1940 ford sportsman?

[GB SISSON]

Has anyone built a 40 sportsman, or seen a photo of such a thing? I know they didn't exist in nature, but what a handsome thing it would be. That 36 roadster sort of got me thinking.....

[petehoovie]

1940 FORD SPORTSMAN CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE >

See my posts below....

[GB SISSON]

Thanks Pete, but I was thinking wood bodied sportsman as in '46 and 47. Sometimes I think about a wood bodied convertible. We have two whole months here in Western Washington where such a thing could be practical.

[woodiewagon46]

There have been several '47-'48 "phantom" Sportsman's and I've even seen a '32 roadster fabricated out of wood but never a 1940. It would make a beautiful car as many people think that the 1940 Ford is one of the most beautiful body styles ever built. Those compound curves around the trunk area could be a killer to fabricate.

[Kens 36]

Here is a '41 Mercury "Sportsman".

Ken

[CaliforniaBorn36]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Looking at the work you do, if anyone could build one I think it might be you. Is this next on your to do list?

[GB SISSON]

Originally Posted by CaliforniaBorn36

Looking at the work you do, if anyone could build one I think it might be you. Is this next on your to do list?

Just thinking out loud at this point. That merc looks like a factory job! I don't have the money to build a 40ish that would pass muster in most circles. I have a factory cowl and I could imagine a pair of fiberglass fenders. I also have a running chassis with most of the right dimensions, but alas, not a 40 ford. The build if ever started would probably be best on the hamb. Hoping to finish stripping the chassis this weekend.

[Tim Ayers]

That would be one great looking car. I absolutely love the Sportsmans. It incorporates two things I love: Wood bodied cars and a convertible

[petehoovie]

Here you go! > http://www.cruisenewsonline.com/Indi...nvertible.html
GB - You can do this! Piece of cake for you....

This super cool 1940 Ford Woody convertible belongs to Cocoa Beach resident Gilles Rodier. It is painted a redish-maroon with a set of steel wheels accented by baby moon hubcaps, beauty rings and wide whitewall tires. Inside you’ll find a tan vinyl and cloth interior with a tilt wheel, power steering and A/C, while under the hood resides a small block Chevy backed by an automatic transmission.

[petehoovie]

Or, you can build this plastic model > http://cs.scaleautomag.com/sca/model.../t/113492.aspx

[V8COOPMAN]

Somebody's momma once said that if'n ya can't say something nice,...…!


So, I'll just keep my mouth shut. DD























YUK! (So, I lied!)
…………...

[cas3]

i think a roadster pickup would fit the bill for an active guy like you in the summer months like a wood Ute

[GB SISSON]

I get it, Mr Koopman. I totally get it. Like the woodie I just returned home from town in, mine wouldn't have a tilt wheel or auto trans and where there wasn't a half inch of dust there would be bird 'droppings' from all the swallows in my shed. It would be laughed off the concourse at Pebble Beach, but a blast to bomb around the island in. Maybe even a rumble seat for the grandkids!

[GB SISSON]

Originally Posted by cas3

i think a roadster pickup would fit the bill for an active guy like you in the summer months like a wood Ute

CAS, you musta read my mind.. Way more funky and slightly easier to build. It would wear the bird s#!+ better than a sportsman. There was a guy that went by \willowbilly' on FTE. He built a VERY nice RPU from many parts. Drove the wheels off of it. He was about my age 67 but he passed away from cancer about 2 years ago. It wasn't a rat rod, no navajo blankets on the seats (yawn) or hand grenade shifter, no skulls, no crossbones and no barbed wire. Just a fun open truck made from what he had on his N Dakota farm. He was an inspiration. Not saying I'm not thinking of a sportsman as well, but whatever it ends up it should be interesting. I didn't get any more stripping done on the chassis today. Too hot out.

[19Fordy]

Remember: Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.

[51504bat]

Originally Posted by GB SISSON

CAS, you musta read my mind.. Way more funky and slightly easier to build. It would wear the bird s#!+ better than a sportsman. There was a guy that went by \willowbilly' on FTE. He built a VERY nice RPU from many parts. Drove the wheels off of it. He was about my age 67 but he passed away from cancer about 2 years ago. It wasn't a rat rod, no navajo blankets on the seats (yawn) or hand grenade shifter, no skulls, no crossbones and no barbed wire. Just a fun open truck made from what he had on his N Dakota farm. He was an inspiration. Not saying I'm not thinking of a sportsman as well, but whatever it ends up it should be interesting. I didn't get any more stripping done on the chassis today. Too hot out.

And he was a hell of an artist/metal sculpturer as well. Left us way too young.

