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Projects Fun Project or Nightmare? Fixing a 46 Ford

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by WhatDidIDo, Aug 15, 2025 at 9:06 PM.

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  1. hotrodjack33
    Joined: Aug 19, 2019
    Posts: 4,767

    hotrodjack33
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Check out this thread. There is one in the first post.
    It probably wouldn't be too difficult if you used the back of a 1948-52 Ford f-1 thru F5 cab.
    Customs - Cars made into Pick-ups | The H.A.M.B.
     
    lothiandon1940 likes this.
  2. I greatly appreciate the lead, I am probably going to try and buff out the damages, but if I am unable I'll be reaching out!
     
    Algoma56 likes this.
  3. Thank yall so much for all the insights and laughs, so helpful all the same. Excited to take delivery next week and will get out my tools, I do have the hydraulic kit and a few winches and hammers, we will see what happens.

    The ute conversion is definitely more appealing after seeing so many examples. Not sure how it'd look if I kept it a 4door with a super short bed.
    1755389944688.png
     
    catdad49 likes this.
  4. ***Area-51***
    Joined: Mar 25, 2005
    Posts: 873

    ***Area-51***
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Ohio

    ^^^^
    That is cool!
    But it is a bigger commitment than repairing what you have;)
     
    05snopro440, WhatDidIDo and Algoma56 like this.
  5. Excited to see this. Here is a 48 i just picked up
    20250805_135705.jpg
     
  6. jnaki
    Joined: Jan 1, 2015
    Posts: 11,072

    jnaki

    upload_2025-8-17_3-54-3.png 1946 Ford Sedan artwork.

    Hello,

    One of my future Friday Art projects was to do a custom 46 Ford Sedan into a full lowered custom with flames and/or scallops. New wheels, tires, as low to the ground as possible and a new color to contrast with the flames/scallops. It got as far as the completed 46 Ford Two Door Sedan. The stock rims with small hubcaps was the look. Black as night for a base color.

    But, I got distracted and moved on to other drag roadsters and custom surf wagons. So, the 46 ford sedan just got pushed to the back of the files and was almost forgotten.

    upload_2025-8-17_3-56-7.png
    A custom 46 Ford Suburban style wagon got the attention from modifying a 46 Ford Coupe. I just can’t seem to get the 46 Ford Coupe to look right, proportionally. So, I added a set of windows from what a station wagon would have as a two door model. One of the choices was a chopped version. But, in real road trips, long distance vacations on the road does not call for a chopped hot rod.

    In any version, car, truck or station wagon. Yes, everything would fit inside, but if we are thinking about two old folks inside going on a 1000 mile camping road trip, well that chopped top would “do us in…” so, the top stayed full size with a great view all around.

    Jnaki

    Then all of the 1946 Ford Hot Rod Art got shelved as I started into custom station wagons and other more appealing builds. Plus, they were a little easier to get the proportions right.

    But, in that list of “shelved 46 Ford hot rod art,” was a truck that I started the station wagon model as a base and drew the rest of the windows and rear lift gate.
    upload_2025-8-17_3-58-2.png I had to extend and alter the roof line to make it more proportional to the overall body style. Parallel lines of the cab and the tail gate make it design worthy.

    Then, I recently, read your post about a crushed 46 Ford Sedan made into …what???
    upload_2025-8-17_3-58-55.png
    upload_2025-8-17_3-59-19.png An often passed on design, but practical from an El Camino based car stand point. A comfortable coupe/sedan modified into a custom flatbed truck for all purposes. Heavy duty shocks, perhaps "air shocks" or stronger suspension for the loads. Plus an SBC motor for power, as the loads would strain a stock flathead motor. YRMV

     
    WhatDidIDo likes this.
  7. 05snopro440
    Joined: Mar 15, 2011
    Posts: 2,892

    05snopro440
    Member

    At first glance my thought was "that's junk" (for most people). However, at a deeper look there's no harm in trying. If you have a porta power, big hammer, grinder, and a welder, remove the rear windows and get to work and see what you can do. It will be a good learning experience either way.

    I know you put your location in this thread, but update your profile with your location. You never know if someone nearby might be willing to give you a hand.
     
    catdad49, WhatDidIDo and Algoma56 like this.
  8. Rusty Heaps
    Joined: May 19, 2011
    Posts: 1,001

    Rusty Heaps
    Member

    Looks like a great candidate for a chopped top
     
    WhatDidIDo likes this.
  9. SuperWildcat
    Joined: Jul 8, 2021
    Posts: 34

    SuperWildcat

    I think that's a viable candidate for PDR type repair
     
    WhatDidIDo likes this.
  10. BJR
    Joined: Mar 11, 2005
    Posts: 11,087

    BJR
    Member

    OK, I'll bite, what's a PDR repair?
     
  11. SuperWildcat
    Joined: Jul 8, 2021
    Posts: 34

    SuperWildcat

    Paintless dent removal. I was being sarcastic.
     
    WhatDidIDo and BJR like this.
  12. RodStRace
    Joined: Dec 7, 2007
    Posts: 7,839

    RodStRace
    Member

  13. gene-koning
    Joined: Oct 28, 2016
    Posts: 5,424

    gene-koning
    Member

    looking again, the pickup/Elcamino conversion would be the easiest, probably. The hardest part of that would be getting the rear of the cab conversion to look right.
    Looks like you could cut the crunched part off just above the chrome trim piece and use the trunk lid as a tail gate. Then build the inner bed sides and the back of the cab. Could be a standard 2 door cab, or it could be "the first experimental 4 door Ford truck conversion" that Ford ever built...
     
  14. RodStRace
    Joined: Dec 7, 2007
    Posts: 7,839

    RodStRace
    Member

  15. Cleaned out the tree and glass, started doing 30 minutes of "work" with a hammer and hydraulic ram. I can at least open the rear door now.

    Before:
    20250820_201603.jpg

    After:
    20250820_211453.jpg

    May not look like much, but I am happy with the progress, here at Somethin Ain't Right Auto Body. Lots more to do, lots to learn. Thanks for the advice and ideas.
     
  16. Getter done
    That’s how they did it before
    And would use less than a half stick of lead
     
    Last edited: Aug 20, 2025 at 10:39 PM
    WhatDidIDo likes this.
  17. Hnstray
    Joined: Aug 23, 2009
    Posts: 12,357

    Hnstray
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Quincy, IL

    You have a good start on straightening!
     
    WhatDidIDo likes this.
  18. 05snopro440
    Joined: Mar 15, 2011
    Posts: 2,892

    05snopro440
    Member

    Looks like a good start! Keep at it!
     
    WhatDidIDo likes this.
  19. evintho
    Joined: May 28, 2007
    Posts: 2,547

    evintho
    Member

    That can be brought back into shape. You're on the right path and progress looks good. You can do this!
     
    05snopro440 and WhatDidIDo like this.
  20. Squablow
    Joined: Apr 26, 2005
    Posts: 18,291

    Squablow
    Member

    Even if you end up grafting a roof section in there (which I still think will be easier/more realistic), this is still a good idea to do first. Gotta get the door gaps right and things shifted into position before you start cutting, because cutting out the damaged area doesn't necessarily relieve the stresses on the metal and shift everything back into position.
     
    BJR and RodStRace like this.

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