Good customizing is more than adding parts or making traditional changes. In some cases there are no traditional parts that can be used to advantage, especially if you have an unusual ride.
I remember, back in the day, a friend had said in an apologetic way that he'd owned a '38 Ford Standard. Now, I will admit that these are somewhat outside the mainstream, since they used a '37 body and newly designed front end for only that year. The '38 Deluxe had an entirely different grille and the '39-40 body. Back when a guy could be choosy, '37s and '38s were circle track material. I always thought they were kind of cool, though.
The adaptation of a few modern touches can have a big effect on this forgotten Ford. The lighting conversions for '38-39s never seem to integrate very well. The most dramatic change here is the use of E-class Mercedes headlights that fit in the factory fender light contours to give a flow that blends perfectly with the de-chromed grille. A new contour-formed front bumper has been moved closer to the body and helps accent the swept-back grille design. As it's said, "Anyone can restore one. It takes a real man to chop one up," so down with the roofline. A modest 2-inch-or-so chop would result in a stealthier look. This was accomplished by pivoting the trunk and rear forward to meet the roof rather than by either of the traditional methods: leaning the windshield back or adding a section to lengthen the roof. The teardrop taillights, always referred to as '39s, were actually introduced in '38, no change needed here. The smooth-look '38 is accented here with the classic style of American wheels in 16/18-inch versions.
Of course the availability of hot rod parts to update any prewar Ford makes all the early Fords desirable, something that could never have been imagined back when these were under the torch to be made into "racers." The unsung cars of the past are the rodding material of the future. With just the headlight change alone, it's enough to have 'em saying, "That's cool. What is it?"