1946 Ford Fordor project

[1942deluxe]

While I'm in upholstery and glass jail on the 42 Deluxe coupe I decided to pull my late father in law's (now mine) Fordor in the garage. He bought the car from me back in 1991 when I was living in downstate Illinois. He drove it some and then parked it in the garage in the 1990's. Before our ownership it was repainted and upholstered. Found a receipt from 1984 for 4 new tires so I'm guessing the work was done in the early 1980's. So far I've replaced the fuel pump and installed a rebuilt distributor, both done by Charlie Schwendler. I replaced the battery cables and battery. It runs! Smoked pretty bad at first but that seems to be dissipating. Next steps are to clean up the fuel system and rebuild the brakes. When Chris has time I'll have him post some pictures.

[Seth Swoboda]

Who is making the uphostery for your '42? Will you be using authentic materials or something else?

[1942deluxe]

Seth, what I wanted on the 42 was somewhat close to the original patterns. Waited 7-8 months and it never came off back order. Ended up settling for something that will look "period" but not as original as I would've liked. When I got the car I think I checked Lebaron Bonney and as I recall they only made a kit for the Super deluxe but not the Deluxe. Not sure who my upholstery guy's supplier is but I'll try to find out for you. I do know he is fighting to get material.

[sugarmaker]

Folks,
Finally got to load John's pictures of his 1946 Ford four door project. Sorry my picture quality is not the best.






Regards,
Chris

[SoCalCoupe]

Only 3 pictures but it looks like you've really got something to work with there. Looking forward to seeing and reading more about this!

[sugarmaker]

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Folks we will get some additional details posted on the 46. Just that it is tucked away safely in John's garage, and we are miles apart. ( About 2)
Regards,
Chris

[sugarmaker]

Just had a minute:
Engine bay on the 46:


Regards,
Chris

[flatford8]

John, I have a Super Deluxe parts car. It looks a lot like yours. Same trim on the outside. Do you know the difference between the Deluxe and Super Deluxe? Is it just on the interior? That’s going to be another nice looking car.........Mark

[corvette8n]

That’s a pretty clean project to begin with, have fun.

[1942deluxe]

Mark, the differences are mainly in the interior although there is supposed to be a Deluxe emblem on the grille bars. The SD has an emblem on the drivers fender. Deluxe has a horn button instead of a horn ring. Two ashtrays instead of one. Gauges do not use the painted on numbers and are similar to 1942 but with a dark background. Upholstery was "plainer". Clock was also standard on the Super Deluxe. There was a book called "Closing the years of tradition" on the 46-48 Fords that gives a lot of information on the 46-8's. I think the Early Ford V8 foundation has it and it appears on Ebay sometimes.

[1942deluxe]

Pulled the rear hubs and drums off. Refresh my memory, please. Long shoe goes to the front along with the larger diameter of the wheel cylinder? Whoever did the brakes put the short shoe to the front on both sides. When I did the 42 brakes, they hedged their bets and did one with the short to the front and the other long.

[sugarmaker]

Folks,
Stopped at the office (big Irene's little dinor in Albion) on our way to John's to look at brakes with him. The car had a locked up right rear brake drum. My guess is by the time we get there he will have it off. That is pretty typical. He is very persistent! We looked at a leaky fuel pump to carb line and determined the outlet on the pump was not good shape. He replaced the top with one from another pump and had it going in short order. Will try to get some pictures today.
Regards,
Chris

[N8IWS]

Originally Posted by 1942deluxe

Pulled the rear hubs and drums off. Refresh my memory, please. Long shoe goes to the front along with the larger diameter of the wheel cylinder? Whoever did the brakes put the short shoe to the front on both sides. When I did the 42 brakes, they hedged their bets and did one with the short to the front and the other long.

It sounds right. In my 40 plus career as a mechanic, short shoe goes forward to apply pressure first to transfer the leverage to the long shoe.

[rustythumb]

if lockheed, long to the front!

[Bruce_MO]

Just asking… is that color “modern blue”? It sure looks like the color of my original ‘46 Mercury.

I’m going to be doing bodywork and paint soon, and I want to go back to the original color. I have a couple painted items (spare tire bracket in trunk, etc) that are not faded and weathered, and they are a deeper blue. But the weathered areas look just like this 4-door.

