1936 Ford Review: Here's Why Flathead V8 Fords Sold So Well During The Great Depression

[@johnelliott3686]

My first car was a 1936 Ford sedan. We lived on a farm in Iowa and I bought it for $65 in 1962 when I was 14 years old. I drove to neighboring farms to work for them so I could buy things for my car. I wish I still had it. I loved your video!

[@ElliottAlvis]

That’s an awesome story! I’m glad you enjoyed and got good use out of your Ford!

[@davidiverson2541]

My Dad had a 1950 Ford with a flathead V-8 and when he sold it had 167,000 miles with no rebuild of the engine. It had pretty good power and also had overdrive. A great car.

[@oldthompson4537]

In my opinion cars from the 1930s are some of the best ever built.

[@ElliottAlvis]

OldThompson 45 The term “they don’t build them like they used to” certainly rings true doesn’t it? Thanks for watching!

[@Fordguy02]

Likely true. These cars were built to go across some pretty rough roads and they didn’t have much realty added on.

[@jaswmclark]

@@ElliottAlvis The unfortunate corollary to that statement is "They don't have to."

[@mikefrech1123]

@@ElliottAlvis Those who say "They don't build them like they used to" as though that's a bad thing either don't remember doing or never did such things as: 1: Tried to wake one of these things up on a sub-zero morning. 2: Stopped halfway up a long hill because the radiator was boiling over. 3: Tried to see where they were going in a rainstorm when even light acceleration would stop the vacuum operated wipers. 4: Tried to make a quick stop from just 50 MPH when the brakes faded to nothing. 5: Lubricated the chassis every 1500 miles. 6: Tuned the engine up every 25,000 miles. 7: Rebuilt the engine at under 100,000 miles. I'm sure there are many more, but this is a short list of reasons it's good that they "Don't build them like they used to." They're pretty and they're fun to take out for a drive on a sunny afternoon, but I certainly don't want to drive one every day.

[@xfhghe]

@@ElliottAlvis Just curious, what kind of fuel do you use? And what kind of mpg do you get? And do you know how heavy it is?

[@JoeHarkinsHimself]

My first car was the 1937 two-door fastback Ford I bought from my gather when I was 17. He'd taught me to drive but did not sell me the car until he was sure I knew everything he'd taught me about maintenance and repair. One of the first things he taught was NEVER to wrap your hand around the handle of the crank. By that, he meant keep your thumb out of the grip. The reason for that was, if the car backfired while you were cranking (not an unusual event), the back force of the crank would break your the thumb or maybe even your hand, wrapped over the crank. If you held it with an "open grip" the crank would merely throw your hand away from the crank.

[@michaelbenardo5695]

Reminds me of the Retrievers on the electric streetcars and trolley buses I drove. When pulling the rope out, you NEVER wrap your thumb around the rope and never squeeze the rope with all your strength. If it recoils, your shoulder will be wrenched hard, maybe enough to injure the tendons, and if you were really small and light, you would be slammed right into the back of the car. The retriever was at about face level. Yes, you would kiss that retriever.

[@edwardhanson3664]

DIY serviceability needs to come back. Cars today are way too complicated.

[@markosterman419]

I had a 1933 Plymouth rumble seat coupe. It also had access for installing a hand crank and it was a straight six cylinder. I did crank it many times just to demonstrate the technique. By the way, you only lift up on the crank … never turn it around all the way if you want to keep your arm in one piece. I now have a model T Ford that I drive around 100 miles a week as my daily driver.

[@GixxerRider1991]

I love the old gauge clusters and dashboards from the 30s and 40s cars. Less is more. These cars were true works of art, the likes of which will never again be mass produced.

[@MrTheHillfolk]

Beautiful looking castings, sometimes with pinstripe accents, I've seen it on old engines. Stuff now just does the job like a robot, no flair.

[@kennyc388]

Hell yeah, Fishy !! I have had several old beauties and now I drive a beautiful 1940 Ford Sedan Deluxe in Morning Mist Grey. These old cars are like therapy for me and fill my head with wonderful memories of the days when I was young. 78 years young now and still get excited when I climb behind the wheel of one of these classics. It's great when the young folks have an interest in these old cars. 🤩

[@davidhamilton506]

Back in 1961, in Australia, I'd just got my driver's licence, and I and five other mates, drove this same model Ford to Brisbane Queensland and back. Never missed a beat, good petrol mileage at around 25 mpg, (4.5 litres = 1 gallon). One of the mates had bought it off a mechanic for the princely sum of 20 Quid. That's Pounds in old money. No indicators for turning back then, so it was down to hand signals with a left turn shown as the right arm extended out the window and with the index finger extended, you made a back and forth repeated motion up over the roof to alert following traffic. I feel blessed to have lived so long and experienced the evolution of the motor vehicle in all it's variants. Thank you sincerely Elliot, for bringing back fond memories of my youth. Cheers everyone and drive safe...

[@jameswolfe8065]

Is that imperial gallon? It's 3.8 liters to 1 US gallon.

[@davidhamilton506]

@@jameswolfe8065 United Kingdom and Australia, it's 4.5 litres to the imperial gallon...

[@tamer1773]

That rope-like "handle" in the back seat was for a lap robe that was needed in the winter since those cars didn't have a heater. Even after the introduction of very good heaters cars continued to have the lap robe hanger through the 1950's.

