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Projects 46 Ford Coupe

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by ZD46Ford coupe, Jul 11, 2019.

  1. ZD46Ford coupe
    Joined: Jul 11, 2019
    Posts: 33

    ZD46Ford coupe
    Member

    Good morning. Just picked up a 46 ford coupe to work on with my son. It's the very first project for us both. Any advise?
     
    oliver westlund likes this.
  2. topher5150
    Joined: Feb 10, 2017
    Posts: 3,338

    topher5150
    Member

    What are your plans? What condition is it in? Any pics?
     
  3. sdroadster
    Joined: Jul 27, 2006
    Posts: 420

    sdroadster
    Member

    Keep it simple. Kids lose interest fast...
     
    Cosmo50 likes this.
  4. Agreed!

    Photo's would be helpful in offering advice, since this is your first post you do understand that this is a traditional site, so independent front & rear suspensions won't fly here,as well as S-10 from swaps or sub frames, huge wheels are taboo also.

    Keep the car simple and you and your son will enjoy the build, got a question just ask everyone here is willin to help. HRP
     

  5. ol-nobull
    Joined: Oct 16, 2013
    Posts: 1,655

    ol-nobull
    Member

    Hi. ADVICE? Go online and get a Ford shop manual for the model. For anything about the chassis, running gear, engine, body a manual cannot be beat. That is the very first thing I purchase for any of my rides.
    Thourally check under and inside vehicle and find ALL rust as too much could be a game changer. This will let you know what you are getting into and whether it is worth continuing. Then Get the engine to run and go thru the brakes and electrical FIRST. This way you will be able to drive as you go on the rest of the work. Also make a parts list of everything you find that is needed and after getting it running you can get parts needed to work on one section at a time. That gets a little order in how you procede.
    Jimmie
     
    Lost in the Fifties and Cosmo50 like this.
  6. ZD46Ford coupe
    Joined: Jul 11, 2019
    Posts: 33

    ZD46Ford coupe
    Member

    I may have posted in the wrong title but thanks for the replies. We are actually hoping to build more of a hotrod without changing too many characteristics of the car
     
    50 customcoupe likes this.
  7. ZD46Ford coupe
    Joined: Jul 11, 2019
    Posts: 33

    ZD46Ford coupe
    Member

    But no 20 inch rims or anything! Lol. Traditional hotrod. Am I in the right place?
     
    50 customcoupe likes this.
  8. ZD46Ford coupe
    Joined: Jul 11, 2019
    Posts: 33

    ZD46Ford coupe
    Member

    Car has minimal rust. Has all original drivetrain
     
    50 customcoupe likes this.
  9. ZD46Ford coupe
    Joined: Jul 11, 2019
    Posts: 33

    ZD46Ford coupe
    Member

    Still debating wether to try and lift the body up to clean and paint the chassis
     
    50 customcoupe likes this.
  10. ZD46Ford coupe
    Joined: Jul 11, 2019
    Posts: 33

    ZD46Ford coupe
    Member

  11. ZD46Ford coupe
    Joined: Jul 11, 2019
    Posts: 33

    ZD46Ford coupe
    Member

    Will post more pics when I can
     
    50 customcoupe likes this.
  12. ZD46Ford coupe
    Joined: Jul 11, 2019
    Posts: 33

    ZD46Ford coupe
    Member

    Hoping to get the engine going. But if not would I need to change suspension and trans to put a 302 in it?
     
  13. ZD46Ford coupe
    Joined: Jul 11, 2019
    Posts: 33

    ZD46Ford coupe
    Member

    Best place for parts that are unreasonably priced but good quality?
     
  14. ZD46Ford coupe
    Joined: Jul 11, 2019
    Posts: 33

    ZD46Ford coupe
    Member

    Reasonably priced
     
    micamountain likes this.
  15. alchemy
    Joined: Sep 27, 2002
    Posts: 20,407

    alchemy
    Member

    It looks rather complete and still put together. I'd try to get it running, rebuild the brakes, and take it for a spin. You might love it like it is. Then you could do small jobs, one at a time, so you won't have it off the road for long. they are much more fun when you can take them for a drive to see f you actually made "improvements".
     
  16. alchemy
    Joined: Sep 27, 2002
    Posts: 20,407

    alchemy
    Member

    http://www.vanpeltsales.com/ These guys have good parts.

    They don't sell the cheapo junk that places like Mac's Auto in New York sells. You might pay a bit more to start with, but you won't be buying another when the first doesn't fit or work.
     
