Alright, gearheads, I’ve got a story straight out of a classic car lover’s dream. Imagine stumbling upon a 1955 Ford Fairlane – a true old-school custom cruiser – sitting in a barn, covered in dust, and untouched for over a decade. That’s exactly what happened over at Pole Barn Garage, and now the big question is: can we get this beauty back on the road, or is she destined to remain a hidden gem forever?
The Barn Find
This isn’t just any old Fairlane. This one’s got some serious pedigree. We’re talking about upholstery by the legendary Bob Cypes and a hood sculpted by Ray Farner. Yeah, those guys.
But here’s the kicker: despite its famous lineage, this car’s been sitting idle for over 10 years, gathering dust and slowly sinking into automotive obscurity. It’s like finding a rock star from the ‘50s who’s been hiding out in a cabin all this time. You know it’s got stories to tell.
A Little Bit of Old, a Little Bit of New
Pop the hood and you’re greeted by a small block Chevy engine – because why not throw a Chevy heart into a Ford body? That’s hot rodding for you!
The car had been mated with a Camaro subframe, complete with disc brakes and power windows. So, we’ve got a bit of modern functionality packed into this classic shell. A little Frankenstein action, but in the best way possible.
Before we can even think about getting this baby back on the road, she needs a serious wash. We’re talking about layers of barn dust so thick you could write a novel on it. The first order of business is to get her clean and assess the damage. The paint? It’s seen better days. The body? Well, let’s just say she’s got some character lines -if by character, you mean dents and scratches.
The interior’s actually not looking too bad, thanks to that classic Bob Cypes upholstery. But after sitting for over a decade, it’s got that musty, been-in-a-barn-too-long vibe.
We’re talking a deep clean to get rid of the grime and, let’s be real, the smell of time. A little elbow grease goes a long way when you’re trying to resurrect a legend.
Bringing Her Home
We’re not taking any chances driving this newly awakened beast home. She’s going on a trailer, because nothing’s worse than being that guy broken down on the side of the road after a barn find.
Once she’s back in the garage, the real work begins. Time to go over everything with a fine-tooth comb: tighten up those loose columns, check out the engine, and make sure she’s ready to hit the streets.
The dream? To drive this ‘55 Ford Fairlane to the big car show in Iola, Wisconsin. That’s the ultimate test of whether this old cruiser can still hold her own on the road. The team’s pumped but also realistic. They know every mile is a test of their restoration skills and the car’s ability to shake off the rust (literally and figuratively).
So, will this Fairlane roar back to life, or is she doomed to be a garage queen? The Pole Barn Garage team is ready to do whatever it takes to get her cruising again. This is about bringing a piece of history back to life and showing that with a little love (and a lot of patience), you can resurrect even the rustiest of legends.
Stay tuned, because this journey is just getting started.
About Pole Barn Garage
