1946 ford head scratcher, front end side to side.

Yeah there's a lot going on in that photo, car is leaning, the grill bars are level will the car forthr most part and the bumper is going uphill towards the drivers side.

After looking at the photos posted I'm feeling pretty good about the bulging fender and pushed around sheet metal idea. I kept trying to figure out were shit was off when the frame etc seemed to be were it should be and not really thinking sheet metal because there aren't any creases or dents to make me think of it when it comes to that fender other than we're it's damaged on the front. And even that's rolled not creased.

But having it pointed out in photos it really does look like that's my gremlin. Suppose I should have grabbed that cheap straight front clip a few months ago haha.

Thanx guys. I'll continue to keep you posted

 

Being I Iowa I would think you would have no problem finding a new frame if you find yours is tweaked, Tim. You have to get that one solved or nothing else on the car will ever fit right. I would remove the body and fenders to bare frame and start measuring and comparing it to another frame.

Don

 

That picture speaks more that "a thousand words"...... Go with Don's Hot Rods suggestion, take it to the bare frame, and measure the "jig points". There's several sites where you can download all the important frame measurements,...it'll save a lot of headache in the long run. Don't rush things...it'll be a great ride when you're done !!!!!

4TTRUK

 

Hi Tim,
a friend and fellow HAMBer is building a '47 ford coupe as we speek. the front end is off if you need to look.we are "just up the road"

 

You be around/free anytime. Stern this Monday morning threw Thursday evening? It'd be a lot of help

 

You asked earlier about chassis parts. I had a '36 coupe with a butchered front cross-member. I got a replacement from Precision Coachworks in Billerica, MA. It fit perfectly. They specialize in old Fords, so perhaps he has one for your car (if you need it, which it now sounds like you don't).

 

Thanx for the parts source heads up I've got a line on a good stock one should I need it after this coming weeks investigating

 

our problem lies here!

I had 4 or 5 Hambers send me a but load of measurements and with them all printed off I crawled under the car monday morning for a little over an hour. What I found when I emerged was that our 46' is straighter and squarer then most the people that sent me dimensions from their cars. I also found that my drivers side fender it tweaked the exact same amount I thought I was off center and that my passenger side fender is correct in placement.

I had a body work friend stop by while I was out and he confirmed by showing me with a cardboard box non the less that when the fender way rolled down in the front it pushed/flared the side of the fender way out. He said for the most part pushing the front of the fender back were its supposed to be will relieve the tension on the side of the fender and it'll more or less pop back into were it should be.

I just want to again thank everyone that helped, from ideas, phone numbers, parts offers and detailed measurements. I very much appreciate it.

 

Just as I thought. I could see it in the pictures. Glad you got it figured out and there wasn't more to it.

 

DITTO,,, That's good news !!!!!!!!!!!

4TTRUK

 

Glad you got it dialed in. I'd keep an eye our for a LF fender grille and apron. The stuff is pretty plentiful (except when you start looking)

 

I was going to suggest checking the chassis on a level concrete floor with string line and plumb bobs but everything seems OK in that area.