[1942deluxe]

Bruce_MO, it's a gun metal gray. I think the car may have been black as that's what the wheels are and they were supposed to be body color. Todays project was removing the front wheels for a brake inspection. Not happy with any of the drums. Need to see if anybody can turn them in the local area or start searching. Rustythumb, that's what I found doing a search for the 1939-48's. 49 up short shoe to the front if I understand correctly.

[mhsprecher]

The long shoe goes on the front, from what I have seen. I just did the brakes on my 39 Deluxe and long was in the front. Makes sense from me from a physics standpoint as the weight will transfer to the front under braking. I don't have my shop manual with me to check.

[sugarmaker]

Folks,
Having some difficulty loading pictures, see if these work? Not sure why they seem to be a little large?












Regards,
Chris

[sugarmaker]

Folks,
John is into the brakes on this 46. All drums off. inspection and pulling retailing rings and inside seals. Drums will be turned, clean up, then new shoes, wheel cylinders and maybe lines. stay tuned as he brings this car back on line.
Regards,
Chris

[Honda]

Nice old 1946 Ford you have there!

[mercman from oz]

Deluxe Badge fitted to 1946 Ford Deluxe models.
It is mounted on the top Stainless Grille Bar.
Notice that the background is very similar in shape to the Chevrolet Bow Tie?

[flatford8]

John, that is a very nice looking car. As I said, mine is a parts car and is a Super Deluxe. I bought it because it came with a Mercury engine and I wanted the axles, brake parts and wheels. You’re going to have a couple of very nice cars there........Mark

[1942deluxe]

I thought the car may have been painted but after a thorough examination of areas like the firewall and trunk I changed my mind. It appears to be Dark Slate Gray metallic per the Early Ford V8 41-48 book. Brake drums are machined for the front and brake parts along with new dash plastic are ordered from Joe's. Why the wheels aren't body color will never be known. Mark, my 48 business coupe probably looks the nicest but the 42 coupe will be the best mechanically. Also have a 1930 Model A Fordor that's presentable. I have a 1949 8N Ford tractor, 1954 Farmall Super H, and a 1946 Farmall BN. I'm going to be busy awhile just keeping everything running.

[sugarmaker]

Folks,
I spoke with a car friend and we may have found a shop in Erie that can turn the rear brake drums on the 46.
Regards,
Chris

[1942deluxe]

Anybody have any experience with Dennis Carpenters gas tanks and sending units for the 41-48 Fords? The website says the sending unit is compatible with stock gauges. I used a Drake tank and sending unit on the 42 Coupe and I'm fairly sure the sending unit is not accurate.

[sugarmaker]

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Folks,
I think John has his rear drums turned by a shop in Erie. Ireland's at 18th and sassafras st. Moving right along on this nice driver. We have a local show the end of April. Maybe it will be there?
Regards,
Chris

[1942deluxe]

I did get the rear drums turned. Old school machine shop in Erie that can still pour babbitt. He had a Model A and an 8BA engines that he was rebuilding for customers. 2nd generation guy that started with his Dad as a teenager. Rear drums were catching on the top of the short shoe. After the fact I looked at a couple of stray Ford reman shoes and the pad was to the bottom which would've cleared. New imported shoes have the pad to the top. Ground the ends that go into the wheel cylinder per instructions with the shoes. Put a taper on the end of the pad and the drums fit. Started it and put it in gear. It moved with no sign of brake drag. Earlier in the day I helped my brother put a new driveshaft in his 57 Nomad. It moved under it's own power for the first time since 1979. The dead are coming back to life here in Albion. Or at least the cars are.

[FortyNiner]

Originally Posted by 1942deluxe

Anybody have any experience with Dennis Carpenters gas tanks and sending units for the 41-48 Fords? The website says the sending unit is compatible with stock gauges. I used a Drake tank and sending unit on the 42 Coupe and I'm fairly sure the sending unit is not accurate.

The Carpenter tank is good quality and fit. There are a couple of specific items to know:
1. The fuel pick up location and threads are stock.
2. The fuel sender opening size and mounting hole pattern are not stock. The OE sender has a larger diameter than the DC unit.
3. The aftermarket sender unit IS NOT compatible with the original gauge - regardless of the seller's claims.
4. I chose to enlarge the sender opening to accommodate the OE sender after discovering the reality of the aftermarket units.
5. The mounting collar for the new tank can be made to work with the OE sender.
6. The DC gasket for the sender is useless.

[1942deluxe]

FortyNiner, thank you. That's what I suspected. I'm going to drain the original tank and see what I find. There are new bolts holdining it in and I found a repair order where it was "cut open and cleaned". The fuel gauge is working and I hope to keep it that way.