[@johnfleming7879]

I always wondered what they were for- we used to hang wet beach towels on them (Florida)

[@tamer1773]

@@johnfleming7879 A perfect use for them in that climate! In NY I never actually saw a lap robe hung on one of them because we had five kids and my parents stuffed all of us in a '46 Ford and it was so warm no lap robe was needed.

[@fokkerd3red618]

Lap robe for handle for assisting in a lap Dance. Is that correct?

[@hazelcook1]

My first car. 36 Ford 2 door humpback. This was 1948, I was 12 and payed $50..00 for it. Drove it around the neighborhood all summer without a license or registration. When school started Mum said either the car goes or I go. Sold it for $100.00. I learned to drive with that car and had so much fun.

[@ElliottAlvis]

That’s awesome Peter! Thanks for sharing that.

[@jeffking4176]

Glad there’s not much traffic. I learned “Hand Signals”, but I wonder how many others on the road , actually do. Beautiful car. 📻🙂

[@michaelbenardo5695]

I still use hand signals, partly so my left shoulder won't stiffen up, and partly to see how many youngsters will think I am waving at them.

[@doncyr3332]

Learn to double clutch down in to first as well as you do up in to second. It will be quiet, and last much longer. Your doing great, thanks for the video.

[@ElliottAlvis]

Thanks Don!

[@gilbertahsam643]

I owned a 1936 4dr with a slant back and the tire in the back . Very nice car

[@williambailey5405]

The primary use of that rope on the back of the front seat was to hang a lap planket on for warmth in winter.

[@georgejessop3246]

My first car was a flathead. It was a '49 Mercury 4 door (not a Fordor) manual that I made a lead sled custom with the usual suspension mods to eliminate the rock and roll (pitch and sideways lean). The engine was also used in the Ford trucks of the era. The transmissions were geared slightly lower to handle the extra torque for the loads up to 3 tons. I drove one slightly newer (1941) with the same engine and transmission (crash gearbox) for Hoods Ice Cream both wholesale delivery and later for Good Humor. Being able to drive a crash box was a skill in demand for an employer with old equipment. By the way, Henry Ford sold these trucks and cars to Nazi Germany during the 30's until Hitler declared war on the U.S.. When you see the Ford trucks with German markings in old WW2 movies thinking they are Hollywood movies, they aren't faking it. Those are really German army trucks.

[@michaelbenardo5695]

A crash-box in a 41? The syncros were bad. By the early 30s, the crash-box was history on American-made cars.

[@miketee2444]

I imagine it had to be a moral struggle for engineers sometime around the 70s I suspect. This car was built when the criteria for a good engineer was one that found simple and cost effective solutions to make the absolute most durable product possible. As with business in general these days they had to make a bad transition. Ford especially purposely designs flaws into their vehicles that help support their dealerships. Buy any Ford Manual and most pages pertaining to the common problems will say that due to the special tools required and complexity of this component you should take it to a dealer for repairs. I think Chevy and most other manufacturers find a good balance of making a reliable product that can and will make you pay if neglected or abused.we now live in a time where instead of starting a company because you believe in a product and want to help progress society many start a company with intentions of drawing all the bank and investors money possible with the end goal of cashing out and running it in the ground. Feeling smart because you can fool someone is basically describing what most colleges teach these days. Times I suspect will come back around soon to like when these cars were built. People are learning that what the polaticians and thier news are telling you is the exact opposite of reality and building for profit alone won't cut it much longer.

[@alibarron7558]

If I remember you could get a 2 speed "Columbia" rear end (deferential) in them, which gave you more power for take off and greatly helped when off road. Kids always looked for a Columbia rear end to put in their cars for drag racing. Up until 1950 the United States had only a few roads good enough to go over 55 on. Our freeway system didn't get started until the 1950s. Before a paved two lane road was the best. We wouldn't of ever had a freeway system if we hadn't of gotten into world war 2. People agreed to pay the huge tax increase that our National Highway System cost because they were afraid of having another war and us not having the ability to respond in force. In the 1950s my take home pay from work was only 57% after deductions. Now our billionaires refuse to pay 10%.

[@scootergeorge9576]

- My father bought an all original 1940 Mercury sedan many years ago with all the paperwork. It had a Columbia 2 speed rear axle that was a dealer installed option. A couple weird features were the Columbia was shifted by engine vacuum, vacuum hosed ran to the back of the car. And there was a miniature two speed gearbox on the back of the speedometer to keep it accurate in overdrive.

[@corvettefan91]

It's a single two barrel carburetor and Ford used the flat head thru 1953 in the states and until 1954 in Canada. It interesting that France used the flathead until the 90's in a military vehicle.

[@ElliottAlvis]

corvettefan91 I was wrong about the carburetor. I realized it when I was editing, but I had already committed to the footage. Thanks for noticing!

[@jeromebreeding3302]

Up untill recently, you could buy a new French Flathead, with up to 337 ci. It had the old style integral bell-housing. They were bought up by an American co., but they're probably all gone by now, and would be expensive if one was located.

[@davemiddleditch9741]

Not many of us young whippersnappers that can drive a non-synchro tranny! I had one on my 1965 Land Rover and that shift crunch sound brought back some fond memories! Great video.