    50 customcoupe likes this.
  17. ZD46Ford coupe
    Joined: Jul 11, 2019
    Posts: 33

    ZD46Ford coupe
    Member

    It really is all there. The only rust is the running board box. Do i need to lift the body to repair correctly?
     
    50 customcoupe likes this.
  18. Pulling the body makes it much easier to get to any problem areas plus it aides in being able to check the frame for any unforeseen cracks or damage. HRP



    Does the car still have the flathead? HRP
     
    50 customcoupe likes this.
  19. ZD46Ford coupe
    Joined: Jul 11, 2019
    Posts: 33

    ZD46Ford coupe
    Member

    Vanpelt. Thanks. How about Drakes?
     
  20. ZD46Ford coupe
    Joined: Jul 11, 2019
    Posts: 33

    ZD46Ford coupe
    Member

    Yes sir. Has the 239. All in tact. Wired and all
     
    50 customcoupe likes this.
  21. ZD46Ford coupe
    Joined: Jul 11, 2019
    Posts: 33

    ZD46Ford coupe
    Member

    Nothing missing at all under the hood
     
    50 customcoupe likes this.
  22. topher5150
    Joined: Feb 10, 2017
    Posts: 3,338

    topher5150
    Member

    You're already light years ahead of me and you just started.
     
  23. Old-Soul
    Joined: Jun 16, 2007
    Posts: 3,774

    Old-Soul
    Member

    You're definitely in the right place is a traditional hotrod is your goal. Knowledge is endless here.

    Pic of my pal's old coupe ('48) for a little inspiration. He was headed for early/mid custom territory before he sold it to put funds together for a '36.

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jul 11, 2019
    Pinstriper40, BigO, IRION29 and 6 others like this.
  24. Jalopy Joker
    Joined: Sep 3, 2006
    Posts: 31,179

    Jalopy Joker
    Member

    great car to start with - a lot depends on the end goal - yes, stripping off everything including the body and redoing everything will help with the quality of the ride - but, does not need to be done to do the rust repair mentioned, or to swap out the drive train - 302/trans/rearend - if you go the "updated" Hot Rod route consider front disc brake conversion, later steering box, parallel rear leaf spring conversion, etc. looks like you have a good size shop and some tools - a lot depends on your skills and budget - it will take a bit longer than the 1 hour builds on TV shows
     
    50 customcoupe likes this.
  25. ZD46Ford coupe
    Joined: Jul 11, 2019
    Posts: 33

    ZD46Ford coupe
    Member

    That is actually the garage it was in. Now in a 1.5 car garage. But I do have alot of tools. Thanks for the info. I'll keep you huys posted
     
    50 customcoupe likes this.
  26. flatford39
    Joined: Dec 3, 2006
    Posts: 2,799

    flatford39
    Member

    That's a great project. Where is it located??? You are miles ahead of a lot of guys here. I would try to get it running and driving before I lifted the body etc. You may find you don't like the car and it's a lot easier to sell one that runs than one that is in pieces in your garage.
     
    50 customcoupe and Cosmo50 like this.
  27. Cosmo50
    Joined: Sep 8, 2011
    Posts: 226

    Cosmo50
    Member
    from California

    I am with flatford39. Get it running first. Nothing worse than having a car that you have never enjoyed all torn apart. You might never get it put back together and lose interest in it and end up selling it.
     
    48fordnut and 50 customcoupe like this.
  28. The last 2 posts are right on.
    It's too close to drive-able to blow it apart
    and then have a project you don't even know you like!
    There is nothing better than a project you can drive
    and play with at the same time!
     
  29. Petejoe
    Joined: Nov 27, 2002
    Posts: 12,264

    Petejoe
    Member
    from Zoar, Ohio

    Agreed. Want to keep your sons interest??
    Don’t blow it apart.
    We can help you with engine and driveline questions. Let’s get her running first.
     
    50 customcoupe likes this.
  30. Thor1
    Joined: Jun 6, 2005
    Posts: 1,664

    Thor1
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    You need go back into your profile and finish filling it out with your location. It is good for folks to have a genral idea of where you are located and it can help with the sourcing of parts or help as you guys work on your car.

    Cool coupe by the way. I have an early '47 long door coupe (it looks like a '46) and I really enjoy it. Good luck with it and have fun working on it with your son. If you need parts I may have stuff you are looking for or may be able to point you in a direction.

    Thor
     
    50 customcoupe likes this.

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