Michael Riley's Blog: Hemmings Find of the Day

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Hemmings Find of the Day – 1958 Ford Custom 300

As a restoration, this 1958 Ford Custom 300, for sale on Hemmings.com, deviates a bit too much from stock form. As a custom, it may not be wild enough to attract the attention of Fifties Ford fans. None of this is bad news, since the net result is a unique driver that presents its next owner with a blank canvas to paint. Replace the door handles, since the driver’s door will need painting anyway? Swap the later 289 V-8 for a period-correct 292 or 332 V-8, or build the current engine up with a four-barrel carburetor for added performance? Those are just a few of the decisions to be made when this Eisenhower-era Ford goes to a new garage. From the seller’s description:

1958 Ford Custom 300 2 door. I had this car professionally restored in 2003 after I bought the car as a work in progress from the last owner. Has been a great and fun car and since I bought it. Body was completely stripped to bare metal and painted an original 1958 Ford colonial white – ( body was nearly rust-free, with only a couple of small spots needing repair), door handles were shaved as has the front scoop in the hood ( Electric door opener kit included, but not installed). Frame was sand blasted, epoxy primed and painted black (Frame and underside of car still had factory paint and undercoating at the time it was restored) Car has a mid-Sixties 289 V-8 2 barrel engine with automatic transmission, both work well. Engine was “freshened” when restored – i.e., rings, bearings, cam, heads/valves etc. True Dual exhaust, original style braking (drum brakes) and steering (Non-Power) systems in both good working order. Car is in good overall condition; there are a few blemishes in the paint (Paint has a stress crack in paint on drivers door were handle used to be, drivers side lower front fender below headlight.) Newer shocks and brakes, tires are good with period hub caps ( 59s?)