[@nightlightabcd]

I am old enough that I learned to drive in cars a bit newer then that but I remember them well. Learning to drive pick-up trucks and 1/-1/2 ton trucks on the farm before I could drive on the road. The steering was not bad as long as the car was moving! Also, all the windows opening, on really hot and humid days, the open windows just let in more hot air! The windshield window opening was good on cooler days but on hot days, the heat from the engine would come in through the open windshield! These older cars had a choke and a throttle knob that on cold days, your would pull the throttle out about half way and the choke about half a inch to start the engine. As the engine warmed, one would push in the choke and the throttle! And oh yes, when the lights were on, on had to keep the engine revved up to power the light. I never had any problem with the brakes! I drove with the shifter on the column and on the floor and never had any problem with shifting! It doesn't take long to learn to shift without racking the gears! Oh yes, they had frames, so when you needed to change a tire, you could put the jack most anywhere on the farm and jack it up, unlike today with the rails, jack pints, get crushed when you take the car to repair a tire! I really miss the cars with real frames! Uni-body sucks!

[@ElliottAlvis]

nightlightabcd you’re totally right! They really don’t make them like they used to anymore. These cars have so much character. Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for watching!

[@MrElliotc02]

That "backseat handle" is actually where you would hang the lap blanket that kept you warm in the backseat on cold days.

[@hughjass1835]

My grandpa called them stirrups, I figured out why a few years later 😂

[@ProjectRescues]

I have a 1936 Ford Deluxe Sedan like that. My grandfather built it ground up in 1978-1982. It was his pride and joy. He then sold it back in 1990, a few years before I was born. I had been looking for the car for years and I finally located it down in Florida. It is in nice shape, much like yours, however it has no spark and has been sitting for 3 years. It also has an epoxy patch on the side of the head or block and it lost coolant on that side of the engine, could be head gasket or a repaired head or block that finally failed. Looking for someone that could help me get it back up and running again and I'd love to drive it a good bit, maybe even cross country someday. I'm on the East Coast.

[@barryphillips7327]

I really hope you get the old girl going especially as your grandfather built it, but you need to sort out that engine. Flathead V8,s are cool man!

[@ProjectRescues]

@@barryphillips7327 Thanks. Me too.

[@barryphillips7327]

@@ProjectRescues What ever you do, keep the flat head ford engine in there!

[@discerningmind]

Try the Car Wizard. Look for him right here on YT. He's an excellent mechanic for any year car, and he's completely familiar with flat head Ford's.

[@ProjectRescues]

@@barryphillips7327 I am, I'm going to get a later model 59AB engine for it more than likely. I'm gonna put it in it just to get it on the road while I see about fixing and rebuilding the original engine.

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

That's an incredible car that you and your dad have, Elliott! Your quality videos are really amazing!

[@kinocorner976]

Something beautiful about simplicity and reliability. Something that has faded away in these times. Then again, people are starting to discover why stuff like this, are great. Kitchen aid mixers are a premium item than haven’t really changed, good example.

[@karlelliott9254]

I started out in my Dad’s 1952 Willys Overland 4x4 pick up with 67 horsepower at age 13 on the farm. At age 17 I traded a hound dog for a TV and the TV was traded to my old friend, a WWI veteran of the German trenches, for his needy 1955 Chevrolet 265 V-8 four door. I rebuilt the engine and the Power-Glide transmission, tires, brakes and a couple of ball joints. Two Cherry Bombs and new exhaust made it a great, reliable, beautiful first car. There were many Happy Trails.

[@andysmith7554]

Beautiful machine!! I glad yall kept it all original. Enjoy the cruising!

[@snailer06]

Well done! I fixed up a '35 dodge flathead 6 in high school, but it was only 35 years old then. Very similar but only 60 hp. without the V8.

[@coopersrace7277]

Nice car and interesting overview. Good job. As an owner of a late 20’s car, I did wince when I saw the hood open and resting paint on paint! I always keep a small piece of cloth for protecting the paint when I need to open the hood.

[@charlesmadison1384]

I noticed that too. A bit of a cringe-worthy moment ... especially since there's no specific spot to rest the corner of the hood.

[@Al-thecarhistorian]

The "handle" on the back of the front seat is a cord to drape blankets. The blankets came in handy on cold days.

[@steves7896]

By Depression Era standards that's one heck of a 'Cadillac' of a Ford. Touring Deluxe Fordor Sedan with chrome trim rings, chrome garnish moldings, two tone paint (was the white sport stripe a factory or dealer offering?), white wall tires etc probably wasnt afforded by too many people. It's really really nice, great to see it being driven.

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

Everyone on the road had this. And this is 1936 not 1933. The great depression had ended by 1934, banks were back in business hoping to make up that lost section of horror that had occured prior. My brother was in that business to tell you all of that.

[@bikdav]

The sweet sound of a classic V8. That shifting reminds me of some old schoolbuses.

[@royledford5673]

Love it, LOVE IT!! Awesome example and professional video. You da man!

[@ElliottAlvis]

Thanks Roy!

[@seanbyrne2847]

Great video! My wife and I have a 36 ford 5 window couple. We love it

[@ElliottAlvis]

Sean Byrne They are really amazing cars aren’t they? Thanks for the support!

