Help with my 46 Super Deluxe Coupe Sedan

[Jersey Joe 67]

Hello to all,

First let me start out by saying I'm not real mechanically inclined but made a promise to myself to try and start learning.

Some people bring home stray dogs or significant others and try to "save" them but me, I bring home anything with wheels.

I know I'm in WAY over my head in terms of the ratio between cash on hand and what this car needs, along with know how to do things myself, but I know I'll never learn so....

The car was at a "friends" garage and he was supposed to get me going in the right direction and start building a foundation for the project.
Well it didn't quite go as well as I'd expected.

Outwardly the car is pretty fugly, especially since someone chose to put Cragar wheels on her .
She's also got some serious "patina" with some holes here and there.

The first issue I wanted to address were the floors as they were pretty rotted out.
The "friend" was to replace the rot and get her solid so I could clean up the interior and at least have a decent cabin for the family to ride in.

So the plan was to clean up the rot issues in the floor, get the motor running well & do a complete revamping of the brakes wiring & fuel system so that the car would be both safe & comfortable for my family to cruise in.

I'm not really concerned with the outward appearance other then getting rid of those HORRIBLE Cragers & getting replacement glass.
The paint or whatever I decide to do, will be addressed last.

Here's what's been done & bought so far;

All new brake lines drums wheel cylinders calipers etc.

Original starter & generator rebuilt

Radiator flushed & Pressure tested

Replaced some sheet metal in the floor

New wires and tune up parts , hoses , along with cosmetic clean up (painting motor)

New fuel tank (not yet installed)

New Rug (not yet installed)

The interior as you can see from the pics, was redone in some diamond pleats or whatever you would call it, and was continued in the trunk.
Not really sure what era it would have been done in (opinions) but I love the look and just want to clean it up and install a headliner eventually.

For some reason, said "friend" never wanted to remove the rear seat and check what was going on under there so that's next on the agenda.

Now for the trunk, she's pretty rough.
I think mine came with a tool tray which is completely gone, so I purchased a new one to have welded in.

The latch mechanism is totally shot an I'm assuming will have to be fabricated by scratch since I've never seen any new one's you can purchase.
I'd LOVE some suggestions here as far as what to do.

The rest of the trunk is very rusty and I'm thinking maybe I should just cut it all out and put some fresh sheet metal in it's place.

Question is do should I just cut it out and weld in new metal or does anyone make a direct weld in replacement

I've seen some complete floors advertised pretty inexpensively but I'm not sure if they're the best quality or route to take since I'm not looking for an exact restoration

I guess I should have said I'm not looking to build a show car or a do a true restoration, but I just want something fun safe and reliable I can take the family out for ice cream in on a Saturday night.

I do however want the car to stay pretty stock looking with a few nice custom touches to make it my own.

I'm on a very tight budget as I'm sure most of us are, and could use any help or advice so as not to waste any more $ then I already have on shoddy work or unnecessary parts.

Here are some pictures & thanks for taking the time to read my long winded sob story;

[Jersey Joe 67]

[Jersey Joe 67]

[Jersey Joe 67]

Oh one other thing;

The drip rail is separating from the car & I'd like to retain it. Can anyone give me advice on the best way to fabricate a new one

Sorry about the picture dimensions, I tried editing them on Photobucket but they don't seem to resise on here

[waterboychuck]

I also have a 46 coupe and used EMS engineering http://emsautomotive.com/index.php?r...ory&path=18_60 for panels. Your rocker panels do not look good? Have you examined them? I hope that you replace the wiring in the car for safety sake. Good idea on the brakes. Just go over the chassis and replace what needs to done like maybe tie rods, bushings.... shot me a pm with your email address if you need any photos.

[Jersey Joe 67]

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Originally Posted by waterboychuck

I also have a 46 coupe and used EMS engineering http://emsautomotive.com/index.php?r...ory&path=18_60 for panels. Your rocker panels do not look good? Have you examined them? I hope that you replace the wiring in the car for safety sake. Good idea on the brakes. Just go over the chassis and replace what needs to done like maybe tie rods, bushings.... shot me a pm with your email address if you need any photos.

Thanks so much for the reply and offer to help WBChuck, I can certainly use it.

I don't know for sure about the rockers but the guy doing the work didn't mention any issue there.
Not that that means anything.

I've owned the car since winter but I just picked her up yesterday and she's still on the trailer (can't open the doors).
I need to find a spot for her before I unload as it's not something I care to push back on the trailer .

As far as the wiring goes I purchased a harness already and plan on replacing everything.

[bbrust]

I like the look of the car. As bad as it may seem to you, it's probably in better shape than many of the cars were when bought by members of the barn. It looks like you have gutted the interior and removed the front sheet metal. In response to another poster, you state that "the guy doing the work didn't mention any issue there" referring to the rockers. Is the guy still working on the floor or was the patch you showed his only repair? Now would be the best time to fix the floor but how to do it depends on you. It sounds like you need to find a friend with a welder. The best result would be to replace the floor but you may be able to temporarily weld in patch panels but the floor looks pretty weak to me. The prior poster already referred you to EMS Automotive. They make a lot of sheet metal and may have everything you need. In addition to the rockers, under the floor you'll find braces that probably are rusted and need replacing.

