Differences in '46-'48 Fords?

H

Harrison

Member
I just traded for a '47 Ford coupe. It's a nice project car but it needs a few trim pieces here & there - and a left rear fender. Before I buy the wrong parts, can anyone clue me in on the subtle differences between the '46-'47-'48 coupes?

...& what's the story on the long door vs. short door coupe?

Thanks, JH

ford_super-deluxe-coupe_ho_sm_47_06.jpg
 
The short door version is more like your old '38... no back seat. The long door is the Club Coupe with the back seat.

The '46 front fenders are different than the 47-48. I think most trim is the same on the 47-48s. I think the rear fenders are all the same, but I'm not positive on that.

We've had several of each, but it's been a few years since we sold the last one. We have a few things left. What are you looking for? I know I have some garnish mouldings for the club coupe.
 
I think it is interesting that, as late as '47, they were going to the trouble to make two different coupes. Maybe that was a hold-over from pre-war production models that showed a need for two different coupes. Whatever the reason, mine is the long door version & I'm happy about that.

I need a left rear fender and some good exterior trim. My grille trim is pretty bent up. I think I have 1/4 window garnish moldings. Can't remember about the door moldings though. May need front & rear gravel pans too.

Thanks, Jim
 
There are numerous differences, if you are really into making it original. Try to get a series of articles from the V8 Times from a few years ago, that cover all this. Just saying that it is a 47 is not even enough info, as there are differences just within the year 47. Early 47's, for example, have all the 46 trim. Late 47's could possibly have some 48 trim. If you are really particular, when you get the chance, study (really study) the beltline trim for 47 vs 48. To the casual observer, they might look the same (from a distance). But, they are not... Ford moved the 'crown' of the trim, with 48 having the crown centered, and 47 having the crown more towards the bottom (when installed). (Of course, this comment does not apply to early 47's, as they have 46 trim.) Another... Look at the door lock covers - 48 has tear-drop, 47 does not. Many differences, these are just a couple.
JMO
 
Along with the trim difference there is also a difference in fenders. 1946 trim is installed above the fender charactor line bulge and 1947-48 have the trim attached below the charactor line. So when buying fenders that already have the trim holes punched you need to obtain the correct year or you will be filling holes. The fenders were available with pre punched holes and also without holes. A very good book to find that explains all the differences between '46-'48 is "FORD Closing the years of tradition". I'm not sure if it is being reprinted anymore. As has been previously stated there are MANY differences between'46 And '47-'48.
 
Gary, I must disagree with your reccomendation of "Closing the Years of Tradition", at least for the purposes discussed in this thread. The book is good, yes, but consists of Ford sales literature language of the period, and doesn't address such differences as mentioned here.

Of much more use here is the V8 Times articles by Bob McCoppin. The guy's legacy lives on...
 
JH, Look in the Roster for the list of tech articles and the issues they appeared in. Back issues are available from the Club. There were several issues. Sorry I can't be more help.
 
Harrison,
Your best way to get information is to go to the Early Ford V-8 club and buy their book "1941-48 Ford". This book is a necessity if you have a 41-48 Ford. It will tell all about trim and everything else mechanical, body parts to colors. In mid-February of 1947 the 46 model cars coming off the lines were titled 47. In April, 6 weeks later, the interior and exterior changes started to creep in: relocation of parking lights, trim, 10 new colors, and a great deal of interior restyling. Some early 46's were even shipped without bumpers and spare tires due to the chrome and rubber shortages from the war years. Dealers installed wooden bumpers to be replaced when Ford sent them the chrome bumpers and tires later.
John
 
Like everyone else has said, there are myriad differences between the '46, '47, & '48 Fords. We have a late production '47 Convertible that has '47 belt line trim on one side and '48 trim on the other. We are, for all intent and purposes, the second owners of the car so I'm quite certain that one full side of belt line trim was not replaced after the initial build. I've also owned several other '46, '47 & '48 Fords in just about every body style and I can tell you that virtually no two are exactly alike. After the war, Ford automobile production resumed in June of '45 and a lot of '41 & '42 parts were being used. Several years ago I saw what I initially thought was a '41 Ford Convertible however, the body was like a '42-'48 except that there were no quarter windows, the top looked like a '41 and the car was registered as a '45. In short, the ’45 through’48 Fords are an enigma wrapped in a puzzle.:eek:
 
Wow this is all interesting stuff. I have a stock unmolested '47 (I think) Fordor in the polebarn waiting for restoration. I've not had a Ford older than my '56 Fairlane, so it's going to be interesting once I get into this one. The info sources listed here should be a great help.
 
"We have a late production '47 Convertible that has '47 belt line trim on one side and '48 trim on the other."

It sounds as if Johnny Cash built that one. :D
 
You could be right, one piece at a time! Actually, I never realized the difference until Waymon Brownley (who was chief judge for the EFV8 Club at the time) pointed it out to me at the Eastern Regional Meet in Atlanta in '97. Those of you who know me know that I have little regard for car show judges in general and EFV8C judges in particular however, Waymon knew what he was talking about when it came to Ford and Mercury cars.
 
Re: Differences in '46-'48 Fords? Vic Piano

Vic Piano has an accurate and unbelieveable recall for the facts on Ford cars/trucks. Now, if you go to his fun workbees on Saturdays at his shop just don't ask him where the 1/2" socket is. Long term/short term- hmmm
John
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top