[sugarmaker]

Folks,
Sure sounds like 46 will be on the road soon! Albion will never be the same! Great to hear that it is moving! Nice job on the brakes. I will get over and help bleed them with you!
Regards,
Chris

[treeman]

Originally Posted by 1942deluxe

I thought the car may have been painted but after a thorough examination of areas like the firewall and trunk I changed my mind. It appears to be Dark Slate Gray metallic per the Early Ford V8 41-48 book. Brake drums are machined for the front and brake parts along with new dash plastic are ordered from Joe's. Why the wheels aren't body color will never be known. Mark, my 48 business coupe probably looks the nicest but the 42 coupe will be the best mechanically. Also have a 1930 Model A Fordor that's presentable. I have a 1949 8N Ford tractor, 1954 Farmall Super H, and a 1946 Farmall BN. I'm going to be busy awhile just keeping everything running.

Wow, Albion! I got my '46 coupe interior redone by Dave in Albion. You probably saw it sitting at his shop last summer. It's Satin Black...

[sugarmaker]

Treeman,
Sure we saw it! John and I both were drooling over it and checking it out. Looking forward to seeing you and your 46 at some local shows around the area! Your welcome to stop up to the shop.
Regards,
Chris

[1942deluxe]

Treeman, Dave is doing the upholstery on my 42 coupe in the 1942 Ford Deluxe Coupe project thread. Yours came out nice. Stop over anytime. If you can't PM yet Dave has both Chris and my phone numbers.

[treeman]

I don't see how to PM on this site, but I will check out your '42 project thread. It would appear that Chris needs to get a few tractors. The old tractors are my favorites. I have a '38 JD B, a '49 JD M, and a '36 JD BR on the way... Ever go to the Pioneer Steam Show in Saegertown?

[treeman]

Just went through your thread, nice '42! I was shocked when I saw the photo of my '46 on page 7! Also, disregard my saying Chris needs a tractor, I noticed he has a Golden Jubilee, a tractor I've always wanted!

[1942deluxe]

treeman,(1942deluxe) click on the name and it will give you the option to send a private message. I have a 1949 8N, 1946 Farmall BN and 1954 Farmall Super H along with a 1930 Model A. My nephew on Pont Road has a 1953 Jubilee. That Chris is out of control! At least that's what I tell my wife. I'll send you a private message with our phone numbers. Let me know if you get it. Chris is real active with the steam show. I helped with the old car exhibit last year.

[sugarmaker]

Folks,
Trying to get out of work at home I called John to see the status of the 46. Decided I could help with the brake bleeding project, play hooky, drive the 32, and take the wife along! Win,win,win,win! Well the brake project was delayed due to the need of a new brass fitting on the rear of the master cylinder. It was leaking and needed replaced. A quick call to Michael at third gen and that is in its way. Next we tried to drain gas tank. The plug seemed to be 80 years old! I told John I didn't think there was much gas in it. Sounded almost empty. What the heck dump some gas in the tank, hook up the fuel line and fire it up! It ran on the old/new gas mix, but was not happy!!
John took off the sediment bowl and dumped the varnish mix . Filled with fresh fuel and a little down the carb. Fired up and was running pretty good when we left.
Regards,
Chris

[flatford8]

You two guys could have your own “ Old Ford&Tractor” parade...if you can find enough drivers!!.....I’m enjoying all three of these threads very much!!.......Mark

[sugarmaker]

Mark,
We are trying to do a lot with the old equipment. I have car show April 30, plow day coming up may 13, tractor pull the next weekend. So the spring and summer is filling up. Also need to get in gear for the grand nationals V8 club show. I think we will try to sign up for motor muster after the show too
Bad news: computer crashed with the white screen of death. Content additions will be limited to text from my phone. Pictures??? Probably all gone crap happens)
Regards,
Chris and Cheryl

[treeman]

Got your PM, but can't respond until my post count moves up a bit...

