakes and get in an accident. I purchased a complete '39 Ford hydraulic brake system off of a local hot rodder, loaded it in my car and drove out to the farm to show it to him. I told him if he would sell me the car I would install the hydraulic brake system on it before it was ever driven. A couple of weeks later he gave me the car. I didn't do anything with it for a year or so then decided over the winter to start the build. I put a Buick 322ci V-8 in it and retained the stock Ford transmission and rear end. That was in the winter of 1961-62. Yes, next summer I will have owned the '36 Ford for 50 years! The first picture is the only picture I have of the car when I first got it. The second picture is in 1963 just after we painted it Metallic Blue. In 1968 I updated it and installed a 327ci Chevy small block, Muncie M-21 4 speed, and painted it a Plum color. (Third Picture) In about 1985 the paint was getting bad so I primered it and put the Outlaw style wheels on it. (Fourth picture) LockDoc Attached Images __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 - Last edited by LockDoc; 08-24-2017 at 01:13 AM.

01-19-2010, 10:57 AM	#3
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,317	Re: The '36 Ford Coupe Rebuild - Here are some pictures taken at Gary's of the body in different stages of prep for paint and final clear coat. Just like with the Red & White '71 4x4 I had to sand my a$$ off while Gary sat around and drank beer and watched me. The muscle on my right arm looks like Popeye's… I am working on the frame and will post some pics of it in a day or two. LockDoc Attached Images __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 - Last edited by LockDoc; 01-19-2010 at 11:03 AM.

01-19-2010, 12:16 PM	#4
rwolf9653 more ideas than money Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: spring grove, pa Posts: 1,068	Re: The '36 Ford Coupe Rebuild That looks great! I love a good story behind a car or truck. Is that the same metallic blue you had it in pic#2, 1963? __________________ Randy 1948 Chevy 3100 5 window 1966 Chevy C30 Dually 1967 Chevy K10 1972 Chevy K20 1972 Chevy C10 1972 Chevy K5 Blazer 1987 Chevy V10 2003 Chevy Suburban

01-19-2010, 12:31 PM	#5
TennesseeZ Countdown Survivor Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Bean Station, East Tennessee Posts: 9,676	Re: The '36 Ford Coupe Rebuild First, congratulations on keeping it so long (and thanks for saving it from the scrap yard). Second, the bodywork looks great, now it's ready for another 75 years, probably longer since I know it'll probably never spend any time in the snow again. What are the plans for the drivetrain this time around, I think nostalgia with the 327/M21 would be cool, but a LS would be cool too. __________________ 93 Yukon 89 Silverado Z71 SWB Sport 91 K 2500 Silverado "Lobuk-Worktruk" A MAN OF HONOR DOES NOT LIE, CHEAT, OR STEAL, NOR TOLERATE THOSE WHO DO. Gettin' old ain't for sissies.

01-19-2010, 03:45 PM	#8
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: The '36 Ford Coupe Rebuild Awesome progress on the Coupe Leon, this will be a blast from the past for you and Pat. Keep us posted on your progress. Running the wide whites like in '63? __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

01-19-2010, 10:54 AM	#2
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,317	Re: The '36 Ford Coupe Rebuild Roll forward to 2009. My friend Ron had finished his '40 Ford coupe and was looking for something to work on. He asked me if he could take the '36 up to his place and start rebuilding it. I said no problem but I was working on the Red/White'71 Chevy 4x4 and wouldn't be able to help him until I got it finished. He said that wasn't a problem and took the car to his place. As you can see by the following pictures he completely dismantled the car, replaced every piece of metal that was even remotely rusty and replaced the front floorboard that I had cut out and replaced with fiberglass. I completely cleaned and undercoated the underside of the body and the body was finally ready to go to my friend Gary's for finish bodywork and paint. LockDoc Attached Images __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

01-19-2010, 07:28 PM	#9
NONHOG Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Marana, Arizona Posts: 3,416	Re: The '36 Ford Coupe Rebuild I will be haunted by this thread Its an awesome car ! My pick if I ever get to do a rod. Ever since I built a yellow 36(vert) model as a youngster. __________________ "I feel the need for speed!"... as soon as I am done with my nap.

