What Add-Ons/"upgrades" do you suggest for a "daily driver project"

[Big_Guys_baby]

I have a 1946 ford business coupe. She is still being restored, but the original engine (never rebuilt in my knowledge in 40 years) still runs really strong! I want to keep the car as original as possible, but in the same vein I want to be able to drive it on a regular basis.

So far I have added:
Turn signals
Side mirrors
mechanical temp gauge.

Any other suggestions? I will at some point has the radio guts upgraded so that it works and I can play my ipod through the radio. Don't care about powerlocks, windows or all that.

thanks guys!

[KGS]

Bright, LED, Stop lite/Turn signals mounted either temporarily or permanently in the rear window. Thats where everyone sees the lights first. The normal located lights are low and not so bright so most distracted drivers (aren't they all) won't see them. JMO. Ken

[19Fordy]

If it has Lockheed style brakes, upgrade to a better braking system.

[Samson]

Seat belts are a must. Once you get used to them they are no trouble at all.
THEY could save you a lot of grief and maybe your LIFE.

[Big_Guys_baby]

Forgot to mention that I have seat belts also! Thanks! The brakes are the original style although all the components, lines, WC, and MC have all been replaced. It actually stops pretty darn good! Thanks guys, keep em coming!

[okiedokie]

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I have the United Pacific LED's in my 46 and I get comments from anyone who follows me about how brite they are. Of course, they are 12V.

[flatheadernie]

Very good shocks, radials, something tohelp your sore knees if u are in stop n go traffic, :>) ernie n tx ( The Chicken Coop ) 46 buisness . 8cm

[OLD...BILL]

DUAL EXHAUST SYSTEM; May be off stock, but it will sure help the suferning flathead, it will run cooler, and longer, and if done right ( TUBE HEADERS) sound good too. and if you can't stand for it to sound good, run a stock muffler on both sides.... now lets hear from the naysayers .Tee,hee hee... OLD ... BILL

[Vic Piano]

I try to drive our cars & trucks as often as I can. As a matter of fact, this Saturday my wife and I will be driving our '39 Ford Convertible Sedan on a 200 mile jaunt. Our '39, like most of our Flathead powered vehicles, is basically “stock” except for exhaust headers, Brockman Mellow-Tone mufflers and 6.00x16 WWW Radial tires. I usually have an extra fuel pump, etc., etc. along with tools in the trunk. I would recommend a cell phone and AAA card. Enjoy the drive. Vic

[Big_Guys_baby]

I have been debating myself on the duel exhaust, Old_Bill I think you convinced me! lol

[rbabb]

hey big guy deffinatly go with the duels u wont be disapointed i have a set of reds tube headers and extentions with 22inch smittys.not to loud at all just a beautiful melloflathead tone on my 39 pickup.

[OLD...BILL]

Hey big guy; thanks you mad my day, and your cars life, do go with the tube headers( reds) are good and the Brockman Mellon tone mufflers is a big plus too and a good way to go. I feal good about it too....OLD....BILL

[flatjack9]

Originally Posted by OLD...BILL

DUAL EXHAUST SYSTEM; May be off stock, but it will sure help the suferning flathead, it will run cooler, and longer, and if done right ( TUBE HEADERS) sound good too. and if you can't stand for it to sound good, run a stock muffler on both sides.... now lets hear from the naysayers .Tee,hee hee... OLD ... BILL

Love the sound of duals and wouldn't be without them, although I question your statement about running cooler and lasting longer. If you read JWL's book, his tests show no difference between the stock exhaust system and a dual exhaust system with headers unless you were running above 3000 rpm and then it was not a huge amount. I don't think we do a lot of driving at 3000 or higher rpms in everday use, at least I don't.

[Lawson Cox]

Originally Posted by Big_Guys_baby

I have been debating myself on the duel exhaust, Old_Bill I think you convinced me! lol

If I understand JWL correctly, he finds from his tests that duals do little if anything to help the basic flathead.

I am sure he will correct me if I am misinterpreting his findings.

[Lawson Cox]

These flatheads were not designed to put out like you guys think they should. Remember, you are driving cars 50+ years old. Enjoy the technology of the day. If you want speed/power/etc, drive a modern car. My 2¢.

[GreenMonster48]

I have the red's headers and duals with 22" smittys on mine. I don't care what anyone says, it made a notable difference in power.

[Vic Piano]

Originally Posted by Lawson Cox

If I understand JWL correctly, he finds from his tests that duals do little if anything to help the basic flathead.

I am sure he will correct me if I am misinterpreting his findings.

I think that some of us (maybe most of us) here on the FordBarn are more interested in getting a nice sound from the dual exhaust headers and mufflers on our Flatheads, over gaining maximum performance, it's really an individual choice. While I appreciate all the work and research that has been done on Flathead V8’s, I use our Flatheads to cruise, not drag race and I don't think I'm in the minority here.

[Lawson Cox]

I prefer mine to run as quietly as possible. My 2¢.

[V12Bill]

I have added a buzzer to the turn signals of my cars to let me know the signal has not canceled on a slight turn off or when changing lanes on the interstate at speed. The noise of air rushing about the car, rattles, radio and/or conversation drown out the barely audible ticking of the flasher unit.

[1oldtimer]

my '47 has dual exhaust (old fentons), diamondback 16" radials, tube shock kit for the rear (fronts coming soon), 39 lincoln style brakes, 12v, electric wipers, a pertronix inside the crab dist.....only thing is an overdrive unit would be nice on the freeways.