Unknown body part
- Thread starter fiddy6
- Start date
mercman from oz
Well-known member
This photo is of a 1956 Ford Sunliner before the front fenders were installed. Hope that this helps.
mercman from oz
Well-known member
This is the best that I can do, sorry.
Daves55Sedan
Well-known member
The front air deflector is made of two pieces that were resistance-welded together at the factory. The flat piece serves as an air-dam, forcing the air thru the radiator. The top curved piece provides a barrier between the fender front grille opening and the wheel-well, just behind the headlight. It also prevents rain water splashed by the front tire from spilling out over the parking light housing. That piece is notorious for rusting through because mud will collect in the little space between the fender and top piece. I have repaired those much worse than yours, but if you are not into mig welding and metalworking, you might be able to find a better replacement somewhere in the marketplace. To my knowledge, reproductions are not available. Once upon a time, the entire panel was offered as a fiberglass replacement by one of the fiberglass auto body replacement part suppliers, but that was a long time ago.
Daves55Sedan
Well-known member
The photos of the Sunliner posted by Mercman do not have the top pieces on the air deflector panel at the time the photos were taken. That top piece is critical as it both dams up air movement and forces the air thru the radiator and to keep rainwater from dumping onto the parking light housing. Perhaps Mercman will tell us what the owner did to correct this deficiency.
mercman from oz
Well-known member
I asked the owner of this nice 56 Ford about this part. This was his reply. "Yes, it attaches to the fender". Regards Mercman <><
I have always known them as as tin snips or shears.regardless looks as if your coming along.it is not a spot that can be seen easily when fender is installed so function should follow form.
Hot Rod Reverend
Well-known member
This part of my blog: https://www.hotrodreverend.com/single-post/2017/09/21/55-Ford-Fairlane-Restoration-Blog-Part-11 should have some helpful information.
Merc Cruzer
Well-known member
Thanks Guys.
A few lashings of zinc paint and I hope they last another 62 years.
I know you can't see them with the fenders on but I know it's there.
To be honest it wasn't a lot of work. I did it in patches to try and retain as much of the original shape in the hope that the bolts line up when the fenders go back on.
I'm not aiming for concours... just a tidy reliable cruiser.
A few lashings of zinc paint and I hope they last another 62 years.
I know you can't see them with the fenders on but I know it's there.
To be honest it wasn't a lot of work. I did it in patches to try and retain as much of the original shape in the hope that the bolts line up when the fenders go back on.
I'm not aiming for concours... just a tidy reliable cruiser.