[sugarmaker]

Folks,
John invited me to help on the 46 with bleeding the brakes. So I drove the 32 truck down to his place and we began. No fluid at right rear wheel cylinder! None at left rear wheel cylinder. None at right front. About ready to give up, we got fluid at the front left! Yikes!
Started taking portions on the lines off going to the rear and found the short flex hose was plugged! While open we blew air through the lines and did get some yucky old fluid and particles out. John had new flex hose for that mid car component. Re assembled we now had fluid to the rears. On the right front John removed the steel line from the flex hose to the wheel cylinder, and yes that flex hose was plugged also. When replaced, we were able to bleed all the cylinders, and get some amount of brake pedal. Thought we should try to adjust the master cylinder rod. Well I went too far and disengaged the rod. John had to remove the master cylinder again and will address the brake bleeding again in the future. We will win!
Regards,
Chris and Cheryl

[1942deluxe]

We made progress! Probably a dumb question but to get less pedal travel do you adjust the rod that goes into the clevis on the brake pedal assembly in or out?

[fordor41]

Originally Posted by FortyNiner

The Carpenter tank is good quality and fit. There are a couple of specific items to know:
1. The fuel pick up location and threads are stock.
2. The fuel sender opening size and mounting hole pattern are not stock. The OE sender has a larger diameter than the DC unit.
3. The aftermarket sender unit IS NOT compatible with the original gauge - regardless of the seller's claims.
4. I chose to enlarge the sender opening to accommodate the OE sender after discovering the reality of the aftermarket units.
5. The mounting collar for the new tank can be made to work with the OE sender.
6. The DC gasket for the sender is useless.

We used a "Tanks" fuel tank with an after market sender from Yogi's street rods with stock gauge and worked fine. Car as changed to 12V and used a 12-6V electronic reducer from Ron Francis.

[sugarmaker]

Folks,
John has moved and stopped the 46! So the fuel system and brakes are functioning! He has been working on some of the dash plastic replacement. including a new clock, radio, and antenna. I will try to get some pictures.
Regards,
Chris

[sugarmaker]

Folks,
Spent some quality time with John today and his 46. Bleeding the brakes was completed, and fluid toped off. Fuel system may need additional attention?
Then we moved to the 48 and got it started after some moves.
Regards,
Chris and Cheryl

[1942deluxe]

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Removed the sending unit from the gas tank. Yuk. Today is our 42nd wedding anniversary. Looks like Cathy will be getting a new fuel tank for our anniversary.

[sugarmaker]

John,
Congratulations! What a nice gift! I will include this clip of you and the 46 running on the blend of very old gas and some fresh fuel. (the short video below) is not too exciting but you have done a lot to bring this car back to being almost ready for the highway!
https://youtu.be/C0Fq-CzEZY0

Regards,
Chris and Cheryl

[1942deluxe]

The 46 is getting a new gas tank. Waiting on a ferrule and fitting. The old one looked good from the outside but was full of rust and crud. Little trip thru the weeds on the 48 business coupe and a no start condition. Ended up needing a starter (Chinese one crapped out), replaced with a NAPA rebuilt. Replaced spark plugs and wires on the 59AB. Running but acting like it was starving for fuel under load. Tried running from a can and no difference. Switched carburetors and fuel line to pump. No improvement. Reloaded the parts cannon and changed the coil as my wife suggested. Runs great now. I hate when she's right about a car!

[flatford8]

“Cathy will be getting a new fuel tank for our anniversary.”.......if you got away with this ......with out at least a good scolding.....I want to shake your hand !!.....LOL.....Mark

[1942deluxe]

Mark, the only thing she said was "Do I dare ask how much that is going to cost?". Cathy wants her own antique car but with an automatic transmission. We are going to look at a 1955 Ford Club sedan tomorrow. Whenever she wants something for the house I don't argue. I appear not to be in a position to,ha! I wonder what's appropriate for a 50th anniversary? Something like a rebuilt flathead engine?

[1942deluxe]

That gas tank may be the most expensive one I ever bought. We went to look at the 1955 Ford yesterday. Cathy really liked it and we made a deal. Very solid honest car and way above average underneath for this part of the country. Has a continental kit on it of which I'm not a big fan of. She said "I like it, don't touch it". Won't bring it home for a bit but will try to get pictures when we do.

[38 coupe]

Please start a thread for the 55 in the 54 and later forum area, and link to that thread here.

[1942deluxe]

38 coupe, will do when I get the car home.

[Preciousmetalsmotors]

Im looking for rear hub and drum for my 46.

[1942deluxe]

Place an ad in the wanted section of The Swap Meet section. I 've had some really good results doing that on the 42 coupe project. Be aware that there are two styles of drums/hubs. To my knowledge they do interchange though.

[big job]

You will love that car. Easiest shifting car on the planet. Do not need power steering and brakes. I use mine every day 12 mo. a year thats good for it sam