Body Off Built Steel Convertible EFI LT4 V8 700R4 4 Speed Automatic Ford 9" A/C

SUMMARY

For every hot rod, there's a trend. For every trend, there are admirers. And for every admirer, there's a dilution of the hot rod that created the trend in the first place. But, every once in a while, a trend is so powerful it not only becomes the standard for what's cool with a particular model, it also sets a baseline for that model's respective fans. Need some examples? We all know you can't build a serious Willys without a tubbed rear end. And we also know you can't build a Ford coupe without shaved door handles. Like it or not, these are just unspoken facts of gearhead life. With their tidy proportions and classic form, '40s Fords are certainly a standard in the street rod world. And the baseline for notable '40s builds is a solid, all-steel body, proven V8 power and comparatively upscale trim. The question then becomes: what happens when someone meets that baseline and throws in a couple of great ideas for good measure? You get a fully sorted custom like this vividly awesome drop-top!

BODYWORK/TRIM

With its wind-swept design and classic good looks, the 1940 Ford has always been a rare and highly desirable line of cars. And not surprisingly, gearheads, customizers and 70 years' worth of fans have elevated it to one of hot rodding's greatest cultural icons. Based on its clean appearance, this Ford is the beneficiary of a detailed, ground-up restoration that's been exceptionally well maintained. That restoration likely began with the car's all-steel body being carefully stripped and professionally prepped. Once that solid profile was thoroughly worked, a fresh Haartz top was seated between a nosed hood, partially shaved doors and a decked trunk. Polished bumpers, correct lighting and a red-tinged DeLuxe grille joined polished wipers, tinted glass and a trio of mirrors to provide the simple yet custom perfection. Everything not polished was bathed in brilliant base, sealed in glossy clear and detailed with traditional trim spears. And today, this razor-sharp custom rolls as a real head turner!

ENGINE

Power is supplied by 5.7 liters of GM LT4 that, according to the factory, twists 330 horsepower into a stout 340 lb./ft. of torque. At the front of the body-matched block, a polished accessory drive spins a polished alternator and polished AC compressor at the sides of a stylized air cleaner. Once air enters that filter, it flows through a polished throttle body to a polished Tuned Port intake, which is bolted down over factory-spec internals. Distilled fossils are provided by GM electronic fuel injection. Sparks are sequenced through loomed Taylor plug wires. Spent gases swirl through ceramic-coated, long-tube headers. And cooling comes courtesy of a polished aluminum radiator that's fitted with a chrome puller fan and sleeved hoses. On the visual end of the spectrum, polished valve covers, polished fluid reservoirs and a polished breather help transform what's essentially a crate swap in to what's known as the complete package. And the over-restored engine compartment, complete with louvered inner fenders, is completely finished to match the car's sharp exterior.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Every good street rod has a solid foundation. Flip this Ford upside down and you'll find a roster of mechanical improvements that mix classic looks with modern mobility. A smooth 700R4 4-speed spins comfortably in front of a Ford 9-inch axle. That ultra-reliable driveline rides modern chassis components, which stuff tough QA-1 coil-overs behind a polished sway bar and polished, tubular control arms. At the front of that suspension, power rack-and-pinion steering makes the most of turns. Power-assisted disc brakes, consisting of two Wilwood calipers, two body-matched calipers and a small proportioning valve, are a welcome addition and big performance upgrade. There's a polished stainless exhaust system that makes good use of polished mufflers and polished, "V8" branded tips. Everything rolls on polished Foose wheels, which spin 215/45R18 Yokohama AVID ENVigors in front of 255/40R20 Yokohama PARADA Spec-Xs. And items like stainless fluid lines, a polished transmission pan, a finned transmission cooler and a polished stainless fuel tank finish an otherwise impressive canvas.

INTERIOR

Wrapped in timeless Tan, this convertible's warm and welcoming interior is supple, tasteful and extremely well done. A body-matched dash hangs clean VDO telemetry and hardware for Vintage Air climate control between billet foot pedals, a tilting steering column and a leather-lined Budnik wheel. In front of that dash, broad bench seats wear requisite leather hides. At the bottom of those seats, tight carpet floats piped and color-keyed mats at the sides of a trim waterfall that's centered on a modern Pioneer head unit. At the sides of the passengers, stylish panels hang billet door handles and crisp Rockford Fosgate speakers in front of modern power windows. And behind the cockpit, a leather-lined trunk centers a 15-inch TV in front of quality Painless wiring.

If you're the kind of enthusiast that likes to play with your toys as much as possible, this '40 Ford is a perfect addition to your garage. The work is done. The money is spent. All you have to do is enjoy it!