01-19-2010, 09:01 PM	#10
LEEVON Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,887	Re: The '36 Ford Coupe Rebuild I love this car! The first rebuild with the black steelies and white walls looks great. Very fitting tribute for it's almost-50th-anniversary with you at the wheel. __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

01-20-2010, 08:04 AM	#13
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: The '36 Ford Coupe Rebuild great lookig start,bet u cant wait to get her together and turn the key __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

01-24-2010, 12:06 AM	#15
nuke1 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan,: Posts: 2,901	Re: The '36 Ford Coupe Rebuild Leon, that is a great story about the car. Glad you still have it, and glad you got that brake system working on it. LOL. Beautiful car, can not wait to see it done. __________________ James 1968 GMC "HAVOC" 1986 GMC "Frank" J.J.R.H. Design & Consulting My 68`Rebuild "HAVOC": http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=316300 A 58' chev build thread: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=311238 1969 Camaro Pro Touring http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...61#post3513361 Swiss Cheese: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=384390 Adjustable Trailing Arm How-To: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=321100 1968 Ford Farm Truck: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post6555587

01-26-2010, 05:10 PM	#16
BACKYARD88 On the fast track to nowhere.. Join Date: May 2006 Location: Splendora, Texas Posts: 5,316	Re: The '36 Ford Coupe Rebuild That's an awesome car Leon! Can't wait to see it finished! __________________ -Mike Owen- Support the board here! 71 Chevy short fleet build thread Double D Norwood, Houston, Cecilia, Jackson, Monroe and counting

01-27-2010, 12:29 AM	#17
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,133	Re: The '36 Ford Coupe Rebuild Leon, that is awesome! I'm so jealous! I am hoping I can get the 40 repainted before spring, but I doubt it will happen with as many irons are in the fire right now. That car will be attending some cruise nights I'm guessing real soon. __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

01-27-2010, 11:52 AM	#18
kyull67 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Springfield/Kansas City Posts: 1,842	Re: The '36 Ford Coupe Rebuild Looks great! Did you guys make your oun floor pans using a bead roller? I'm getting ready to do the floors on the Biscayne and was thinking of making them myself. __________________ The first '67 The current '67 '63 Biscayne

01-27-2010, 04:42 PM	#20
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,133	Re: The '36 Ford Coupe Rebuild Leon, I never saw it the first time, but in your 2nd pic, I see a parts car for me. Please go back to the future and grab that for me, would you? __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

01-27-2010, 10:58 PM	#21
Bob 68327 72 Chevelle Club Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Newton , Iowa Posts: 2,052	Re: The '36 Ford Coupe Rebuild Car's lookin' Great !! Leon __________________ I Have The Right To Remain Silent,But Lack The Ability 1972 Chevelle ... Mine 2006 Trailblazer... Hers 2002 Buick century ... Kids 2002 K1500 Z-71 EXT CAB ... Daily Driver 2005 Rockwood Roo ... For Camping 1974 Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 84'' stroker



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01-29-2010, 12:01 AM	#24
Bob 68327 72 Chevelle Club Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Newton , Iowa Posts: 2,052	Re: The '36 Ford Coupe Rebuild As soon as I can I will get ahold of you on a Sat. been pretty busy on Sat lately but I would love to see it ! Keep up the great work !! __________________ I Have The Right To Remain Silent,But Lack The Ability 1972 Chevelle ... Mine 2006 Trailblazer... Hers 2002 Buick century ... Kids 2002 K1500 Z-71 EXT CAB ... Daily Driver 2005 Rockwood Roo ... For Camping 1974 Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 84'' stroker

01-30-2010, 05:01 AM	#25
Sven Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Laveen, AZ Posts: 69	Re: The '36 Ford Coupe Rebuild What a great car and what a great story, thanks for sharing ... -Steve __________________ 1969 Chevrolet 4x4 C10 Pickup

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