Best Practical Upgrades to Stock 47 Sedan?

S

SoCal32

Member
I just picked up a '47 Fordor that was a body-off restoration. Wasn't looking for one but the deal was too good to pass up. Since it will be driven in SoCal traffic and not country roads, what would be the best upgrades? Not looking to change drivetrain, it has a Columbia rearend so the overdrive is handled.
 
SoCal32 said:
I just picked up a '47 Fordor that was a body-off restoration. Wasn't looking for one but the deal was too good to pass up. Since it will be driven in SoCal traffic and not country roads, what would be the best upgrades? Not looking to change drivetrain, it has a Columbia rearend so the overdrive is handled.
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I live in SoCal too. It's hard to avoid the Blue Shield interstate. Thought about your question a lot. You're nearly there with the Columbia.


High reliability is everything. Electrically I'd go stock ignition with a Tubman condensor and Skip Haney coil. Fuel, I'd have a professionally rebuilt carb, surfaces and throttle shafts machined to close tolerances.


Go with radial tires. I love my Diamond Back Auburn radials; it's like the car's on railroad tracks. As far as I know they're super premium, the best available at any price.



Brakes: mine are stock but I've heard great things about Lincoln brake conversions.


Do high reliability ignition, carb, tires and brakes. You're good with the Columbia.
 
Thanks, SoCalCoupe. Speedway actually just released self-energizing drum brakes that bolt on and use the stock drums as an alternative to the Lincolns. May look into those a little deeper.
 
Poor rearview visibility and huge blind spots make heavy freeway traffic challenging. I know how people drive on freeways in my neck of the woods, I don't think yours are much different. Good brakes and steering would be high on the list too. Since you are already driving a 32 you are probably aware of these things. Enjoy the 47.
 
If you do the brakes, go with Bolling Brothers kits. I put them on my ‘46 Coupe, and they were an easy install. Their website has some good info.
 
How about Bright LED brake lights, or even a magnetic LED Third tail light up high along with them.. Now I'm wondering if you have directionals wired up too.
 
Stock brakes on my 49 are great at stopping one or two times on the freeway. It is the brake fade that concerns me. I live in North Orange County and getting out on the freeways takes planning. If I drive north its I5 to 101 and that means driving into LA county. Not fun, it is always congested.
You need bright turn signal lights for sure. Try LED tail lights. I went to 12V prior to LED for that reason. Also radial tires, I use Coker that were sourced from Summit Racing as they pay the freight with orders > $100.00.
 
The only area I consider a stock 1947 Ford to be lacking is tail light brightness. Otherwise a car in good condition with good tires and a good tune up is good to go, no need for modifications.
 
Add safety hubs (or clips) for the brakes. Add turn signals and a second brake light if they are not there already. Check the date code on your tires.

Charlie Stephens
 
It has a Columbia overdrive, I can't imgaine what more you could want. I can easly do 70 mph in our '47 tudor with a 3.54 rearend and it's comfortable to drive.
 
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