[@ngauruhoezodiac3143]

The last western bock cars that could be hand cranked that I can recall include the Citroen GS and the Renault 5. Some eastern bloc cars had hand cranks well into the 1990s. Back in the 30s if you flooded the engine you had to hand crank it 3-5 revs with wide open throttle to clear the cylinders. Those old 6 volt batteries could not spin even a low compression V8 after 10 minutes. Remember the " Ford Fracture " ? That results from a backfire. Do not try starting by pushing the crank down. Prime the engine with ignition off, and full choke. Crank it until you feel the compression build up . Then connect the ignition, retard it, and rotate the engine so that it has compression at 5 o clock then pull. OK, you have done it 50 times and it still won't start. Imagine if you stall out when going through a busy intersection and the battery does not have enough power to restart the engine by hand cranking and the traffic keeps piling up because the bitch won't start. What a relief when it finally kicks over and you have to hurry to get the throttle, mixture and ignition settings right so that you don't have to do the job again. Then just when you think that it is running properly it conks out and won't start. You might even have to remove the spark plugs to properly clear the cylinders before trying again. You check your throttle, mixture and ignition settings, then try again. And still the bitch won't start. That is when you get pissed off and crank like crazy. Sometimes it works but a backfire can break your wrist.

[@jarikinnunen1718]

You can pull start any front drive manual car from wheel. Lift wheel up and wind rope on it. Turn ignition and first gear on and pull the rope. Don`t wrap rope your hand, for safety.

[@flick22601]

You left out an important check. DON'T place your thumb around the hand crank. If the engine backfires (which they often do) you're going to have a broke thumb like many people did back in the day.

[@michaelbenardo5695]

12 volt cars won't spin the engine fast enough after 10 minutes either. The hand crank was because batteries simply were not that good, and, scores of motorists wanted that starting option because they didn't yet fully trust electric starters. My 6 volt Chrysler Hemi cranks plenty fast, but a Group 2 battery is all that will fit, so I added a 2nd battery on the opposite side, so that it won't run down if the car won't start right away. I use nice thick 1 gauge cables, which are mandatory with 6 volts.

[@tomcaldwell5750]

If the car was coasting fast enough you could pop the clutch with the car in gear and it would start the motor (if you were lucky).

[@thechancellor3715]

The Renault 5, marketed in the US as Le Car hand the crank....as did my dad's 1960 Peugeot 403 where there was a spring loaded feature. Had to push the crank in to engage and on engine start disengaged the crank. The 403 was an interesting sedan, hemi head 4 inline, rack and pinion steering, Macpherson strut front suspension with 4 speed column gear shift and OD in fourth on a body looking like an early 50s American sedan....

[@jebsails2837]

My US Navy Pharmacist Mate father purchased his '36 in '37 (in Black) for $375. Sold it 10 yrs later with over 250,000 miles on it as during that time my family was transferred nine times across (non-interstate) the country. On Dec 7, he was saving $8.00 by riveting the asbestos linings onto the brake shoes himself and adjusting the mechanical brake linkage. The '47 Buick sedanette (fast back) with leaky automatic transmission and I8 engine was next, it did not last long. Narragansett Bay

[@michaelasbury7121]

I own a 1939 LaSalle, and it holds a lot of similarities to this Ford, except it's a bit bigger in every way. 125 horsepower from a V8, three-on-a-tree that can get you to approximately the same speeds and legroom for days. It shifts so smooth and any rpm has a boatload of torque. Quite an amazing car, like your own Ford.

[@anthonyesposito9251]

That 39 Lasalle floor shift transmission you have is a 50s hotrodders dream.Very durable and able to handle the power of more modern V8s.

[@randykelso4079]

@@anthonyesposito9251 Aw, you beat me to it. I was going to say the same thing. Everybody wanted a LaSalle transmission, and when you opened one up you could see why: very beefy gears; hard to strip. It was not difficult to mate with a small block Chevy engine in those days.

[@michaelbenardo5695]

@@randykelso4079 Or an Olds, Buick, or Cadillac engine.

[@jeffrobodine8579]

I still have a picture from the late 1940's of my Grandfather's 1939 LaSalle with the family in front of it. My Mom was a baby in the photo, now she is 76 years old.

[@jim7233]

Great video. The flathead V8 sound always makes me smile. The sound of the starter makes me grin ear to ear.

[@kfl611]

I have never seen a car that color. Nice car. Thanks for posting. Oh my goodness, I forgot all about turn signals.

[@ElliottAlvis]

Thanks for watching!

[@jeffboyles3611]

Great video for a great automobile. I have a '28 Model A. You've convinced me the '36 is my next acquisiton.

[@j81851]

I am so impressed with you and your passion for these older cars! You are so interesting and informative. I am so thankful for a man as young as you with the interest in and care for these old cars. Keep her with the flathead too many of these been butchered and made into hot rods. Yours is soo cool as it is!

[@ElliottAlvis]

John Goodman thank you sir! I appreciate the kind feedback. I love these in stock form and they are more and more rare with each passing year. Thanks for watching!

