Thread: Hi Again!!! Its Here...My '52 Henry J

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I posted a bit back that I inherited my Dad's project car, a '52 Henry J. Dad died last year (and after diagnosed w/ pancreatic cancer, wanted to sell it so as not to "burden" me with it but I talked him out of that!). After Dad died I ended up with the whole estate to deal with so the car stayed in storage til I had a way to get it. I recently bought a house and made sure to get a 2 car garage so I could bring the car here (it was about 100 miles away where Dad had lived). Took a little doing to get things set up to get it here but finally....its here!!!!



Thats a shot in my garage. Here it is at the Cruise to the Woods car show about 5 months before Dad died, where he placed in the top 10 out of over 1000 cars....



Engine, a Chevy "Stroker" 350, 383 CU, bored out. It has a positraction rear end & air compressor, aluminum header. Wide back tires (I guess Dad wanted to drag race it?). No back seat to accomodate the back tires.



So thats my car/my Dad's car. Now I need to learn to handle the powerful engine vs. light body and start showing it!!!

Angela

No crying on a hot rod forum, right?

But thanks, thats nice to hear. I hope I can honor him well with it. I've considered having a decal on the back window honoring him by name some way, but not sure what I want it to say.

Its a nice way to keep his love of cars alive, though.

Angela

It seems that personalized plates, or a name lettered on the car would be appropriate.

Let's see....."Family tradition"...."The heirloom"...."Pop's Pride"...."Family Ties"...."My Inheritance"...."Hand-Me-Down"...."Family Obsession"....etc. :-)

Henry Js were most often regarded as candidates for a drag car. That would explain the big tires.

You and your dad were both lucky!

The area immediately above the front wheel well lips is just begging for one of the offerings from HOTRODPAINT. The front fenders or bottom of the trunk lid is where we put names when I was a kid (in the 50's). Bless you child for not liquidating one of your father's cherished posessions. You're special.

As far as the back window, a simple "In memory of John Doe, 19XX-20XX" or "In memory of Dad, 19XX-20XX" would be quite acceptable.

As far as the tires, it's fitted with "bigs and littles" in the tradition of hot rods since the beginning....it's part of the "eyeball" that makes the car so aesthetically pleasing.

Are you going to take it to the Goodguys event in July? Edd

How about "Thanks Dad!"

Sweet ride....Good to hear that you worked to keep it and even made sure it had a nice place in your garage.....'Keepin' the dream alive'

I could take it to Good Guys...hell, maybe I will. I'm supposed to be on vacation w/ my Mom over the 4th.......

But it needs to get there!

Angela

I dont know you,But I would be proud to call you my child!

thank you. Really. Its a really hard time to have this car here....I've always approached it with trepidation and reverence, and now I have to get to know it on a greasy, down to piston level.

It will be ok.

I am a quick study, and I have passion for all things vintage (hence my biz, www.dorotheasclosetvintage.com). Dad never really got my love of clothing, but at this point we are finding common ground.

But I miss him....


Angela

a beautiful car and a beautiful story behind it. i am sure that your dad is smiling.

Angela, as the father of two girls, I am well aware of the very special bond that can exist between a father and a daughter. By taking over ownership of this car that he loved, you have given him a wonderful gift. I'm sure he is very proud of you.

We are so proud to hear how you have kept your Dad's dream car in the family, and are taking such good care of it. You have to remember the love and work he put into it and even though he said he didn't want to burden you with it, secretly I bet he is smiling down on you for not following that wish of his. My Dad died when I was very young, and I wish I had some of his things to remember him by.

On another note, Henry J's are about as cool as a car can be. You won't find many rodders who don't secretly lust after one (me included) They are just bada**, especially when set up like yours. I bet a lot of guys have gasser envy when they see a female behind the wheel.

Thanks for sharing your story, and we are so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing.

Don

We love you with out meeting face to face - but certainly feel we know you Angela! I have three adult daughters and one (Diane) shares my love of all things mechanical. She's helped me build engines and even put an exhaust system on a car for me as a Christmas surprise one year. We're real close. Tears are a good thing, trust me - and know that you've endeared yourself to a whole lot of old men who would be proud to help you with anything we can and look forward to meeting you in person!

You've made friends (men and women alike) all over this great land without ever leaving Des Moines.

You continue to make your father a proud man! The car is great and some subtle scripting with some pin stripe accents would be just awesome! Keep us up to date!

Warm Regards,
Glenn

P.s. I have a son - he is single and handsome and wealthy and has a way cool truck. Give me a call - I could make you a deal, eh?

Wow, what a wonderful community you all have here (I'd say you "guys", but I see its not male-exclusive!). I'm touched by all the kind words. Adjusting slowly to the idea of having the car here and calling it "my car" instead of "Dad's car"....though it will always be Dad's car to me really. I wish I'd talked to Dad more about the mechanical aspects of the car, but I'll have to learn on my own. In which case I'm glad I found this place, odds are good I'll have questions!! I'm anxious to drive it but of course its raining today....

PS, Glenn...you're not trying to trade your son for the Henry J, are you? hahaha

Angela