The best of intentions finally paid off.

Sometimes there just is no substitute for being in the right place at the right time; or in this case being in the right place all the time. Tami Steindorf’s family had a neighbor who had this ’37 Ford Fordor in his garage for what seemed like forever. In fact, it hadn’t been driven since 1956. Far too often, cars stashed away like this just rot away over time waiting for whoever owns them to finally get started on the restoration they always keep talking about. But this one was stashed in a garage where it aged very well.

Tami’s dad was finally able to talk his neighbor out of his Ford for $1500. It was basically in original condition but not running at the time. Dad’s plan was to return it to original including its flathead V8. He even had started collecting some of the needed parts but unfortunately passed away before he was able to start the project. Tami inherited the ’37 in 1994 but at that time did not have the means to work on it.

She kept it safe though and now years later with her husband Scott they finally were able to bring her dad’s dream to life by having the full restoration completed at MCR. Tami and Scott did depart from her dad’s original dream in that, though they kept the car original in style, they intend to road trip it often so a lot of modern tech was added to the classic style.

Number one on the list was the engine. As cool as flatheads are they are not the best choice for extended road trips. An LS variation was suggested by Scott’s dad but MCR thought that a Ford Coyote crate engine would be a better choice. Tami and Scott agreed.

1937 Ford suspension and brakes also wouldn’t do for over the road travels so the frame along with the suspension at both ends was upgraded with modern components. Wilwood brakes at all four corners will finish the modern car feel. Since the Steindorf’s live in Florida, Vintage Air A/C was a must add to the interior.

So often hot rod and classic car projects are built to drive but then rarely if ever leave their local area so it’s refreshing to learn that this couple intends to pack their bags, get out of town and fully enjoy the dream that Tami’s dad never got to experience. 

Finding a ’37 Ford in mostly original condition is indeed a rare thing today. Tami has her dad to thank for foresight in acquiring it when he did. Not many are stored safe and dry for this long.
The original flathead would be great for cruising around town but a little more than 85 HP is necessary for today’s open roads.
Of particular importance to Tami and Scott was maintaining the interior feel. Very little of this was reused but the general look was remarkably maintained by the MCR team.
At first glance, the car looks black but as you get closer you’ll see that’s not the case. The color is in fact PPG Custom Dark Cherry Red. The color shows especially well in the highlights while in the sun. It’s probably going to get a lot of comments from onlookers.
Original wheels and tires would never do on a car like this. Those fenders just cry out to be filled with modern wheels and tires. These are 18-inch Boyd’s Junkyard Dogs with 215/45R18 and 225/50R18 Michelin’s wrapped around them. Peeking through the spokes are 6 piston Wilwood calipers.
Ride height is important to get the right look with these cars so a Heidts frame was mounted under the body with a Heidts triangulated four-link in back and a Heidts Super Ride 2 mounted up front. Black powder coat and satin chassis black will make it fairly easy to keep the underside clean after coming off the road.
Even though the running boards have stainless lines, they are not really supposed to be stepped on.
As much as possible, the original trim was restored or original reproductions were used.
The “85” on this emblem stands for 85 HP. There is considerably more than that now under the hood.
Believe it or not, there is a fair amount of room in the trunk. Hinges and trunk handle are restored originals.
Yes, that’s a 435 HP 5.0 Coyote squeezed in there. The side panels are removable for service work. Note the air filter shielded from the engine heat but open to the side panel vents.
The original dash layout was retained with an extension added below to accommodate the A/C. The dash was hydrodipped and modern vintage look gauges installed. Steering column is by Ididit/Flaming River and was painted to match the seats.
These are not the factory speedo and gauges of course but the vintage look fits with the style of the interior and accurately provides the needed info.
Leather bucket seats replace the factory bench so a custom console could be utilized for power window, stereo and A/C controls. There are only two pedals now instead of three as the Coyote is backed by an auto trans. Note the retention of the factory B-pillar lights and under dash LED lighting.
No issues getting in and out of this one. Just remember not to step on the running boards. Of course there are power windows and door locks with a key fob.

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