[@crazyoilfieldmechanic3195]

This car is beautiful and I enjoyed seeing it however calling one of these cars butchered to describe the installation of an engine and transmission that was designed 30 or more years newer is both short sighted and shows a complete lack of experience with the car in completely stock form. A well done upgrade to a later model engine, transmission and rear axle and brakes makes the car safer and much more usable and able to drive cross country at interstate speeds and only stopping for fuel and still preserves the style and design of the car.

[@randykelso4079]

@@crazyoilfieldmechanic3195 Horsefeathers. An engine upgrade trashes the original design of the car. Leave it bone stock for future generations to study. They can study more modern engines any time.

[@illmade2]

If the auto industry still made cars like that we'd all be slot better off.

[@1q2w3e922]

a flathead in the 70's? come on man do your homework. In 1953, Ford made the final flathead V-8. It displaced 3.9 liters and made 110 hp.

[@shiftfocus1]

1953 was the end for the flathead…in Fords in the US. But Ford sold their French operation to Simca in the 50s, and the V8 with it. Simca eventually moved it to Brazil, where it remained in production - under Chrysler ownership - until 1969. It may have also been used in trucks into the 70s (I can’t find specific references). Indeed, it pays to do your homework.

[@ZeldaZiplock]

Actually in Canada 1954 was the final model year for the 239.4 and 254.9 flathead engines. The latter engine was used in the 1954 Meteor and 1953 Mercury. 1954 Mercs and Monarchs had an OHV engine (272?) the same as the US versions.

[@michaelbenardo5695]

@@ZeldaZiplock The Canadian cars went OHV mid year. Early ones were flatheads and kingpins, late ones were overhead and ball joints.

[@mikyl-fo8rh]

110 was about the hp of a small V8 in the 70s

[@henningdammann-emden]

The French flathead production started in 1935 with Matford, a cooperation of Ford US and a French car maker named Mathis. ​@@shiftfocus1

[@rossawood5075]

The flathead V8 powered a 1942 WW2 Bren gun carrier a friend and I purchased surplus Pacific war here in New Zealand in the late 60's , eventually it replaced the worn engine in our 1940 Ford pickup, and they were supplied right hand drive over here. These engines were prone to overheating even with a good radiator on the high range roads, in summer heat, where as our 1951 Chevrolet master 216 cu stove pipe ohv 6 cylinder ran cooler on the same roads. We always replaced the generator with an alternator and 12 volt battery, and 12 volt bulbs etc, the starters turned real well on 12 volts and seem to last OK., but the flat head always sounded better. Great memory's, still driving a classic Australian built 1973 Ford F250 hi boy with 351 Cleveland for power plant.

[@peterstickney7608]

There are '36 Fords and '36 Fords - in the late '50s/early '60s, our family's daily driver was a '36 Ford Sedan Deluxe - Twin tail lights, two honds, and Aluminum Heads, giving about 100 HP, and capable of 100 MPH in a suitable location (Like Bonneville). It did quite well on New Hampshire's curvy hills and snow - although when we were restoring the Old Beast we discovered that 21 steel studs though Aluminum heads leads to college textbook levels of Galvanic Corrosion. ('36 Ford heads are hard to find - '36s and '39s had unique heads, with a water pump in the front of each) As far as I know it's still driving, having changed hands a couple of times after us.

[@TahaKaneko]

that sound of an original old V8 is just like a dream. so amazing! wish I can buy such a car to enjoy it's engine sound while driving.

[@ElliottAlvis]

Taha TTK The sound really is amazing. So crazy to think that it’s almost 100 years old! Thanks for watching!

[@bret9741]

We drove a 1948 Ford Pickup on my families sheep and cattle ranch. It was a handful to drive. It also had a flathead V-8.

[@flick22601]

Learn the art of double clutching if you want to downshift to first without grinding. Based on your shifting to second and third, I believe both those gears were synchronized. Transmissions were pretty much that way until the mid-1960's.

[@randykelso4079]

Another option that works quite well is to select a synchronized gear (2nd or high) just prior to selecting low or reverse. Of course this assumes that the car is at a complete stop.

[@n.mcneil4066]

Our neighbour had a car like this during the war. It was a black Tudor with cream colored wire wheels. It was always polished, spotless & was the best looking car in the district. Remember no new cars were available during the war.

[@captlarry-3525]

This is interesting as I compare it with driving my 1935 Plymouth which had hydraulic brakes, a great cooling system with real thermostat, a transmission with syncromesh in 2nd and 3rd gears that just went snick snick and shifted smoothly with only modest gear shift travel, was much quieter inside while driving, had no trouble reaching 75 or cruising at 60, although 50 was a very sweet spot, had more and nicer instrumentation, but in many ways was similar.. with high ground clearance, relatively low gearing ( great dirt road cars) crank out windshield, bench seats, flat floors, and etc. My grandfather's 37 Ford 2 door sedan was a wonderful car he drove all over america for decades.

[@dodgeplow]

Offenhauser, Edelbrock, and Stromberg had intake manifolds allowing for dual or even triple carburetors at the time.

[@ZeldaZiplock]

Elliott makes reference to the wide variety of aftermarket speed and custom modifications available for the Ford 239.4 flatty.

[@jeromebreeding3302]

Vick Edelbrock made a dual carb manifold for the flattyin the late thirties, called the"slingshot". It made good numbers, even compared to the many offerings to come later.