[V8COOPMAN]

That obviously JUST DOES NOT WORK on a '40...….period! DD

[cas3]

so, a 40 ute is not attractive? heck i had a 49 chevy 1/2 ton with the roof cut off, and the doors welded shut and cut down like a jeep when i was a kid. wish i still had it. it was a piece of crap that provided many miles of happy summer nights. with GB's skills, i would be hesitant to say anything is not possible

[GB SISSON]

I would never cut up a real 40 ford to make something like I am proposing. Too expensive to buy and to buy parts for. Besides, I tend to stay away from vehicles with an enclosed drive line. I would consider taking a chassis of similar dimensions, mount a ford cowl and some useable or f/glass 40 ford fenders and play with ideas on some kind of open car with a body made primarily of wood. I have found that when one paints fiberglass fenders, running boards etc with rustoleum rusty metal primer using a brush, they look an awful lot like really straight steel stuff. After all, who would buy plastic fenders and do that? Your typical fiberglass fender guy puts 12 coats of candy apple red on em. (groan)If I get to this project I will give a shout out and anybody interested can see some pics. Trying to explain my unusual way of making vehicles from what is available is like talking politics to your relatives and hoping to change their minds. Or starting another motor oil thread or.......

[truckdog62563]

Please check your email, Gary. I sent pics of an article from the current month’s V8 Times with early Sportsman concept drawings. Hope the iPhone pics are clear enough to let you read the article.

Fittingly, the word of the day at the Dictionary.com site is “vicarious”. We all watch your projects as they evolve and marvel at your talent and vision. Stu

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

That obviously JUST DOES NOT WORK on a '40...….period! DD

I respect your right to have an opinion, but I couldn't disagree more. It's different enough to have people scratching their heads wondering if that was factory or not.

I'd say, if you can build it, why not? I'd go a step further. I'd stuff a 427 aluminum SBC, 6 speed trans, and Champ QC rear end in it and smoke the tires whenever I could. It would make some of the Ford purist faint with disbelief.

Now that is my kind of fun!

One of my favorite Sportsman was the one featured in TRJ a few years back. It had a somewhat of a hot rod stance and had an Ardun under the hood. Looked incredible.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

Remember: Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.

I LOVE this - so true.

[tubman]

While I generally agree with the guys on this, sometimes you have a bunch of parts that really aren't worth trying to bring back to original. With some skill and effort, they can be brought back to life as something like this. Since I have never owned a '40 , I have no preconceived idea about them and their "purity of design). Thus, I kind of like this "creation".

Well, I did have a '40 Standard sedan for about a week in 1959 before my dad had it hauled out of the yard, but that hardly counts.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by Tim Ayers

I respect your right to have an opinion, but I couldn't disagree more. It's different enough to have people scratching their heads wondering if that was factory or not.

I'd say, if you can build it, why not? I'd go a step further. I'd stuff a 427 aluminum SBC, 6 speed trans, and Champ QC rear end in it and smoke the tires whenever I could. It would make some of the Ford purist faint with disbelief.

Now that is my kind of fun!

Hey Tim....You're a funny man, my friend! I never had a problem at all with neatly doing any of that 'go-fast' engineering in an old Ford, and then showin' my ass with it. I've managed to desecrate way more than one old Ford in my time. Heck, we still own a sweet little '40 coupe that bears no resemblance to how Henry equipped it underneath 80 years ago (read my PROFILE). I can appreciate the REAL Sportsman's just fine, but TO ME.....that wood just looks so out of place on a '40 convertible, especially above and behind that rear fender. I imagine Kube's probably layin' down with an ice pack on his head after seeing this rig. And, anybody that has to wonder if that was 'factory' or not....ain't no real 'car guy'! DD

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

Hey Tim....You're a funny man, my friend! I never had a problem at all with neatly doing any of that 'go-fast' engineering in an old Ford, and then showin' my ass with it. I've managed to desecrate way more than one old Ford in my time. Heck, we still own a sweet little '40 coupe that bears no resemblance to how Henry equipped it underneath 80 years ago (read my PROFILE). I can appreciate the REAL Sportsman's just fine, but TO ME.....that wood just looks so out of place on a '40 convertible, especially above and behind that rear fender. I imagine Kube's probably layin' down with an ice pack on his head after seeing this rig. And, anybody that has to wonder if that was 'factory' or not....ain't no real 'car guy'! DD

Hey, hey Coopman. I hear you loud and clear. Just a friendly discourse. A boy can dream, right?

To me, a ‘40 deck out in wooden sides looks more like a fancy Town & Country car than the Sportsman does. The nose of a ‘40 is the ticket.

