CAL-RODS MARCH 2018 FEATURED CAR

Written by Doug Bithell

OWNERS:  JOHN & BLANCA DURAN

YEAR:  1947                                          MAKE AND MODEL: FORD 4 DOOR DELUXE

COLOR:  FOREST GREEN                  UPHOLSTERY: TAN MOHAIR

ENGINE:  MERCURY FLATHEAD        TRANS: STOCK 3 SPEED

REAR END: COLUMBIA 2 SPEED       FRONT END: 4” DROPPED AXEL                      

WHEELS:  STEEL WITH BEAUTY RIMS       

March’s featured Car is the somewhat stock looking restomod belonging to John and Blanca Duran. This car has that special appearance of being very comfortable with its age and still being a hot rod. Its paint and chrome/stainless work are the original factory stuff. The upholstery is the original type mohair. The engine, although having been replaced by a Mercury engine, still looks like a dressed up original.

     Doc Conroy of the club has helped John with most of the creature comforts and changes such as, rewiring the car, pulling the motor 2 times, pulling the trans three times, changing the rear end, changing axles, changing to disc brakes, installing new gauges in the old bezel of the dash, and numerous other jobs. Needless to say the old Ford has kept John and Doc quite busy.

     About 22 yeas ago John was driving a Ranchero when a guy driving down the street flagged John down and asked if he would like to trade cars. John liked the 47 Ford and said “OK”. The rest is history as they agreed to trade right then and there.

     John has taken the Ford to a lot of local events including Ruby's, Santa Anita, Whittier Church Show, Legends, and many more. About the furthest he has taken it is the Palm Springs Dr. George Show.

     This classic car presents itself extremely well and I am glad it is one of our CAL-RODS' collection.