[@donrougeux2122]

My old '37 would start in the coldest wet weather but within a very few years turned into a total rust bucket and the awful mechanical brakes worked on one or two wheels (or maybe three) whenever it felt like it. The mileage never exceeded 15 miles per gallon but it was the hot rod of its day and I loved to go 85 in second gear and really rev that engine--the only way to get some decent torque! The brakes made it a a life or wreck decision every time it was driven andI had some hair raising close calls!!! I put a South Wind gas heater to overcome the freezing cold air coming in through rusted holes in the floor boards and around the sagging doors That heater sucked gasoline out of the carburator and burned it from a small furnace hanging under the dash. When the rubber floor mat started to smoke, it was time to turn it off (off and on were the only settings). A spare fuel pump was a necessary to prevent being stranded somewhere. I loved that old flivver!

[@randykelso4079]

Mechanical brakes require frequent lubrication and adjustment.

[@stephenkunst7550]

I had a 38 Ford Pickup, as a teen in the 1970s. I pine over having another one.

[@ElliottAlvis]

Stephen Kunst they are super neat aren’t they? Thanks for watching!

[@indoctrinnation660]

I'm from the era, the strap going across the back seat was to hold a beach towel or a blanket for the rear passengers to put over their legs to keep them warm.

[@brucelamberton8819]

I would love a flathead. Worked and running triples, etc, they sound GREAT.

[@DB-ul2zd]

Great video! Typically I'm not as interested in older cars but your delivery, humor and good nature really kept my interest about this classic Ford. Keep it up!

[@ElliottAlvis]

D B That’s great! I appreciate the support!

[@balesjo]

A really beautiful Depression Era Ford. Impressive to see one that still has the original interior.

[@rjuhl2007]

That's a beautiful car. My grandfather bought a car like that in the 40s and sold it in the 50s, he regretted that for the rest of his life.

[@smeghed1025]

Ford sold some 978,000 Model 68's in 1936. An impressive number even today; amazing for the time.

[@bocachucka]

Love that paint job. I also enjoy your videos. You seem totally at ease and the kind of guy that makes people feel comfortable. I like Tyler Hoover's videos, but he makes me nervous watching all the hysteria.

[@RichardBrown-xe8zm]

You sound like a fan. That is appreciated too. Thanks for a quality video!

[@observant98]

I recall driving one of these. You had to be careful braking as it did not have hydraulic brakes. I think of this car everytime I see a Navistar truck that has the same style front end.

[@hangonsnoop]

The Flathead V-8 was so popular with hotrodders that overhead valve conversion heads were sold for them.

[@Rebel9668]

I never had any problems with manual steering and the large steering wheel made it easier, unless I was trying to turn the wheel when stopped. Then it's a bit tougher, but not bad with that big steering wheel. Never had mechanical brakes but did have manual hydraulic brakes with 4 drums for years and always managed to stop just fine. Another perk to driving those older vehicles is you keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel and don't have time to get distracted by technology :) I've never yet had a vehicle with a short throw for the gearshift, lol. Had old trucks and they all shifted like our old 59 ford bus we converted into a camper...even my old '78 jeep cj-5 had a long throw. I thought I had a short throw with my current truck, a '98 ranger, but I've seen videos of people complaining about its "long throw" as well, LOL! Guess I'll never have a short throw, or if I ever think I do again I'm sure someone will come along and complain about how long it is.

[@drmoss_ca]

I learned to drive in a Welsh field on a car with no battery but had a hand crank for starting (A Standard Motors Ten). Encouraged me to learn to not stall it rather quickly!

[@nlpnt]

The trunk lid was enlarged the next year. They put the spare tire in the trunk and extended the opening down almost to the bumper. It was also the first year Ford blended the headlights into the fenders which GM didn't do until 1940-1. By 1936 the economy had been improving steadily for years, millions more were working than had been the case in 1932 and a great many people were starting to consume again and in the market for a new car.

[@dastrayer63]

150 lb-ft torque makes the 85 hp feel strong enough for low speed driving. Enjoyed the video.

[@jeromebreeding3302]

Henry claimed the car could do 75mph.,when introduced in 32, and that was with only 65hp. The 36 Ford with 85 hp.,probably could do 85mph.,also, it is my understanding, that from it's introduction, the V-8 had synchro on second and third, but had to come to rest, to engage first.

[@chazzcoolidge2654]

Ah yes,torque. The real reason why V8's stuck around,that and the sound.

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

@@jeromebreeding3302 now already those speeds are incredulously over the top for any vehicle to go considering no vehicle can survive anything over 60 miles per hour just look at modern car crashes for that testament Jerome. But Ford was under during that time, Packards were blasting forward at 90 to 105 miles an hour by 1930, even a lower end company such as Plymouth by 1930 had a top speed of 65 which seems perfectly regular to me, Pontiac threw ahead with it's roadsters and tonneau sedans at 70, even the Massive Lincoln went 55 miles per hour. Which is nothing to the 1900's (yes vehicles existed before the model t folks, at least several hundred companies) when Winton motors had a top speed of 72 in 1903, even the Rambling Nash known for its jumpy sounds exceeded 50 by 1902. They look small, but those coupés and roadsters had tires the height of a child, and a body width of 16 feet, 71 inches wide for the average width. So BIG. The Model T was a smaller sized vehicle compared to what came before it.