[GB SISSON]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Since the '40-'47 cabs are nearly the same, I figured my '47 factory cowl would be similar also. I have a 41 pickup hood sitting on that cowl out back on a junker frame. Track width on a '40 is about 2 1/2" narrower than the jailbar trucks. My donor measures very close in track width to a '40-41. I hate seeing vehicles built with ill fitting parts and the wheels outside the fenders looking like a 'hot wheels' toy car. Remember, I hate butchering nice, original fords as much as the next guy. I'm the guy that just mounted a 120 hp 6 cyl turbo-diesel in my '47 tonner without cutting, welding or drilling a single hole in the frame or sheet metal. It became a mental competition for me. I Did cut 4" out of the front coupling drive shaft, but I have 3 more of that part on the shelf. On that truck, the swap is totally reversible back to a factory six or V8 with nothing but wrenches. That's for the 'next guy' though. I'm loving the torque.

[cas3]

i have the two outside sections of a 40 deluxe grill to donate. yours for shipping. but will they match up to a 41 hood?

[GB SISSON]

Wow! Thanks! I don't know much at all about 40-41 vehicles and what mates up. I wouldn't alter good ford stuff so it will be good for the next guy doing a proper restoration.

[deuce_roadster]

Personally, I can't get past the color. I think the red looks awful with the color of the wood. Maybe he made it out of a roach woodie cowl and pieces of a convertible. Any way you look at it, it is a WHOLE LOT OF WORK. Having helped make ALL the wood for my 40 wagon (including the plywood) I have to give props to the workmanship.

[GB SISSON]

Originally Posted by deuce_roadster

Personally, I can't get past the color. I think the red looks awful with the color of the wood. Maybe he made it out of a roach woodie cowl and pieces of a convertible. Any way you look at it, it is a WHOLE LOT OF WORK. Having helped make ALL the wood for my 40 wagon (including the plywood) I have to give props to the workmanship.

Candy apple red...horrible on a woodie. Not even good on an apple. Probably has fiberglass fenders.

[mercman from oz]

That is one good looking 1941 Mercury Sportsman Convertible, even if the factory didn't produce any of this model.

[deuce_roadster]

Agree, of all the 40-48s I am partial to the 41 Mercs. They should have made this one! Looks close to Cloud Mist Gray which I like a lot.

[cas3]

candy apple red..."not even good on an apple" good humor for the day!

[alt63bird]

Originally Posted by petehoovie

Or, you can build this plastic model > http://cs.scaleautomag.com/sca/model.../t/113492.aspx

Uh, didn't Chevrolet do this kind of applique treatment to their '46-'48 Fleetline torpedo-back sedans?

[GB SISSON]

Kudos on your use of the word 'applique'... This lead in to the wallpaper woodie. Not saying anything wrong with them. Heck, as a youngster I grew up with a '60 country squire, which got traded in for a late model falcon squire. Just not a true wooden car.

[flatford8]

I think that is GREAT looking car in post #31.....except for those white walls......OH.....did I say that out loud?????....Mark

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by flatford8

I think that is GREAT looking car in post #31.....except for those white walls......OH.....did I say that out loud?????....Mark

I agree. It is truly remarkable how much white walls change the look of a car.

That Merc looks like a wooden body though. Would need to see how it wraps around into the trunk area to really tell.

Does anyone know?

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by flatford8

I think that is GREAT looking car in post #31.....except for those white walls......OH.....did I say that out loud?????....Mark

That '41 Merc looks pretty damned nice, even with the WWs. And you know, even this blue '40 with the wood tastefully remaining below the stainless trim, and terminating just beyond the center of the rear fender, and NOT grossly thrown-up that windshield post like on the red car....fairly nice looking. The red one comes-across as a just having some lumber thrown at it haphazardly, suggesting to me... 'just because they could'. DD









………..

[Kens 36]

Originally Posted by Tim Ayers

I agree. It is truly remarkable how much white walls change the look of a car.

That Merc looks like a wooden body though. Would need to see how it wraps around into the trunk area to really tell.

Does anyone know?

The Merc is a real wooden body. The car is owned by a friend in Wisconsin. It was created from his imagination and put together over 16 years by some remarkable craftsmen in three states. There were two donor cars, original Sportsman door frames, and N.O.S. mahogany from the Iron Mountain plant.

My photo does not do it justice - it is breathtaking in person and looks like it could be a factory vehicle. The craftsmanship is impeccable. I also think the whitewalls work.

