Making Good on the Goal of Owning a 1939 Custom Ford Convertible
Never underestimate the enduring power of an automotive dream. It can linger for decades.
Just ask Ron Williams. In 1960, he bought a ’39 Ford convertible with visions of building it into a smooth, classy custom. Alas, his skillset and pocketbook conspired to change his plans, and he ended up trading the ’39 for a Model A hot rod. But the custom dream never died.
In 2015, Ron finally made good on his long-lingering dream and bought another ’39 Ford convertible. He immediately took it to metal shaping master Al Swedberg to chop the windshield posts, cut the rumble seat opening into a Lincoln-style trunk opening, and craft some flush-fit fender skirts. He also built a custom rear splash pan, installed a ’41 Ford fuel door, and fabricated ’40-style headlight rims to blend into the fenders. A ’40 Ford Standard hood and grille were also fitted, along with a narrowed ’41 Mercury dash.
Ron’s friend Kirk Ward helped with the chassis, which was based on the original frame that was partially boxed, C’d in the rear, and powder coated before being fitted with a dropped front axle and a 9-inch rearend on Posies leaf springs. A Saginaw steering box was also installed, along with front disc brakes paired with rear drums. Everything got rolling on 15-inch steel wheels wearing Diamondback Classic wide whitewall radials and ’56 Lincoln wheel covers.
Ron’s decades-old dream included a Cadillac engine, so he had Machine Works in Tucson rebuild a ’60 390c.i. V8 that was fitted with an aluminum four-barrel intake, electronic ignition, and other performance parts. There’s finned aluminum valve covers and plenty of chrome and polish, along with a TH400 automatic transmission and dual exhaust.
Greg Peterson was called on to perform the final bodywork and paint on the car. The custom-mixed DuPont aqua metallic color is one of those hues that shifts from blue to green depending on the light. It’s accented with polished stainless and chrome, including ’41 Buick trim on the fender skirts, ’37 DeSoto ripple bumpers, and ’39 Lincoln taillights.
A functional maroon cloth convertible top by Marvin Strickland adds more accent to the body. It matches the maroon leather upholstery, also by Strickland, that is stitched in classic rolls and pleats on the bench seat and door panels. The dash is painted to match and fitted with custom gauges, along with a ’55 Thunderbird steering column and ’55 Mercury wheel. A Gennie shifter finishes things off.
Finished in late 2024, Ron’s fine Ford convertible showcases classic custom style and excellent craftsmanship, while proving that it’s never too late to pursue a lingering automotive dream.
Congratulations to Ron Williams and for being named a Finalist for the Goodguys 2026 Scott’s Hotrods Custom of the Year with his timeless 1939 Ford Convertible!
Photos: Damon Lee
