| hingebird | -- 07-15-2011 @ 9:37 PM |
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Hello All, I purchased a complete non running '46 Ford car. I have some experience repairing cars, but never took on a restoration project before, so I would appreciate any input or bewares that you can provide to me. My approach it to do a component based restoration (or better said getting the engine to run first) starting with engine, cooling, electrical first. I never assessed the status of an engine before. Therefore, any help and/or advise you can provide to me performing a compression check or any will be greatly appreciated. Everything is there but cannot tell much. It still has the original cloth wiring in bad shape, along with newer wiring, but already now that needs to be replaced, as it is a fire waiting to happen. Thank you and I look forward hearing from you. Sincerely, Hingebird -attempting to restore a '46 Ford Super Deluxe Coupe
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| ford38v8 | -- 07-15-2011 @ 11:14 PM |
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Hingebird, Welcome to the EFV8 Forum, and to the fun world of Ford flatheads! you'll find that there is an abundance of replacement parts, original and repop, but always go for original if available, as many of the repops are shoddy. If you have to buy repops, confirm that they are American made. Knowledge is there also, but you'll likely have do do all your own work, as the kids at the oil change shops won't even know what a zerk fitting is. The essential books to have are: Ford Service Bulletins 1941-1948 reprint, available from most Antique Ford suppliers MoTors Manual, (an early edition) original, available from out-of-print book stores 1941-1948 Ford Book, new, available from this website. You'll need parts suppliers, so check on this website for Links> Vendors, and Links> US Regional Groups for their vendors, as some will have favorites. Your first project will likely have to be to deal with damage done by the modern fuel that contains alcohol. This will include rebuilding the carburetor and fuel pump, using Nitrile Rubber components. The Flexline from fuel line to pump may need replacement for the same reason, and eventually, you may run into a rust problem with the fuel line and fuel tank. Ask specific questions here on the Forum before tackling any project you are unfamiliar with. Next, your coil will give out unexpectedly at a stop light. Check for spark as soon as it happens to confirm. As the coil gets cool again, it will produce spark until the next time. The fix is to send it to Skip Haney in Florida for a rebuild better than original, better than new. Cooling problems will happen, as the flathead Ford is known to get hot. Remove the radiator and take it to an old fashioned radiator shop for a boil-out and maybe a rod-out. If the core is not salvageable, new cores are available to install in your original tanks. I strongly advixse against aluminum radiators. New original type harnesses are available. Specify if you want a turn signal circuit, and specify soldered connections. Use the wiring diagram from the Service Bulletins (Xerox a large shop copy) to do the job. Label all connections on the old harness as well as the new before you start replacement, doing one section at a time to insure correct installation. Solder all bullet connectors, clean all posts and use dialectric grease to prevent future oxidation. When it's time to replace the battery, I strongly advise Optima Red Top 6V as opposed to virtually any lead-acid battery. The Optima is small, and will fit inside a Script battery box if you wish original appearance. The above listed advice should get you on the road and keep it running for extended tours, perhaps to an EFV8CA National Meet, where you'll enjoy the Fords of other members and show your own. Lots of tire kicking! PS~ You did join the EFV8CA, didn't you? And a Regional Group? Strength in numbers, you know! Alan
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| TomO | -- 07-16-2011 @ 9:01 AM |
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There are many vendors of wiring and the price will vary considerably. Do not buy the cheapest that you can get, undersized wire and poor connections will give you dim lights, a poor running car and can start a fire. Rhode Island wiring and Narragansett Reproductions are the best. The looms are exact duplicates of the way Ford produced them. Tyree Wires has quality reproductions that will give you many years of service. Other members will post their favorites here also. Tom
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| supereal | -- 07-16-2011 @ 10:46 AM |
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Good advice, all. Most of us have encountered problems in locating and obtaining the necessary parts for any restoration. A majority of items today are foreign made, and many are of dubious quality. A search for hard to find used parts will often bring out scammers. Using a digital camera, take pictures of everything as you go to help you put it back together, and use individual plastic bags, clearly marked, to store parts as they come off. Last week, I helped a friend on the west coast search for a missing hood safety latch. He had posted on two sites, which brought an immediate response from rather obvious scammers in the UK. Backorders have almost become the rule with vendors. Once you find a reliable firm that can actually ship parts in a timely manner, and really know what they are selling, stick with them. Finally, pace yourself. Restoration can be immensely frustrating at times. Be prepared to back off and on those times when nothing seems to fit or work. The basic idea is to have fun wit your project. This message was edited by supereal on 7-16-11 @ 2:32 PM
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| Early46 | -- 07-16-2011 @ 12:09 PM |
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Welcome to the EFV8! Before you do anything, you should decide what type of restoration you want to do. Will the car just be a daily driver or would you like to go all out and restore back to originality for show and judging. Since this may be your first flat-head and early ford V8, you should take plenty, and plenty of photos. Document EVERYTHING! Take plenty of notes. We even use a log which goes into a database for each and every fastener that is removed. You will also encounter years of corrosion AKA -Rust, which will be frustrating, so just take your time, there are many methods to free stuck parts, you will find a lot of recommendations on this board and others. Post some pictures, Ask us plenty of questions as we are always willing to help, even if it seems simple. Most of all, Welcome and Enjoy!
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| trjford8 | -- 07-16-2011 @ 8:11 PM |
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You've received some great advice here. The main thing is to determine what type of car you want. Do you want a nice clean daily driver/tour car,an old Ford that just runs and is dependable. or a full tilt concourse restoration. Once you decide what you want then stick with the plan. Changing your mind in mid stream can cost more money. Whatever you decide you will find good company and advice from many V-8ers. Remember it's a hobby and not a job.There will be frustrations, so when they pop up take a break. It will still be in the garage tomorrow.
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| hingebird | -- 07-17-2011 @ 9:15 AM |
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All, Thank you for your advice. I sincerely appreciate it, and I will be posting pictures of the car soon. Yes, I will be joining the Club as well. Best Regards, Conrad
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