Projects 1946 Ford Desert Car

Thanks guys. I guess the question is, when I find someone to drop the axle, should I use the 46 axle, or use a 40 which is about 2 inches narrower. I hope to get the car low, and I have read about potential tire to fender clearance when you add disc brakes and such to the axle. I have called Sids 3 times;, and will call Okie Joe on Monday.

 

I'd ask whoever actually does the work, not a typist!
Just like when you call a cam place, how you are going to use it and what other parts are going in matter.
Have you decided on brakes, wheels & tires, suspension? Each have an effect on the plan.

 

Probably Speedway disc brakes, and I think 16 inch wheels.

 

You know the 40 axle won’t fit into the 46 wishbone directly? The 46 is wider than the 40 at the perches. What would you do about that?

 

You need to call this guy. He goes by Gearhead79 here on the HAMB. He states a year ago that he was dropping axles from model A up to 36 but 37 and later coming soon. The thread on here is titled Early Ford Axles dropped in So Cal.

 

I've used 1/8 inch ABS for door panels in the 38 Chevy, 53 Stude (both covered with upholstery) and just bare ABS in the T roadster (one side is gloss, the other side is "patterned"?) Note that the ABS can be heated and molded to some extent.
I'm older than you and I ran black wheels in the early sixties.
As suggested earlier, removing the upholstery from another car and installing it over your springs is another option. When I purchased this "kit" it came with a minivan?? seat, I pulled it off the original springs, used some seat foam from another project and attached it to plywood. It worked fine, just didn't look right.

 

Your best bet for a seat is to go on Ford Barn and start asking for an original seat. You might be able to get other interior parts too. Be creative/

 

I pulled a seat from a min van and cut 6 inches out of the middle of it and then sewed up my own tuck and roll covers for it. All done at home in my garage. Came out ok for a first time effort. Now I know why upholstery work is so expensive!

 

I split the wishbones using Chassis engineering parts

 

And use a 40 spring?

 

Any updates on this car? It has an amazing look too it. Can't thank the desert sun and time enough for creating that look !

 

You can buy corrugated plastic Coroplast sheets at any lumber yard, $34 for a 4X8 sheet . Cut out door panels and fasten them on with Velcro. Cover with thin foam padding (landau padding) and cloth or vinyl of your choice.