MY LATEST PROJECT: 1954 FORD CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL CRUISER


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By alanfreeman - 6 Months Ago
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I am almost done with my latest (and last) Ford project.  This car is a real "P-Code" police car although it was first sold in West Virginia not in California.  I did a cosmetic restoration but most everything is original including the interior, wiring harness, and all of the rubber.  Much of the chrome was good although I did have the bumpers and grille done.  There was zero rust.  The mileage showed 29K when I bought the car and I believe it to be accurate in light of the condition of the car.   Although a              "P-Code" the car was originally painted light grey (maybe a chief's car) and it still had original paint when I got it.  A prior owner had upgraded to a 1960 292 which was rebuilt with a forges steel crank, aluminium pistons, ECZ-G heads with big valves ECZ-B Intake and 600 CFM holly carb.  I dressed the  engine up to look like the stock 256 including the large oil bath air cleaner.  I retroed the car back to a 6 volt system.  The car has all of the period correct CHP police equipment.  I did my first local show with the car and had a lot of fun showing it.  The little kids seemed to like it the most!  
By miker - 6 Months Ago
Way cool Alan and a great story. How about a picture of the interior and the hood up?
By FORD DEARBORN - 6 Months Ago
Great car, very nicely done. Now we can see what all your posts were about and I too would like to see some pics of within. I'm old enough to remember the fleet of '54 Ford police cars in the city I was raised in.  I remember the odd "whine" from many of the scout cars later learning it was from a supercharger. Ford used the Dearborn police department as a test bed. Great time and place to grow up in which my wife claims I never accomplished. Great preservation of history and good to see at least one Ford over there. Thanks for sharing....
By alanfreeman - 6 Months Ago
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By alanfreeman - 6 Months Ago
I just posted some more pics.  The interior is the usual Mainline Grey cloth and vinyl.  Special 120 MPH police speedometer.  The toggle switch panel to the left of the column controls the horn/siren, interior/exterior speakers and the rear flashing package tray lights.  The radio is the correct CHP G.E Pre-Progress 6 volt dated 1953.  I am still working on a cosmetic restoration of the transmitter/receiver units which mount in the trunk just behind the rear seat.  I have not yet detailed under the hood.  The block is supposed to be painted off white with red/orange valve covers and air cleaner.
By patm - 6 Months Ago
It is really looking good. Thank you for sharing those pictures.

Pat in AZ
By Marc - 6 Months Ago
That's really sharp!
By miker - 6 Months Ago
Looks great, thanks Alan.
By Lou - 6 Months Ago
I love original and correctly restored cars, this car is great !
By Ted - 6 Months Ago
Great restoration.  I'm sure it's fun to drive also.
By alanfreeman - 6 Months Ago
Thanks everyone for the really kind words!  Yes, the car is fun to drive as it has a lot more power than my other cars with 239 and 256 engines.
By 55blacktie - 6 Months Ago
Give those bootleggers a run for their money.