PO Box 2453

Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91729



CAL-RODS FEATURED CAR FOR MARCH 2018

Written by Doug Bithell

Owners: John & Blanca Duran

1947 FORD 4 DOOR DELUXE

COLOR:  FOREST GREEN    UPHOLSTERY: TAN MOHAIR

ENGINE:  MERCURY FLATHEAD               TRANS: STOCK 3 SPEED

REAR END: COLUMBIA 2 SPEED              WHEELS:  STEEL WITH BEAUTY RIMS          

FRONT END: 4” DROPPED AXEL

March’s featured Car is the somewhat stock looking restomod belonging to John and Blanca Duran. This car has that special appearance of being very comfortable with its age and still being a hot rod. Its paint and chrome/stainless work are the original factory stuff. The upholstery is the original type mohair. The engine, although having been replaced by a Mercury engine, still looks like a dressed up original.

Doc Conroy of the club has helped John with most of the creature comforts and changes such as,

rewiring the car, pulling the motor 2 times, pulling the trans three times, changing the rear end,

changing axels, changing to disc brakes, installing new gauges in the old bezel of the dash, and

numerous other jobs. Needless to say, the old Ford has kept John and Doc quite busy.


About 22 years ago, John was driving a Ranchero when a guy driving down the street flagged John

down and asked if he would like to trade cars. John liked the 47 Ford and said “OK”. The rest is

History as they agreed to trade right then and there.


John has taken the Ford to a lot of local events including Rubys, Santa Anita, Whittier Church Show, Legends, and many more. About the furthest he has taken it is the Palm Springs Dr. George Show.


This classic car presents itself extremely well, and I am glad it is one our CAL-RODS’ collection.

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