'46 trim on a '47?

Thor

Thor

Member
Hi guys,

I have a '47 Tudor that was an abandoned restoration project. When I got it it was/is missing every single piece of trim. I have come across a '46 Tudor shell that has all of the trim present and it is in decent, useable shape and it is also priced right. I realize this trim won't be technically correct for my car and I also know that will drive some of you right over the edge - I apologize in advance for not being a purist. However, I prefer the profile of the '46 trim as compared to the '47 and '48 trim. With all of that being said I have a few questions.

1. How is the stainless trim around the windows on the '46 attached?: - Clips? Is it simply a matter of drilling holes in the appropriate locations on my '47 in order to attach it?

2. Will the hood, cowl, door, and rear quarter trim fit directly from year to year?

3. In reading I've done here on the Ford Barn, I understand that the fender trim on a '46 is located above the reveal on the fenders and the fender trim on the '47 is located below the reveal. - Is this true?

Is there anything else I would need to be aware of or suggestions anyone might have?

The guy with the '46 shell says he needs it out of his way by next Tuesday and after that it is going to the scrapyard so I don't have a a lot of time to decide if I should pursue this. Any help or insight that you guy's can offer would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Thor
 
Can't help you with the attaching. BUT if the trim is good, grab it, you can always sell it if you don't use it. JMO

Paul in CT
 
Here are some answers to your question, but first let me say that the photo of your avatar is a true 47/48. Early 47's looked just like a 46, but you have the round parking lights and no trim around the windows.

1.The trim is attached with spring slips into holes that are in the body. I can help you if you want to go forward with it although I have a coupe and not a sedan.

2. Yes

3. Yes. I think that will become a problem for you but it is doable. Lots of filling holes and drilling new ones.

The only other thing is that if you want to convert your 47 into a 46 you will also want to change the hood emblem, move the parking lights to the correct location, change dash gauges and color. Change out plastic knobs to be correct, change out grill to look like a 46, change out bumpers to 46. You would also have to change out the truck emblem to look like a 46. I'm sure I missed some things and other with add to my list.

As for buying the other car. YES YES YES. If he wants it to go to scrap then get it just to save it even if you do not use the stuff but maybe others will want the parts and you can sell them.

Hope this helped.
 
'46 trim is not reproduced, so if it's nice straight trim grab it. Early 47's used 46 trim. If any other sheetmetal is good on that car grab it also. I'm sure it's cheap if he is willing to send it to the scrapyard.
 
Guys,

Yeah, his asking price is pretty low. It is just the body shell and it is sitting on a later model El Camino frame. There are no floors in the car but the rest of the body looks like it is in good enough shape that someone might want it. The trim, vent windows, taillights, parking lights, garnish moldings, window cranks, arm rests, etc are all present.

I don't really want to turn my '47 into a '46, but I do like the '46 side and window trim better. I think the window trim really breaks up the side view of the car and adds some detail that is nice.

Thanks for the input and information.

Thor
 
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