[@jeromebreeding3302]

@@WitchKing-Of-Angmar The V-8 Ford was considered the vehicle of choice for gangsters in the thirties, especially for Bonny and Clyde. It could outrun just about anything on the road, outside of a Deussenberg or an Auburn, in addition they were inexpensive.

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

@@jeromebreeding3302 did the gangsters from the "30s" tell you that however unspecific 30's is. And before 1934 they had a Chevrolet, so I don't quite understand your point. And Auburn and Duesenburgs went over 100 miles per hour, the average top speed for a vehicle in 1930 was 80 miles per hour. Why do you keep insisting that you somehow know something with your vague points and "this was considered" tour guide talk

[@kirks1959]

Clyde Barrow (Bonnie and Clyde) sent a letter to Henry Ford commending him on such a great job on the Ford V8. Clyde said "I drive a Ford V8 every time I can get my hands on one" hahaha- Great Video!

[@highwheelingdragon7136]

My earliest memory is riding in Dad’s 35 coupe so I appreciate seeing an original unmolested example. That flathead V-8 was the main selling point for the 36 Ford. The other amenities like mohair, built in trunks, cowl vents and roller blinds were the industry standard of the era. Thanks for sharing!

[@randykelso4079]

It's discouraging how many people on this net criticize, discourage and disparage the video's author, and how many repeat the same criticisms that have been addressed multiple times in previous comments, indicating that they did not read the previous comments. Folks, I wouldn't blame those who make these videos to cease making them due to the outright hostility of the audience. Let's be a little more civil, and a good bit more humble. The man is doing his best, and trivial details need to be pointed out only once, and that with an appreciative spirit. Let's inject a little honor and respect here, and read all previous comments before piling on. If we want more informative videos, let's not shoot the messenger. Just my two cents.

[@mikbe2579]

What a beautiful engine sound!

[@johnkidd1226]

The engine was accessible but those fenders made any work a back breaking job at ground level. We used to jack them up so we could rest our elbows on the fenders even for a carb replacement or plug change.

[@michaelasbury7121]

Depending on the car, and if you're light enough, you can use those fenders as a seat to get into the engine bay. I'm 6'3 and 150 pounds and I own a 1939 LaSalle, so that is almost a necessity for me.😂

[@jimsmirh2406]

Any car just about that was built back in those days are better than what we have nowadays.

[@m_r_1320]

I am a simple man. I see an excellent video, I subscribe

[@ElliottAlvis]

BitSketchy _ glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@m_r_1320]

@@ElliottAlvis aboit five minutes into the video I was like, I wonder how many subscribers he has, probably about 3 mil or so...when I saw that you had 5k I was genuinely shocked, you really diserve more. There were no audio or video issues and just overall it was a great "review"👌👌😁

[@ElliottAlvis]

BitSketchy _ well thank you! That means a lot. Maybe one day I’ll have 3 million subscribers!

[@BonnieKay13]

My '36 went 60 in second gear, you can run wide open all day long in this V8, cannot hurt it. My brakes worked great, the '36 had full syncro' mesh 2nd & Hi (if not ruined) Mohair was only in DeLux cars, bedford cord in others. Chrome windshield frame and grille denote the DeLux car.

[@hughjass1835]

Yep, and that mohair when it was new felt like fine velvet, it gets prickly like that after about 40 years

[@Rumble-is-better]

Beautiful car! To think you could get 4 of these for the price of a contempoary model Y. The 36 Ford is a much more technicaly advanced product for it's time, used more raw materials and employed far more labor. What value for money!! Great video

[@michael931]

What cars were getting flatheads in the 70's?

[@rnedlo9909]

The average family was six back then and grandma came with the package too, it was loaded to the roof with people.

[@hughjass1835]

In Iowa the average family was probably around 10. They'd still fit in one Ford though

[@BudFunOne]

Great video. Thank you for sharing.

[@robertbeacham6286]

A very small V/8 is my very favorite kind of engine ! I love pickup trucks , panel wagons , station wagons , hardtops and roadsters with a rumble 💺 seat the most with the original antique engines ! Some people would take these vehicles , cut the top of the roof , put in the very loud engine , very loud muffler , drag race them and make RAT RODS out of them . To me , that ruins the value of the vehicle .😡. There are still some people who would still buy vehicles just like that ! I would keep its original antique look but add the very best of the old along with the very best of the new !! Some people say that V/8 engines will be.extinct . I hate that very much !!

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

I agree with you completely. I just adore the 1936 Plymouth pickup truck. Elegant, Regal, and worked a charm. Best in that summery dark green stock metallic with the beautiful embellishments. Perfect factory Firestones white wall or black walls both wonderful with that shimmery hubrim.

[@stephenandloriyoung5716]

Nice car, nice video, brought back a nice memory - riding with my Grammy - not the music award, ( I STILL haven't been given one of those!), - my Grandmother, in their 34 Ford with the windshield open. And a not quite so nice one of my Dad rolling down the window for hand signals, in the w-w-winter, in our 40 Pontiac. Brrr!

[@ElliottAlvis]

Stephen and Lori Young that’s great! I’m glad it brought back some memories! Thank you for watching!

