1946 Ford Fordor project

Based on my experience, no. I also was convinced that my MC was bad - swapping it out did nothing to change the pedal.

It is very difficult to get any air out of the brake lines - I was pumping the pedal and watching the uncapped MC reservoir seemingly for a couple hours before the bubbles disappeared.

Separately, I did find an issue with repop wheel cylinders. The mating treads for the lines were defective causing leaks - and likely some air in the system. Doesn't sound like you have this problem.
 
I don't think you can automatically discount the possibility of multiple bad master cylinders these days. Did you get them from the same place? If you get another, make sure it is an entirely different source. "Fortyniner" himself mentions the problems with a whole batch of wheel cylinders. I also remember it well.
 
tubman, can't remember where the first one came from, but the last one was a NAPA "premium". On my 42 the pedal comes all the way up and is even with the clutch pedal. On the 46 slightly forward of the clutch pedal and has play or comes short of coming all the way back up if that makes sense or adds any clue.
 
46 chris.jpg
Still don't have a hard brake pedal so I drove it to Chris's (sugarmaker) to put it on the hoist and investigate further. Ran and drove fairly well for having sat 30ish years.
 
46 chris 1.jpg
I found NOS fog light brackets for $10 on Ebay. It was missing one fog light when I bought it in 1991.Found a set at Canfield, Ohio I think for $60 bucks probably five years back Chris's 1932 dump truck in the background. That and my 42 coupe are in the next V8 times. We are becoming famous(infamous?).
 
46 chris 2.jpg
Rear view shot. Badly needs a rear window seal which I have. I've dragged my feet somewhat on it because of the lower value of the Fordors. The car is really starting to grow on me. Sometimes I think you've got to say the heck with it and dive in.
 
FortyNiner said:
With this vintage, and sadly more so the Fordors, it is best to not think too hard about cost accounting.
Click to expand...

I agree. I think you can apply this rule, generally speaking, across all 1909-1950's Ford products. Some models will be an exception but the market is weakening some. We here are intrested in these cars but the majority of folks are not and that will continue to grow as time passes.
 
Folks,
I assisted John today on the brakes on his 46 (Howard). Small gains on the amount of pedal.

IMG-20241031-140004455.jpg

We put a couple miles on it going up and down!
IMG-20241031-140014663.jpg

IMG-20241031-140025499-HDR.jpg

John did a couple road tests and made it back both times, something is working!
Tried to get the parking brake working. Took out all the adjustments and it still doesn't function as he would like.

Regards,
Chris and Cheryl
 
After bleeding the brakes several times and another adjustment yesterday the pedal stops about 1/2 inch above the gas pedal where it was going to the floorboard before. I'd like more pedal but that's progress. I'm guessing stubborn air pockets in the lines. Convinced at this stage not the master cylinder.
 
Well, after a visit from friends from our local AACA club we are at adequate to good brakes. Readjusted the brakes and lengthened the M/C pushrod and that helped. Waiting for some odds and ends for the wiring and a NOS speedometer to get here.
 
46 speedometer.jpg
NOS speedometer and under dash wiring harness went in today. Dash lights and gauges all working along with car starting correctly. Thanks to Mark Kicsak for supplying the speedometer. It was still in the Stewart Warner box.
 
Great looking speedometer and it sounds like real progress is being made to be fully operational.
 
That speedometer looks beautiful. Even with new lettering you can not read the speedo or gauges on my '41 without shining a flashlight on them, even during the day; not much better with the panel lights on at night. Red needles against gold background, shadowed. They really fixed it on your '46!
 
I rewired the 42 about two years ago and I don't remember being as tired afterword. I'm starting to think Father Time is a butthead.... speedometer lights up good!
 
Folks,
As John nears the completion of the 46 wiring project. The front of the car is pretty well done. I took John on a couple side projects to make small improvements as he went along. one was to the front seat positions adjuster. Another was to rebuild the horn wires to near stock. And it still works! Now he is working from the dimmer switch back to the tail lights, he has stripped out the old crusty, bare and corroded wires. It is a project that makes these old cars safe to drive and function as designed, Good work John!

IMG-20241114-164209552.jpg

IMG-20241114-164215514.jpg

Regards,
Chris and Cheryl
 
Last edited:
It's such a great feeling to get rid of the crusty old harness where you don't dare touch an ancient connection as it may crumble. I have driven way too many times in vehicles like that. I love having hi and lo beams that I can trust and new wire and since I'm not likely to get a dearborn award, I use the heat shrink crimp terminals. Chris and John, you make a great team and just keep on doing what you are doing. With old man winter looming, we all need to attend to the things that need to be fixed or upgraded, and doing that work with a friend is so much the better!
 
GB,
You got all that right! John keeps me moving a little on my projects in the shop. Which is the Refurb, Clean, and Paint on a Allis CA pulling tractor, for the great grand kids.
John will wrap up the wiring today and the 46 will be ready for the road!
Regards,
Chris and Cheryl
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top