Ken

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by Kens 36

The Merc is a real wooden body. The car is owned by a friend in Wisconsin. It was created from his imagination and put together over 16 years by some remarkable craftsmen in three states. There were two donor cars, original Sportsman door frames, and N.O.S. mahogany from the Iron Mountain plant.

My photo does not do it justice - it is breathtaking in person and looks like it could be a factory vehicle. The craftsmanship is impeccable. I also think the whitewalls work.

Ken

Haha. Thanks, Ken. I appreciate the information and insight. Whitewalls aside, it does look remarkably well done. I'd love to see more picts. I agree with your statement, it does look like a factory made vehicle the picts that are posted. Please pass along kudos to the owner. I love it.

[GB SISSON]

I think whitewalls are similar to the next generation's raised white letters or perhaps ROWL. About 20 years ago I bought a used 3/4 ton diesel 4x4 suburban to use as my work vehicle (vans can't get up my hill). It came from a dealer on the mainland. It had raised outline white letter tires. I was so offended by them that I stopped by Ace Hardware in Anacortes and bought a can of flat black spray paint to shoot on them at the grocery store parking lot before I lined up for the ferry. Well I bought my ticket and later I sauntered off to casually view my new prize from a distance and the tires were a mess of curdled up black paint, like potato chips with the raised white letters peeking through. The dealer had armoralled the tires and it reacted with the paint. I have never uttered a word about this til now. Like my buddy in Maine, I guess I'm just a plain ol blackwall guy.

[51504bat]

Originally Posted by GB SISSON

I think whitewalls are similar to the next generation's raised white letters or perhaps ROWL. About 20 years ago I bought a used 3/4 ton diesel 4x4 suburban to use as my work vehicle (vans can't get up my hill). It came from a dealer on the mainland. It had raised outline white letter tires. I was so offended by them that I stopped by Ace Hardware in Anacortes and bought a can of flat black spray paint to shoot on them at the grocery store parking lot before I lined up for the ferry. Well I bought my ticket and later I sauntered off to casually view my new prize from a distance and the tires were a mess of curdled up black paint, like potato chips with the raised white letters peeking through. The dealer had armoralled the tires and it reacted with the paint. I have never uttered a word about this til now. Like my buddy in Maine, I guess I'm just a plain ol blackwall guy.

Funny how thoughts about white walls/black walls change over time, at least for me. When I was in Jr. High building AMT 3 in 1 models I couldn't stand the black wall drag slips that I put on most of the cars I built. Of course I tried to make white wall slicks by painting the black walls with white paint. Well just like GB, that didn't work out so well. My current '54 Ranch Wagon project came with white walls and I can't wait until its far enough along to warrant new black walls. So, 55 years ago it had to be white walls. Now for this old fart it's black walls on everything. Of course in the late '60's early '70's there were a few red line wide ovals on my '65 Falcon 2 dr. wagon but that's a different story.

[woodiewagon46]

If anyone is serious about building a '40 Sportsman, you don't have to "cut up" a real car. There is a company by the name of Treehouse Woods, that manufactures a 1940 cowl section including a complete floor pan to build a 1940 Ford Woodie. Aftermarket frames are available from several companies. Treehouse Woods also reproduces most of the hardware for the '40 Station Wagon also.

[51504bat]

GB,
If you decide against the Sportsman there is always this woodie AND it has an 8ba in it so no crab/helmet distributor that you love so well. Its just down the road from me and I'll be happy to check it out for you. Lol

https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/...182015882.html
1948 Ford Woody - $18,000 (Loma Linda)

1948 Ford Super Deluxe Woody Wagon built 3/2/1948. Bought in the early 70s and have owned it since then. Bought from Royal Muffler shop in Redlands and drove it throughout western states; including California, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Oregon, and Washington. Engine ran when parked approximately 25 years ago.

Engine is a late model flathead and has a truck bellhousing. Has all three seats. Passenger door needs to be fixed.

[GB SISSON]

Good price I would think for such a complete car. I will pass as I don't need two station wagons. The sportsman thing is because it's fun to have an open car in the summer around here. And I love a challenge.

[1952henry]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Originally Posted by truckdog62563

Please check your email, Gary. I sent pics of an article from the current month’s V8 Times with early Sportsman concept drawings. Hope the iPhone pics are clear enough to let you read the article.

Fittingly, the word of the day at the Dictionary.com site is “vicarious”. We all watch your projects as they evolve and marvel at your talent and vision. Stu

GB and Stu, a fellow on the Hamb antiquated forum is building a PW woodie. Someone passed on GB's contact info. And Willowbilly was talented like no other.

