Need help please

[OnlyMopar]

I need photos/pics  of 1947 Dodge Custom trunk area, below the trunk lid  is totally gone,and thus far unable to fine a replacement panel. The area I need to built from scratch extends all the way across from fender to fender, houses the body ( not the lid) locking mechanism. Some pics showing the profile and  straight on surface, interior and exterior would be extremely helpful.  Family and a trunk lid, but shipping charges over $300.00, guess I will be rebuilding the lid. Any sources/pics would be very helpful. Thanks.

[Booger]

Wow lots of work there but doable when you seen other members replace floor pans. For the trunk lid start with French Lake Auto in Ana nadale MN

[OnlyMopar]

Thanks,will check again, thanks. Checked earlier but didn't have one.

 

[joecoozie]

Sent you a PM (Private Message)

[OnlyMopar]

46 minutes ago, joecoozie said:

Sent you a PM (Private Message)

Thanks,will check again, thanks. Checked earlier but didn't have one.

 

[OnlyMopar]

1 hour ago, joecoozie said:

Sent you a PM (Private Message)

 

[joecoozie]

Questions:

Would a trunk lid from a 46-48 Plymouth interchange with this one?

What about one from a 46-48 Chrysler?

[Plymouthy Adams]

chrysler dodge and desoto are the big three...plymouth is a smaller vehicle...body panels are not going to interchange....

[OnlyMopar]

Thanks for the info, will help narrow down the search

[OnlyMopar]

5 hours ago, Booger said:

Wow lots of work there but doable when you seen other members replace floor pans. For the trunk lid start with French Lake Auto in Ana nadale MN

Checked with French Lake,by phone, the only one they have is in worse shape than mine. Thanks for the lead though.

[joecoozie]

1 hour ago, Plymouthy Adams said:

chrysler dodge and desoto are the big three...plymouth is a smaller vehicle...body panels are not going to interchange....

So will a Chrysler trunk lid work?

[Plymouthy Adams]

should, model for model do not expect a sedan and conv/bz cpe to be the same....holes for trim will likely be different.  As for the damage I see in the OP's picture, that beast will be a quite the amount of metal and welding.  Hoping he can find donor panels at a reasonable cost...for the record, the panels can be made rather easily and welded in place...be a big undertaking but totally doable.  

[Ivan_B]

I know this is not what you've asked for, but, I am sorry, I just cannot look straight at something like that. What's your plans for this car? Does it have some sentimental value (grandpa's car) or do you enjoy spending time in the garage for an indefinite period of time, just for the process, etc.? If not - get rid of it, now. This is a parts car, at best, it will literally need everything

[OnlyMopar]

10 hours ago, Ivan_B said:

I know this is not what you've asked for, but, I am sorry, I just cannot look straight at something like that. What's your plans for this car? Does it have some sentimental value (grandpa's car) or do you enjoy spending time in the garage for an indefinite period of time, just for the process, etc.? If not - get rid of it, now. This is a parts car, at best, it will literally need everything

No sentimental value as far as it being in the family previously. It will become such as my two grandsons and I are going to do our best to restore. We all enjoy working on cars, and know the time and effort spent together restoring, to us ,will be more meaningful than if spent fishing, or hunting, or setting in a sports stadium or in front of a TV set. We do realize the amount of time, and money, and probable frustration it can cost, but it will be worth every bit of it. Family, quality family time and the memories we make together on this project are priceless. 

[Ivan_B]

2 hours ago, OnlyMopar said:

We do realize the amount of time, and money, and probable frustration it can cost, but it will be worth every bit of it.

Are you sure? Have you done this before? I am just playing the conscience, here. I've seen plenty of project cars in considerably better condition that never made it anywhere, for various reasons. An old car is still an old car, it needs plenty of work on regular bases (unless fully restored). Many people here will disagree with my assessment. Nevertheless, it just seems like, maybe, you could spend the same quality time with your grandsons with a much better vehicle, which you'll actually be able to enjoy driving as well... Just think about it, before you've invested too much into this one 🤔

Edited March 12, 2024 by Ivan_B

[OnlyMopar]

6 minutes ago, Ivan_B said:

Are you sure? Have you done this before? I am just playing the conscience, here. I've seen plenty of project cars in considerably better condition that never made it anywhere, for various reasons. An old car is still an old car, it needs plenty of work on regular bases (unless fully restored). Many people here will disagree with my assessment. Nevertheless, it just seems like, maybe, you could spend the same quality time with your grandsons with a much better vehicle, which you'll actually be able to enjoy driving as well... Just think about it, before you've invested too much into this one 🤔

I have asked myself the same questions, for sure. And I really do understand and appreciate where you are coming from. The challenges here are many to say the least and I probably have not considered or even recognized some. And the truth be told, at 74 yo, I may never even get to drive it , or even ride in the car,but  my family will. The mechanical, body repair, and upholstery challenges are many ,but we are up to the tasks and the looking forward the rewards. 

[Ivan_B]

For the visuals, these might be of some use:

 

https://www.autoweek.com/car-life/classic-cars/a30436944/junkyard-treasure-1947-dodge-custom-sedan/

https://inthegaragemedia.com/1947-dodge-coupe-with-hand-crafted-custom-fender-and-decklid/

 

The trunk floor edge, from the video above, looks very similar to my 1940 P10.

[OnlyMopar]

37 minutes ago, Ivan_B said:

For the visuals, these might be of some use:

 

https://www.autoweek.com/car-life/classic-cars/a30436944/junkyard-treasure-1947-dodge-custom-sedan/

https://inthegaragemedia.com/1947-dodge-coupe-with-hand-crafted-custom-fender-and-decklid/

 

The trunk floor edge, from the video above, looks very similar to my 1940 P10.

Thanks, appreciate all the info I can get. I have projects of similar complexity and degree. Fortunately I have done auto body repair in the past, in fact worker in a body repair shop years ago. Of course back then had full access to a lot more tools and equipment. Have also done residential and auto upholstery. Have to admit looking forward to the interior work more than the exterior.

[Plymouthy Adams]

Not just a Town Sedan, but a town sedan special

[Bingster]

Having a 47' De Soto myself that is, no offense, in far better condition, I understand what IvanB is saying, but something you said caught my eye. I'm 70, and have had the car a little over ten years. Thought I'd have it done by now.  By saying that you might not be alive to drive it, you may be alive to find a car in better condition that takes less time to restore.  You can still have the same amount of fun and bonding with your grandsons, and I'm sure they would like to take that drive with you.

[Ivan_B]

1 hour ago, Bingster said:

I'm 70, and have had the car a little over ten years.

And it is still not drivable, if I recall, is it? 😑

It seems that the author is interested in the challenging family project, more so than in the actual results, and it is perfectly alright as long as he is making an informed decision. Life is short, we all make our choices accordingly

Edited March 12, 2024 by Ivan_B

[Bingster]

No it's not, and he may be retired as I am now, but have had to work all of those ten years and unfortunately had little time. I'm amazed it was that long ago that I got the car. I'm not sorry I did, but now that I'm putting my wife in a care center I'll have a whole bunch of time. Helluva way to get it, thought.

[Ivan_B]

Sorry for the off-topic, just cracked the local facebook open, and found a couple of potential drivers for under 10k:

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/330439536084256

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/413242774707849

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/710986484476180

Also, this Caddy - https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/239657462432181 - I actually saw in person, last year. It was sold by owner (at that time) for $17500. I took a very good look at it, and determined that it needed too much work.

 

There are also plenty of non-movable fixer-uppers, in very good condition, for a considerably less money, available for the unforgettable hands-on experience 😉

Edited March 12, 2024 by Ivan_B
More links.

[Bob Ritter]

If I were doing this repair I would shop around for a rear section from one of the wrecking yards, or maybe one of our Mopar Brothers has a parts car. Putting in a section would save a ton of welding and you have a lot more damage than just the floors. I can't help but wonder what the rest of the car looks like. Best of luck with your project...

[OnlyMopar]

3 hours ago, Bob Ritter said:

If I were doing this repair I would shop around for a rear section from one of the wrecking yards, or maybe one of our Mopar Brothers has a parts car. Putting in a section would save a ton of welding and you have a lot more damage than just the floors. I can't help but wonder what the rest of the car looks like. Best of luck with your project...

Thanks, hope it will come together. Have been looking around for the rear end area,no luck as yet but still hoping to go that way.