The Overview
Make & Model: 1947 Ford Deluxe Tudor Sedan V8 Manual.
Description: Two door Sedan.
History of the car: The Ford car was thoroughly updated in 1941, in preparation for a time of unpredictability surrounding World War II. The 1941 design would continue in an aborted 1942 model year and would be restarted in 1946 utilizing in the main the 1941 design and produced until 1948 when the more modern 1949 Fords were ready. During the initial 1949 year of this Ford, it evolved considerably.
(AUSTRALIAN PRODUCTION) The 1941 Ford was also produced in Australia by Ford Australia in V8 sedan and V8 coupé utility models. [1] Revised 1942 models followed, although only 138 examples were produced [5]. Many Fords during the war period were used by the Military.
Australian production recommenced in 1946 with V8 Sedan, Coupe Utility and Panel Van models released [6] and minor updates followed in 1947 and 1948 [7] The Panel Van was discontinued in 1948 and the Sedan and Coupe Utility were replaced by the 1949 models in September 1948 [8]
(Source: Wikipedia)
History of the car: (how it got possessed by Peter, what has been done.)
Whilst visiting Dearborn USA as I had been every 5 years to partake the American Early Ford V8 Club National events, I was chatting with the world Chief Judge who informed me of this low mileage (51,000 miles) Tudor he had for sale. Knowing & trusting this fellow for many years & the Ford being garaged at his home, I decided to purchase & to arrange later to have the Tudor sent to my home in Australia. The importing regulations & procedures are arduous but essential including duties, GST, taxes, quarantine procedures & certainly the costly shipping fees across America to LA & other minor costs. On arrival, I was certainly not disappointed at the condition & in particular, the fine undamaged & rust free body. I commenced on a complete body-off restoration raising it on my 2 post hoist, elevating the body & rolling out the chassis & running gear. Beyond this, I have a complete restoration process available for any person interested in the 4 year restoration process C/W photos & details that can be e-mailed.
Exterior
Colour: Tucson Tan / Creamy White
Dimension: 5034 mm (198.2”) long x 1862 mm (73.3”) wide X 1763 mm (69.4”) high.
Weight: 1459 Kg, curb weight 1540 kg.
Headlights: 12 volt halogen.
Windscreen & windows: Safety glass, side window glass lightly tinted.
Grille/badge: Horizontal stainless steel bar grille with blue ‘Ford Deluxe’ alloy badge.
Side mirror: Modified to add a homemade stainless steel polished backing to match waistline mouldings.
Door handle: Lever type. Both doors are lockable with matching key.
Waistline strips: Polished stainless steel.
Front & rear bumpers: pressed steel triple chrome plated.
Tyres: 600 x 16” radial wide white wall.
Wheels: ROH pressed steel safety rims.
Interior
Steering Wheel: 2 spoke steel centre painted to match body colour with Ford centre emblem.
Gearing: 3 speed forward, one reverse manual gearbox with Columbia 2 speed differential fitted to rear axle operated by vacuum through lines to a 3” diameter cylinder.
Gadgets: Clock converted to a rev` counter to monitor Columbia speed change.
Instrument panel: Pressed steel painted in a colour to match interior trim.
Roof: One piece pressed steel with side gutters to keep water off windows whilst driving.
Floor: 3 piece pressed steel with reinforcing rib pressings for added strength.
Seats: Seats 5, fitted with seat belts. Rear seat backs tilt forward to allow rear seat access.
Door trim: Mohair/wool combination in beige & light brown fabric/vinyl.
Power & Handling
Engine: Ford side valve flat head V8 in a ‘vee’ configuration, 4 stroke spark ignition, Holley # 94 2 barrel carburettor. Bore: 80.96 mm (239.4 Cu”), Stroke: 95.25 mm (3.1875”), Compression ratio: 6.75:1, 239.4Cu”, 74.5 Kw/100 HP/101 PS (SAE), Torque 244 nm (180 ft lbs), Fuel: petrol.
Transmission: 3 speed manual, one reverse gear column shift. 1st gear: 2.819:1, 2nd gear: 1.604:1, 3rd gear: 1:1, reverse: 3.625:1 using 3.78:1 differential.
Steering: Manual worm & worm wheel low ratio.
Braking: Hydraulic operation to all 4 wheel drums with external cams adjustment.
Suspension: Radius arms to front & rear with semi elliptical transverse springs, hydraulic Houdaille adjustable lever arm shock absorbers.
Speeds: (Claimed theoretical). Top speed: 129 Km/hr (80 MPH, acceleration: 0-60 MPH 18.9 seconds. 0-100 MPH 20.5 seconds.
Cargo space: 17 Cubic feet. This is still allowing for the upright mounted spare wheel/tyre.
Modifications & improvements carried out during my restoration:
1/ Installed a modern ‘tin can’ electronic coil.
2/ Installed an electronic ‘pointless’ Remund brand crab type distributor.
3/ Installed an additional manually switch operated to rear of car adjacent to the fuel tank as a ‘pusher’ to operate in case of fuel starvation that may be caused by evaporation & further, to prime the mechanical pump to save battery start cranking over after long durations of non-use to deliver fuel to the carburettor.
4/ Installed a period correct reversing light & manual switch.
5/ Installed ‘full house’ quality floor carpeting to match the trimming tone. Normally the Ford Tudor was factory fitted with carpet to the rear & rubber mat to the forward floor area.
6/ A most important extra that was period correct & often fitted at point of sale by the dealership at a cost + option is the Columbia 2 speed differential changer. I acquired a genuine Columbia locally at Fitzroy in pieces. Checking completeness, I set about restoring the kit in anticipation of fitment to the Ford Tudor. The Columbia 2 speed rear axle differential was supplied to any suitable make & model & had no particular connection to FoMoCo. There is a modification to the clutch cone that is highly recommended due to past failures. I bought a ‘bullet proofing’ steel sleeve, machined the clutch cone, heated the sleeve & quickly dropped it on to the clutch cone as a shrink fit. I imported other parts required from USA being gaskets, speed changer repair kit, & miscellaneous reproduction parts. The engine vacuum operated system works well if rigidly following the changing procedure. Foot off the accelerator & operate the electronic switch & hold, declutch then release clutch to engage & accelerate again. The change is obvious as the low audible ‘clunk’ is heard, This operation only comes into effect at a speed over 25 MPH. The engagement results in a 26% less engine speed allowing for a greater highway speed without high engine revolutions.
For more information go to: www.columbiatwospeedparts.com
Keep on FORDIN` Peter Hibbert.