[GB SISSON]

Thanks 52Henry, I saw it and I have now talked to him on two occasions. He and I have similar backgrounds and interests for sure. I still have two really good friends that refuse to use a computer or cellphone. I'm so glad I am not of their ilk, because look at the great connections we make. And living in a remote spot such as myself and many others, how else could all this info be shared so easily.

[sawzall]

the way I see it, the 40 coupe / convert just isnt square enough to make this work.. if you have the chance to line a sportsman up against a real 46 - 48 convert its amazing how boxy they are.. doing a 40 sportsman would require a boxy rear section.. and the entire design would go out the window..

Originally Posted by mercman from oz

That is one good looking 1941 Mercury Sportsman Convertible, even if the factory didn't produce any of this model.

Originally Posted by Kens 36

The Merc is a real wooden body. The car is owned by a friend in Wisconsin. It was created from his imagination and put together over 16 years by some remarkable craftsmen in three states. There were two donor cars, original Sportsman door frames, and N.O.S. mahogany from the Iron Mountain plant.

My photo does not do it justice - it is breathtaking in person and looks like it could be a factory vehicle. The craftsmanship is impeccable. I also think the whitewalls work.

Ken

Ive had the chance to see this 41 merc, and as mentioned its real.. from what I am told it was built on a bit of a bet.. needless to say, it and the owners other sportsman are both stunning.. The wood is accurate to early sportsman cars ..

Originally Posted by woodiewagon46

If anyone is serious about building a '40 Sportsman, you don't have to "cut up" a real car. There is a company by the name of Treehouse Woods, that manufactures a 1940 cowl section including a complete floor pan to build a 1940 Ford Woodie. Aftermarket frames are available from several companies. Treehouse Woods also reproduces most of the hardware for the '40 Station Wagon also.

I spoke with treehouse earlier this year, and i am not sure that he is continuing the cowl construction.. I have part of a cowl (lower) and maybe a 39 windshield surround (if I still have it) that could be had cheap..

ironically I found myself dreaming of a RPU recently..

[Automotive Stud]

Originally Posted by sawzall

the way I see it, the 40 coupe / convert just isnt square enough to make this work.. if you have the chance to line a sportsman up against a real 46 - 48 convert its amazing how boxy they are.. doing a 40 sportsman would require a boxy rear section.. and the entire design would go out the window..

I'm inclined to agree with you. The '40 decklid has a lot more slope than the postwar cars. The execution of the wood decklid would make or break the whole thing for me.

[GB SISSON]

If a person was to start with nothing but a cowl/firewall mounted behind the engine, why could he not dictate the slope of the trunk lid etc? I could make it a boat tailed speedster if I chose to. Once you stray from the ford blueprints, you just start sawing and bending boards. I would think the rear could be built boxy or slopey. I see no reason to follow the lines of the metal car. My wheelbase will be adjustable as well.

[sawzall]

Originally Posted by GB SISSON

If a person was to start with nothing but a cowl/firewall mounted behind the engine, why could he not dictate the slope of the trunk lid etc? I could make it a boat tailed speedster if I chose to. Once you stray from the ford blueprints, you just start sawing and bending boards. I would think the rear could be built boxy or slopey. I see no reason to follow the lines of the metal car. My wheelbase will be adjustable as well.

actually.. the boattail sounds excellent..

I guess my point is that the shape of a 40 decklid.. is something that makes a 40 ford..

[GB SISSON]

My thought was more to build a wood bodied roadster that I hoped would be pleasing to the eye. It was not to duplicate the sportsman's wood parts and graft them to a 40 type front end. Keep in mind this is still in it's infancy and may also end up as an open pickup with my factory cowl, then an open area with seat followed by a painted wood pickup box with low sides and flare boards at the top. I still haven't stripped the chassis yet. I have looked at various chassis drawings for the 40 ford, but have not come up with a critical dimension, that being the distance from the indent in the firewall to the center of the front axle. Can anybody help me out with that? Thanks.

[truckdog62563]

Gary - is 1941 close enough if nobody has the specs for 1940? I have the handbook with all that for 1941. Stu

[Zeke3]

Gary, I have a 1937 passenger car without the front suspension installed. The dimension from the indent in the dash panel (aka firewall) to the center of the square hole in the crossmember for the front spring is 23.5".

[GB SISSON]

My factory cowl is from a jailbar series. The jailbar cabs are said to be virtually the same cab as the 40-41, therefore I'm thinking a 41 hood, which I have should work. But the fenders have to line up with the placement of my front axle.... I guess I'm saying a 41 (pickup) dimensions should work. Thanks.! Had a great day running around today in the 72 degree Saturday sun in my shop-built woodie wagon.

[truckdog62563]

I’ll email the ‘41 spec info. Stu