With the front sheet metal removed, you can begin the tedious cleanup (scrub, sand and paint) of the frame and firewall. Make sure the suspension and steering is working correctly. It's much easier to do this work with the sheet metal off. This will be a good way for you to learn what all the holes, lines, etc. are used for.

Just curious to know if the engine runs.

I'd suggest moving to the trunk once the rest of the car is in operational condition. Don't install the fuel tank until the trunk rust work is completed. Removing/replacing the wheels can wait until the car is ready for the road.
Bob

[waterboychuck]

I have to agree with Bob. If you can afford it buy a Mig welder. I have miller that runs on 110V and work great for my needs. Here is a site that you can go to http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/...ding-tips.html
He starts off with basic stuff which is what you need along with practice. Welding in patch panels in my opinion should be done using 1.4 inch rosettes. It will hold better. Learning to fabricate is a great asset. It certainly gave me confidence with what I do.

[FortyNiner]

EMS also sells replacement trunk floor pans for tool tray models.

[Jersey Joe 67]

Thanks so much to both of you guys, that's why I love this site!

The car is now in my possession and the person is no longer working on her.
The frontend is back on the car but I plan to take it along with the rear fenders off to continue on the body repair.

The engine turns freely but was never started as of yet.
I'm not sure whether to try and get her going before doing the new harness or after.

The car does not appear to have any body work at all or to have ever been involved in an accident, which is pretty shocking.
I'm not 100% on this but I really see no evidence of any work being done.

I will take your advice bbrust and check all the braces and such underneath.
The frame is very solid and I'm happy that the brakes have been completely done along with the lines.

I planned on doing the trunk and fuel tank together.

A friend just told me to look into giving her a bath in something called "CLR", I'm looking into that now.


As far as the wheels go, I know that is probably the least important issue at this point but it's painful to look at!! lol

[Jersey Joe 67]

I'm definitely going to go with all your recommendations to use EMS for the floor. I wanted to make sure I was dealing with a quality product before spending the $.

I do have access to a welder and a very good friend who will help me along the way with the project.
I'm not rushing this one, I want to do things right even if it takes a little longer.

[Mike in AZ]

looks like a fun project.....you said you purchased a wiring harness?....from?...you should be able to get quite a bit of help here for your project....have fun and good luck.....Mike

[Jersey Joe 67]

Got the harness from MACs

[36 ford]

Get some wide whites on her and she'll look much better. Have to agree with losing those cragars. Try to get it to run before wiring and if it fires up you'll be motivated to get the wiring done. Bob (BBrust) has been helping me on my 39' and we got it running and then tackled the wiring with some good help from Jerry Seery.

Phil

[bbrust]

You state "I'm not sure whether to try and get her going before doing the new harness or after". I don't see any under hood wiring in the pictures with the front end off to even attempt a start. A typical old Ford uses many harnesses such as the engine compartment, front lighting, interior(dash); power to the rear (which includes wires for the brake light switch) and lighting for the rear of the car.
Have you decided whether to leave the car 6 volt or convert to 12 volts? You'll find arguments for both on the barn. Now is a good time to add an electric fuel pump. You can buy them 6 volt or 12 volt. If you plan on using a stock fuel pump, just wire the electric pump to a toggle under the dash. It's there if you need it.
Once you get the front end and firewall cleaned up, you can install the engine and dash wires to see if she'll start. Looks like a fun project. Just take your time and do it right. Bob

[39topless]

That interior is wonderful. Very "period" correct. If it's usable, leave it alone (please?).
Looks like a fun project. If you have the means, with rust repair you have etc., I would recommend taking the body off the frame and placing it on a rotisserie. Then the frame will also be so easy to work on.
Good luck on your project.

[mercman from oz]

Congratulations on your purchase of a 1946 Ford Super Deluxe Sedan Coupe. This body style was never sold in Australia, we only got 4 door Sedans. Quite a few Coupes have found their way here in recent years, mostly from New Zealand. They were available new in both the Sedan Coupe and Business Coupe in NZ in fairly limited numbers in Right Hand Drive form, however the supply there is now very limited. Over the years, quite a few of these RHD Coupes have found their way to Australia. These days, we have to look further afield to the USA if we want a Coupe. This example is one that has come from the USA and retains the Left Hand Drive. It looks good in Black with Wide White Wall Tyres on Red Wheels. Keep up the good work on yours.

[mercman from oz]

Here is a picture of a 1946 Ford Super Deluxe Business Coupe that was imported from New Zealand a number of years ago. These short door Coupes are also very popular and quite rare.

[Jersey Joe 67]

Thanks for all the encouragement and advice fellas, I really appreciate it!

The interior is really what pushed me to take the ole' girl home. I just love the style and plan to have her cleaned up and repaired , bringing her back to her former glory.

Like I said before, I haven't secured a spot to put her yet so she is still sitting on the trailer.
Once I do get her inside I will start disassembly and repair of the sheet metal and sprucing up the interior.

As for the wiring, I'm thinking the "friend" took everything out in the engine and therefore i'll have to start from scratch with the new harness I bought.
It's not an original harness for that car but one I believe has what I need to get her all wired up and everything functioning.
The guy who was working on her would tell me what to get and I'd order it so I'm not exactly sure what harness or how many circuits it has.

Now that I think of it it may be from Speedway and not Macs.

[Mart]

I'd keep the Cragars. They're in keeping with the interior. I had an ex NZ short door 46 too, a very nice car. (I know the OP's is a long door)

Mart.