Today, we are going to share the story of Michael Augustaitus II and his 1935 Ford Model 48, Fordor.

D4RKS1DE

We contacted him about it and he was gracious enough to answer some questions and share his story.

What type of vehicle is it that you have been working on?

1935 Ford model 48 Fordor

We purchased it locally from a Mr. Dan Gorman (found it in a craigslist add)

So, when was it purchased and how much did you pay for it?

It was purchased in the Summer of 2012, for around $3,000. It was sort of a belated Father’s Day gift and it quickly became a family project.

So, with everything available, why did you choose this one?

I Have always loved the cars from the 30’s, and it’s got a Flat Head V8! (Really, need he say more?)

Ok, so, you got the car you’ve always wanted, with an awesome engine. What’s your backstory? Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a truck driver by trade, but have always enjoyed working on mechanical things.

I’ve worked some in the racing industry driving the transport and crewing on the cars, ALMS, SVRA, HSR and SCCA Trans-Am.

I worked a few years for Fix Motorsports doing racecar prep and restoring first generation Mustangs (Shelby’s) (we did everything but paint)

So, here is the question everyone wants to ask. What have you done to it so far?

It started off with us just going thru the boxes to see what parts were there and what wasn’t. We found the easiest way to do that was to just start bolting them on.

After doing that, the next step was getting the motor running, so we got a 6v battery, hooked it up and she cranked over. We sprayed some starting fluid down her throat and she cough to life, so we knew she at least wanted to run.

We needed to rebuild the carburetor and purchase a new fuel pump. Once these were installed, it was time to attempt to drive her.

I was nervous on how the four wheel mechanical drum brakes would work, but, it turns out that as long as they’re adjusted properly, they really aren’t that bad.

After all this, it was just addressing what was needed to be somewhat road worthy (lights and tires)

We only really started driving it the summer of ’15
I do mileage updates on the page for the car,
https://www.facebook.com/D4rks1de35/posts/534729266725092:0

Ok, so, with all you have done, where does it sit now? I assume it is not finished, but, is it show worthy?

It is still an active project. We got her to a working stage, so we could use and enjoy her. Now we can start the next stage, prettying her up.

This year the plans are to finally order the new glass (will be nice to have side windows). Doing a Targa style fabric roof panel (instead of the non-movable factory cloth insert) and getting the Tru-Tone radio (this was available from Western Auto Parts Stores) and Montgomery Wards heater working, (need to have its core repaired).

Also plan on maybe getting a pair of Sharp heads, dual carburetor intake combo for the old Flathead

Are there any special parts you have used?

Nothing special, the only so called modern updates have been switching to a 6v (positive ground) alternator, halogen headlights and electric windshield wiper. Oh and maybe the mini van seats (seat belts for the kids)

Have you gotten any help? (i.e., friend(s), a garage, body shop, parts supplier, box store or online, yahoo videos that were helpful, etc.)

Not as of yet, and on a side note, all of this work has been done in our driveway, (no garage)

Also, on the D4RKS1DE ’35 name, obviously we are StarWars fans, the ’86 Mustang we had, my boys had named VADER, (of course all versions of this had been used for a vanity plate) D4RKS1DE was available, so, we kept the plate over the years and this was a good home for it. I’ve thought about having some StarWars inspired pin striping done when we get the body to that point.