48 convertible runs again!

[Suess]

So today as I was digging for parts for the 47 I was climbing all over my dads 48 convertible. I have not given this car much thought because it had also been stored for a few years and the 47 is my favorite. Anyway I opened the trunk to see if he had stashed anything back there and I saw that the battery cables had been disconnected. Out of pure curiosity I hooked the cables up slid in through the passenger door ( because so much crap had been piled up around it) I put the key in the ignition and saw everything light up. I pump it a few times and hit the switch. The engine spun, pump it again and I couldn't believe it she started right up. Slowly backed it out of the shed checked the tires and tranny fluid wiped the dirt off the glass and drove it home. I made it about 15 miles pulled over and dropped the top. Drove the rest of the way with no issues. Got her home wife and I hosed it off wiped it all down and jumped I. And went to dinner with our kids in the back seat. I have been working every night on my 47 that I forgot how much fun it was to just drive.

The green rims were my wife's idea years ago. I still think they look cool.

On the way home. Notice my one clean spot in the rear plastic so I could see.

[BobT-47P15]

Cool car. Did your Dad do the customizing work, or buy it that way?

Are the rear fenders 1942 models, or did they radius the originals?

Original engine and drivetrain??

Interior??

[Frank Elder]

I see a big ole round flat air cleaner in there.......please tell me it's not a 350.

[1940plymouth]

That second photo is a great shot. So pleased that you took time to go for a drive and share the photos with us.

Looking forward to seeing more photos,

Thanks again,

Bob

[Jerry Roberts]

Wow ! It sits for a few years and you start it right up and drive away .

[Suess]

The earliest I can remember this car it was sitting in a shed next to a chicken coop. It had no top or interior. I played in it a took numerous imaginary trips in it. Dad took it to a body shop and they installed a volare front clip. Then it came home and sat for a few more years. Then I remember it going to one of my dads friends and the put in a 360 with a automatic. After that it was pieced together. As I got older and got my license I was permitted to drive it home from a mechanics house. It was the dead of winter no top no heater and not a single pane of glass. I looked like the kid from the Christmas story.... Now as some may have noticed with my 47 build. When I see a little problem it begins to blow out of proportion such as the car needs a new carb.. My thought process evolves into well if it needs a carb I might as well pull the manifold and well since I am this far lets go ahead and rebuild the engine.. So on and so forth. I tell you this because five or so years ago as I was sitting at our old shop my father complained that his front brakes seemed to be a little sluggish. He asked if I would check them out.. He then left to go take a nap. Now what I say is gospel. No sooner did he exit the shop and I looked at the brakes I discovered that every thing had been installed in that car was from the junk yard and looked the part. I being a man of OCD decided to gut it! When dad came back into the shop I had the fron of the car stripped and scattered for one end to another. I then forced my father to purchase items that I felt would be sufficient. It was a blast and I wouldn't change any of these memories for any amount of money. Sorry if I rambled but this car also holds memories for me. Hell all of them do.

[falconvan]

Very cool story; good for your dad for hanging onto it so many years and sticking with it. How about some more pictures?