[@stevenbartley6088]

I had a 38 ford PU truck, back in the early70s. Drove it through high school. Still pine over not having it.

[@johnhennery8820]

Awesome video thanks for sharing this with us I love the older cars thay were so unique and I could never get my hands on one so I collected newer ones but for being 85 years old it's butiful and I'm so glad someone saved one for me too deruel over thanks for sharing this with us really sweet

[@quantumkid1097]

Helped my best friend restore a 36 coup. Many hours of fun! Adjusted the brakes often! We offered the Homecoming Queen a ride home from school. She agreed, but was let down it wasn't my GTO! Her mother came out of her house and said, " Wow, a 36 coup!". My other buddy thought she was hotter than her daughter. Fun times!

[@turborocketmedia]

Finally someone reviewing a flathead!!!

[@Woody.D828]

Recently found one of these Fords -- the only thing left was the skeleton lying on its side and rusting to the ground. It had been left behind during the creation of the Great Smokys Mtn National Park on the NC Side (Hazel Creek - Town of Proctor).

[@discerningmind]

Thanks Elliott, nice video and that was a fun ride-along too. I've recently discovered you and I've found your videos to be interesting and well done. I subscribed during this video. I never realized that the trunk was designed like a well. I think that's unique to the sedan as the coupes had a more accessible truck with a bigger lid. Ford was still offering a rumble seat in '36 too. These had 85 HP or the optional 100 HP engine, and though 85 or 100 HP with a single barrel carb seems lame now a days, these cars had torque, and torque was everything back then. Understand that this was back in the day when a lot of cars couldn't climb hills very well and would slow way down, and a steep hill generally require having to downshift a couple of times and still make for a slow climb. But not so with the Ford V-8's as they'd climb hills effortlessly by comparison. The 2nd and 3rd gears are synchromesh. But you can't speed shift like in a modern car, the synchro's need a moment to do their thing. Does anybody know if the dashboard color is indicative of the original body paint?

[@tariqshah7890]

I enjoyed the ride and such eloquent description ❤

[@robinj.9329]

I was just a kid in the 1950's, but many of these cars were still on the road! And even in the 1960's, I got to drive some of these grand of Classics from the 30's and 40's!

[@John-gq7vt]

These cars looked bigger than they were. This Ford is about 1" SHORTER than a 2022 Civic, track is about 4" narrower, but it was about 13" taller. The bulbous styling made them look big, and interiors were really tiny compared to today. I love cars of all eras, and the evolution is really amazing!

[@michaelbenardo5695]

But they did have way more head room and way more back seat leg room. Today's cars are very cramped.

[@afm62]

A very interesting video. What a great old car too. I find myself wondering if I would be able to drive such a vehicle. My dad (born in 1926) took his test on a 1937 Austin 10. He taught me the hand signals and how to double de clutch. Now I drive a modern SUV with all the bells and whistles and feel I wouldn’t be able to handle manual everything! 😂

[@ElliottAlvis]

You can still do it! If anything, driving something like this will make you a better driver of modern cars!

[@stephanboerman6541]

Love the old Fords! So how about a video on the Model A you have hidden under the cover in the back there?

[@ElliottAlvis]

Stephan Boerman good when! I’ve got a few videos planned for the Model A. Believe it or not, it gets driven more than this 36!

[@stephanboerman6541]

Elliott Alvis looking forward to those videos! 🙂 My own A is in pieces, and finding parts in South Africa is not that easy, so I enjoy looking at other peoples cars in the meantime. Keep up the great work on the channel.

[@gray2942]

My first car was a 1936 2 door Ford sedan in New Zealand when I was 18 years old. The passengers seat fell apart so I replaced it with an old kapok single mattress folded up. If I got lucky at a party I rolled out the mattress and as there was so room between the back seat and the dash it worked great. I loved it and it is the only V8 I've ever owned.

[@nicholasbrown8384]

Nice! I can't stand the dashboard but your coverage of the car is very thorough. It also puts things into perspective

[@ElliottAlvis]

Nicholas Brown it’s crazy how far cars have come isn’t it?

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

@@ElliottAlvis or haven't come. doesn't seem that much different than modern vehicles if you are calling this is a crazy difference.

[@nickpapa1721]

still looks more elegant than any of the tat Merc or BMW put out today.

[@johneastman1905]

Right at the transition from poured Babbitt engine crank shaft bearings … to insert . The early Ford V8 engines had the water pumps in the two heads , all later in the block. The wheels were the 10-1/4”wide five bolt pattern, up through 1939 year . 16”x 4” rims .

[@dillon4286]

great video - i thought i would just watch a minute or two cause i get bored easily, but i ended up watching the whole thing if you can keep MY attention, then you're doing something right

[@ElliottAlvis]

Dillon Thanks man, I appreciate that!

[@bluegtturbo]

Gorgeous color scheme!! A real beaut

[@samboggs3499]

My grandfather told me, they were easy to hot rod, reliable and the preferred gangster ride.

[@pascaldespinois9722]

Fantastique voiture !!! Le son de ce V8 est vraiment fabuleux !!!

[@bobwtech]

Not a fan of 30's cars but I think you did a great real world review.

[@ElliottAlvis]

Thanks Bob! I appreciate it.