Fairly complete and unrestored projects pop up from time to time, but it is always sweet when it’s a nice car for a reasonable price. This ’46 Ford model 69A seems like a great project that could almost be revived with some fresh fluids and tinkering. Considered a 40 year old barn find, the seller seems interested to unload this Ford quick for the asking price of $4,000 or best offer. Take a look at it here on craigslist out of San Antonio, Texas. Thanks to Tristan C for this sweet Ford submission!
Reported as being in “good condition” this flathead V8 certainly looks promising. There is dirt, and evidence of moisture or oil on the engine, but if you look at the fire wall and other sheet metal under the hood, this Ford seems very solid. The engine wears a layer of dirt and surface rust, and appears relatively complete minus an air cleaner housing, and a few coolant hoses. I would guess that the seller turned the engine over by hand to determine its condition.
While there are no photos of the interior, I am going to guess it is in rough shape based off of the missing passenger side window, and the tattered headliner hanging. I guess for that asking price we can’t have everything right? Overall the sheet metal on this Ford looks nice minus some surface rust, some primer, and some rust and a sheet metal rip in the passenger side rear fender. The body appears relatively straight, and the car overall is certainly interesting unless the floors are a train wreck. Would you strike a deal for this reasonably priced Ford?
On the surface, it looks like a pretty good deal. Freshen up the paint and interior, rebuild the flathead with a few period go-fast goodies, sort out suspension, tires and braking and just enjoy the ride…
These are really getting rare. Not my beverage of choice but has potential. Anyone under 40/50 have these on their wish list? Hope it gets a good home.
“Affordable project”? No such thing.
Dirk, it’s a bit like that old joke: How do you make a small fortune out of a project car? You start with a large fortune.
How about flood damage. San Antonio under water last year?
I always liked this body style although I’m more partial to the ’42. I just like the grill a whole lot more. I’ve got a ’42 4-door and it’s a lot rougher than this one, and not nearly as complete. My ambition is to actually make something that runs with a certain degree of reliability. Maybe in the near future. I hope that whoever picks up this one will do it proper justice….
I have had several 46 to 48 Fords, one reason being they always have been the most affordable early Fords to own, the exception being Station Wagons, Convertible or of course,a Sportsman, one of the most expensive early Fords. The 46 is to me the most desirable, the 47 and 48’s were very similar, but all the difference between the years, was for only one reason, and that was to make them cheaper to manufacture. I would have to say from the pictures , that this 46 Tudor is probably priced at the very top of the market, I think it would be pretty easy to find a better example, at a much better price, I would pass on this one.
When I was a kid and just beginning my car geekiness(late 50’s) we had some neighbors, 2 old brothers although they probably weren’t that old given I was 7-8 yrs old. They lived together in a small house behind another house that was closer to the street. There was a married couple who lived there and I think the lady was their sister, but not sure now, 60+ years later. Both of them had a Ford like this, one was a 2-door and one was a 4-door, both black and in really good shape.
Never had a thing to do with them, although they worked in the yard together and were mostly friendly and both had little dogs that loved to bark at us but never had any issues with them. One day, my mom told me that one of them had died earlier in the week, from a heart attack. I still didn’t pay much attention to them but it wasn’t long that the other one left, the little house got sold and the Ford cars went away. Not sure what the end of their story was but also was a typical kid. Never saw them again (nor their cars).
I’m afraid the seller was being a bit overly optimistic with his description of the engine. Good condition? Looks kind of crusty to me. I’d like to know how long the air cleaner has been off since an open carb allows more moist air into the engine. Also, it’s very difficult to turn the engine over without a fan belt unless a fresh battery is installed so, chances are the seller has NOT determined whether the engine is stuck or free.
Moist air makes it’s way regardless if the air cleaner is present or not….condensation effects every aspect of a vehicle that has been at rest. A drive belt has no bearing on if an engine will “turn over”, nor does a fresh battery. Oil the cylinders, then put a wrench to the crank and use elbow grease to determine if it will turn. I would never try to fire an engine without oiling the cylinders, fresh fuel and plugs. These are simple basics.
Have you been to San Antonio?
Not alot of moisture there.
Most 46-48’s went the way of the Custom. I like the Tudor model over the coupe but…I would be tempted to swap out the front clip for a ’41 or ’42. Fender skirts, wide whites and dog dish caps/rings along with a visor and twin Appleton’s with matching road lights. Peep mirrors and lower the rear 3 inches. Dual exhaust through Smithy’s mufflers with 3″ echo cans…
I’m old school. ;)
This ’46 is a 40 year old barn find/ Try 72 years.
Sold:
Tried to drive same year/color-model 46 Ford from Seattle to Brazil upon graduation from Univ. of Washington in 1964. Matchless 600 cc single “Typhoon” where back seat was. Called home at Nogales to check out, and me mom opened and read a personal invitation from LBJ to abandon my frivolous actions and instead join up and look into that crazy Asian war.
There’s more to this story to go along if anyone’s interested. (in the car)
Charlie (surfs)
later a 1LT abn/ranger
now a model citizen looking for Columbia rear end