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V8 Barn Find: 1955 Ford Customline

For some of us, there is a certain charm and allure to a dusty old find like this ’55 Ford Customline. With a fine layer of barn dust and dirt, it appears that this Ford has been at rest for many years. This old Ford looks like a complete, and appears to be a promising and affordable project. Offered for $1,300, this sweet little Ford looks like a fun project that would break the bank. Check it out here on craigslist out of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Thanks for this sweet dusty submission Roger!

Under the hood lies the original 272 Y Block V8 that could potentially have 40,000 miles, or perhaps 140,000 miles. Surprisingly the engine compartment isn’t too shabby and looks like it would clean up reasonably well. There is no rot in sight, and the engine itself while covered in light surface rust appears quite complete. Packing a factory 3 speed manual, I would be willing to bet that with some careful work that this oldy block powered Ford still has some kick left.

Inside there is much of the interior remaining aside from the carpet. There is some moisture damage to the door panel, and there is some peeling paint on the dash itself. Obviously the biggest concern is the rot on the driver side floor. Thankfully this issue seems to be contained to one general area, so cutting and welding in a patch might not be too bad.Inside there is much of the interior remaining aside from the carpet. There is some moisture damage to the door panel, and there is some peeling paint on the dash itself. Obviously the biggest concern is the rot on the driver side floor. Thankfully this issue seems to be contained to one general area, so cutting and welding in a patch might not be too bad.

Although not quite prefect, this Ford looks like it would clean up very well, and the exterior of this Ford appears to be solid and damage free. A wash and gentle waxing would likely shine up this machine, and a fresh set of tires would get her rolling again. This would be a great beginner project for someone looking to get into a classic on the cheap. Would you take a chance on this Customline?

Comments

  1. Avatar DayDreamBeliever

    I;m guessing that the seller has decided there are too many projects sitting out back, and this is one that can go on down the road. I think I see three pickups (2 International, one Ford) and two Corvair vans. I wonder what is inside the building???

    Like 4
    • Avatar mike b

      Yeah, the back row of Corvairs looks more interesting. I count 1 P/U, 3 vans, 1 car.

      Like 1
      • Avatar DayDreamBeliever

        I missed the ones visible through the windshield!

        :-D

        Like 0
  2. Avatar Rustytech Member

    Looks like it’s been sitting in that mud for a long time. I see rust in the rockers and the bottom of the doors. Look it over very closely!

    Like 4
  3. Avatar Fordguy1972 Member

    For $1,300 the seller is practically giving this old Ford away. For someone with the time and skills, this is a great deal. I would be concerned as to the condition of the frame but other than that, you could afford to put money into it and have a nice original driver. Good luck to the new owner.

    Like 1
  4. Avatar Mark Cobra

    To many doors!

    Like 1
    • Avatar TimS

      Maybe so. But at a show, nobody will have another. And people make memories in 4-doors too.

      Like 8
    • Avatar cyclemikey

      @Mark Cobra – Are you offering a toast? If so, I agree – I’ll drink to 4-doors!

      Like 8
  5. Avatar geomechs Member

    I like what I see. Doesn’t look like a lot of rust to fix so it should clean up and paint up pretty easily. Could have a lot of fun with this one. I might add that I happen to like 4-doors. I had a friend who had a six-cylinder version of this. Quite the car. Every time you got in, the floor in front of the back seat was full of ‘dead soldiers;’ open liquor laws were a lot different back then. One day the engine wouldn’t start. My friend pulled the dipstick and found the oil level up near the top of the tube, and it was out of coolant. The car sat in the alley behind their house for a couple of years then it disappeared–probably scrapped. Good things never last…

    Like 4
  6. Avatar Kenneth Carney

    Suits me just fine. If it were closer, and
    the shipping price didn’t kill me, I’d be
    all over this one. Would definately try to
    lowball him a bit on the price as this
    model in the Ford lineup isn’t as popular
    as the more flashy Fairlane. Judging by
    the paint job, this car may have been some type of municipal vehicle at some
    point in its lifetime. Either way, it’s a great
    old car that needs to be preserved and
    not over-restored.

    Like 1
  7. Avatar Don Diego

    Just as shoelace companies place a drop of acid on each strand during final assembly, Ford , in ’55 and ’56 ,attached rust embryos to the rockers and the lower rear of each front fender. Should be documented in the build sheet.

    Like 1
  8. Avatar scottymac

    Little before my time, but didn’t every Y block require an upper oiler kit?

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Vince H

    Basic family car. I liked these as much as the Chevy.

    Like 0
  10. Avatar Allen Member

    My dad had a ’56 Fairlane four-door, single-color baby blue, Thunderbird V8, automatic. To this 16 year-old kid, it felt really fast. I could have jettisoned a couple doors back then, but the single color made it look rather like a “Plain Jane” anyway. ‘ Didn’t pick up too many chicks in this car. ‘ Can’t blame the car much though…

    Like 1
  11. Avatar Bob C.

    This old Ford looks like it has a sporting chance. I don’t have a problem with two many doors at all. Hope the y block is salvageable. If not, there’s always a 302 swap.

    Like 1
  12. Avatar kcal

    diamond tucked and button front seat , gasser style foot feed this could of been somebody’s pride and joy !

    Like 1
  13. Avatar Wayne from Oz

    Nocturne blue metallic?

    Like 0
  14. Avatar stillrunners

    Yep….maybe a buy for that area !

    Like 0
  15. Avatar ccrvtt

    I know a guy who salvaged one just like this from a field and devoted much of his life to it. His is red & white two-tone and just brings a smile to your face every time you see it. I don’t know what they’re really worth but the pride and joy that he gets from the car is priceless. The oil bath air cleaner looks totally original but I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen the u-shaped pipe around the top of the engine. I need a Barnfinds Pro to explain that one.

    Like 1
  16. Avatar jlm43c

    The U shaped pipe is the exhaust cross over pipe. Very common on Y block Fords.

    Like 0
  17. Avatar Phillip Tenney

    The U shaped part you are referring to was the exhaust crossover pipe as it was called. It had a single exhaust and that was what hooked the exhaust together for the single tailpipe.

    Like 1
  18. Avatar Allen Member

    Hey, the four-door models were produced just for us low-budget car guys 60 years hence. Without them, we’d be SOL.

    Like 0
  19. Avatar Del

    As previuosly noted a lot of rot near bottom sides.

    Sinking into ground. Frame probably toast.

    I like to get maudlin about old cars too but this one looks to far gone.

    Parts or scrap. Dreaming at asking price

    Like 1
  20. Avatar Herb

    The tuff part is getting back to California would more than double the cost,too bad.

    Like 0
  21. Avatar Robert

    I have a 55 customline it had 39,000 miles on it when I bought it 10 years ago . I gave it a new original paint job banner blue auqa tone blue roof . Love to drive it. It is a4 door. Iowa car.Also have a1958 ranchero . Like old fords.They all look good to me any old ford.

    Like 1

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