Rare '40 convertible restoration project

I'm still at it!
 

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Excellent work. I discovered your thread last week & immediately read it from end to end. I have a 40 convertible project that is a solid shell but is missing its floors. It is good to follow the work of a someone knowledgeable in reconstructing & restoring 1940 Fords.
 
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Wow! I didn't realize it's been nearly three months since I've updated this thread.
I have made significant progress.

Some of you may recall that this is a rather rare 40 convertible. Fully documented factory installed Mercury engine with aluminum high compression heads - this car was ordered by a sheriff in Vermont.

The engine is running and sounds like a kitten purring. No leaks :) I've run the engine through three heat cycles and torqued the heads after each cool down period.
The body is mounted and the gaps are all set as perfectly as I am able to achieve. Even with all of the fitting prior to painting, it seems it's always a pain in the butt to fit after. How can that be? - I ask myself that every time.

The trunk lid fits nicer than any I've ever done previously as well as any I've ever seen.
That took an incredible amount of effort to achieve. It closes and latches under its own weight.


The interior has been completed as well as the top. This is only my fourth (fifth?) top I've ever done. It no doubt takes me much longer than a professional but I'm willing to compare end quality :)


As soon as I can get a little help installing the hood, I'll get after the front clip soon thereafter. The running boards, rear fenders, etc. take little time after that front clip is installed properly. And yes, that was installed prior to painting as well. But, to reiterate, I'm sure it won't easily go back "in place". They never seem to...


The hood and fenders are painted and ready to install.
 

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Whats the story on the flathead block in the background of picture #1?

Oh, and yes this project is looking very nice. Well done of course.
 
Seth Swoboda said:
Whats the story on the flathead block in the background of picture #1?

Oh, and yes this project is looking very nice. Well done of course.
Click to expand...

That's a 60HP I pulled out of a coupe a few years back. In between everything else around here, I'm going to get this one ready to sell. I need to move some iron :)
 
Congratulations on your progress.
I've been curious about the transmission. If this has been covered, I apologize, I missed it. The question... Did the original case come with the car? If not, how did you deal with the Mercury number? I realize you are a fanatic for detail, and I'm wondering how a person deals with getting a correct-number case for a high-points car, when presumably the original case is long-gone. And, if a person prefers to not share this sort of detail, I can understand.
Thanks, and I'm an admirer of your fine work with attention to detail. I could never do it.
 
In post#1 you mentioned that you hoped to have this convertible ready for Dearborn. When I checked into this event last month I asked if you were there already. The checkin lady mentioned that you had cancelled for the show. I was disappointed as I was hoping to meet you and see the car in the flesh!
Got to meet Old Redneck and see his gorgeous 40 as well as many other Barners from around the world. Also got to drive "johnnys" 46 wagon 400 miles roundtrip to the meet, London Ontario/Dearborn. Johnny gave me drivers test to make sure I could drive a standard before we left,seriously!:rolleyes::rolleyes: Bill
 
bobH said:
Congratulations on your progress.
I've been curious about the transmission. If this has been covered, I apologize, I missed it. The question... Did the original case come with the car? If not, how did you deal with the Mercury number? I realize you are a fanatic for detail, and I'm wondering how a person deals with getting a correct-number case for a high-points car, when presumably the original case is long-gone. And, if a person prefers to not share this sort of detail, I can understand.
Thanks, and I'm an admirer of your fine work with attention to detail. I could never do it.
Click to expand...

This particular car had the authentic transmission so there was no issue to deal with.
When I've needed to "match" a case for a a restoration, I have milled the case to eliminate (neatly) the incorrect number. Stamping in the number I require for a restoration is easy of course...
 
Bill said:
In post#1 you mentioned that you hoped to have this convertible ready for Dearborn. When I checked into this event last month I asked if you were there already. The checkin lady mentioned that you had cancelled for the show. I was disappointed as I was hoping to meet you and see the car in the flesh!
Got to meet Old Redneck and see his gorgeous 40 as well as many other Barners from around the world. Also got to drive "johnnys" 46 wagon 400 miles roundtrip to the meet, London Ontario/Dearborn. Johnny gave me drivers test to make sure I could drive a standard before we left,seriously!:rolleyes::rolleyes: Bill
Click to expand...

I was VERY disappointed to have had to cancel my plans. I actually had two vehicles that I'd intended on showing for the first time and possibly one more that had been shown a few years ago.

Too many "life things" got in the way. All is back to whatever "normal" is now :)
 
Nice work!
I was going to ask what the two lines were in the drivers floor, but I think I figured out they must be for the top motor?
 
RalphM said:
Nice work!
I was going to ask what the two lines were in the drivers floor, but I think I figured out they must be for the top motor?
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Yes sir! I was fortunate enough to have a set of NOS lines I bought at Hershey back in the 1980's.
 

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Kube said:
I was VERY disappointed to have had to cancel my plans. I actually had two vehicles that I'd intended on showing for the first time.
Here's a suggestion Mike. Treat us to a few pictures of the two vehicles you intended to show at Dearborn. You know we all like pictures! Lookin' forward to a mini-show....Bill
Click to expand...
 
Bill said:
Kube said:
I was VERY disappointed to have had to cancel my plans. I actually had two vehicles that I'd intended on showing for the first time.
Here's a suggestion Mike. Treat us to a few pictures of the two vehicles you intended to show at Dearborn. You know we all like pictures! Lookin' forward to a mini-show....Bill
Click to expand...

These two...and of course the 40 convertible. The coupe had actually been judged prior - many years ago.
Click to expand...
 

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Hey Kube

I have the same pain. I have a 40 convert im also working on looks alot like yours.

Im sanding the body right now and priming. At least it looks like you have all the top pieces Im missing the woods and all the top frame cross pieces. If you can send me pics of it and and connection points to the body Id appreciate it.

Also the cross board in the front of the back seat it could use a pic and dimensions.

I'll send you pics and keep you updated of my progress.

Thanks
Frank
 
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