1946 Dodge business coupe

[Floydflathead]

Need some parts.   Car had been sitting,  probably decades now.   Could not get the hood open, the pull cable was completely fused and pb blaster didn't work.   Latches also almost stuck together like asphalt from old grease.   Finally got it apart,  but cables are broken and I need good used or NOS if anyone knows where (I know,  dream on) 

Here's sine pictures of broken cable got one pair of latches repaired and cleaned will grease tomorrow and install. I'll see if I can rig some kind of pull wire for now. 

 

Also,  doors don't work.   Trying to take latch out.  Can't see how to get lock cylinder loose so I can get latch out.  Any help on that is appreciated. 

 

[Floydflathead]

[Booger]

wow Ive seen worse you should be so lucky. hell start with PB blaster

[Happy 46R]

Sorry I don't have any pictures for you but on my car and a parts car I use the lock set is removed by folding back the rubber seal on the edge of the door and there is an access hole there. Cannot remember slot or philips head needed inside that access port.  Have fun with your project. It looks well worth it. I know there was a thread a few months back about a broken hood latch cable and one of the members showed how they created a second pull cable handle under the left front fender and that way if one broke he had a secondary access. Good idea. 

[Young Ed]

Get yourself a HD generic choke cable to use for a hood release cable. Mine has a chrome T handle and works well.

[hi_volt]

Nice looking car!  Looks pretty solid.  Keep us posted on your progress, and pix are always appreciated. 😊

[Floydflathead]

Do you know where I could such a value with chrome T handle?   

 

I finally got the lock cylinder out - slotted screw.   It v works budge , but more pb blaster,  the hammering,  then got out the Mapp torch.  Finally got things loose enough,  I got the cylinder out.  Not I can't figure out how to get luck cylinder  out, so went back to service manual.   Seems I need to remove screws from the lower window channel.   I've found Hudsons are much easier to do these operations on. 

[Los_Control]

Dodge was ahead of it's time in this era ... They knew way back then, the harder you work ... the more you appreciate them.

[Young Ed]

40 minutes ago, Floydflathead said:

Do you know where I could such a value with chrome T handle?   

 

I finally got the lock cylinder out - slotted screw.   It v works budge , but more pb blaster,  the hammering,  then got out the Mapp torch.  Finally got things loose enough,  I got the cylinder out.  Not I can't figure out how to get luck cylinder  out, so went back to service manual.   Seems I need to remove screws from the lower window channel.   I've found Hudsons are much easier to do these operations on. 

Mine was from Napa but that was probably 15 years ago. 

[Floydflathead]

Ok thanks.   After some choice words between myself and the car,  I got the door latch out.  Hard to clean up,  but did my best.   Will grease and see if I can replace tomorrow.   I think these are installed first,  then the window channels and window at the factory.  

 

I think this fell off the door.   Interesting tag.  I knew Budd manufacturing did manufacture some bodies for Chrysler. This specifically says door.

[Neira]

Looks like Dodge upgraded the linkage between the hood latches since 1941.  My 41 latches look the same but I have kinda flimsy looking 1/8" rods connecting them. Hopefully your latches are freed up and functional. 

[Floydflathead]

They're working fine now,  just need to fix the cables somehow.   Wish I could find a good pair. 

 

Would love to see your 41 coupe

Edited March 1 by Floydflathead

[Doug&Deb]

A temporary fix for the hood cables is picture hanging wire. It’s the right diameter and it’s strong enough. I used that when I had a D24. 

[Neira]

On 2/28/2025 at 9:43 PM, Floydflathead said:

They're working fine now,  just need to fix the cables somehow.   Wish I could find a good pair. 

 

Would love to see your 41 coupe

The 41 is still very much a project. It's scheduled to have 2" chopped from the top in May.  Then all the other body patch repairs and complete new floor/trunk floor. 

[Dan Hiebert]

I've got a parts car that might still have those cables, I just got it last fall and haven't really inventoried it.  But it is under four feet of snow right now and won't be accessible until the end of April, or maybe even May.  Don't wait for me, but I'll keep an eye on this thread and PM you with what I find once I can get to the car. 

[Floydflathead]

Definitely looking for those cables,  so let me know.   This 46 was produced by Budd Manufacturing.   A metal plate came off the passenger door that says door was manufactured by Budd Manufacturing of Philadelphia. PA under 3 different patents.   AllSteel.

 

I also need any door latches that might be available,  including the parts on body that the door latches too. I did finally get passenger door apart,  and latch out and cleaned up,  but what a mess,  and the part on the body door can is broken.   Got it functional enough.   Driver door was stuck but finally got it open, but latch is probably worn out.

 

I'm also looking for turn signal,  and dash lights (clustered with high beam indicator).  If like to set those up if I can find one.   Next I'll get into the engine. 

My car has these round ashtrays attached to the back of the seats.   They're rather useless,  but interesting.   I supposed they were used in club coupes and 2 door sedans that had folding seats. 

[Floydflathead]

I'm in Richland,  WA.  Think you're in Oregon.   If so,  where about?

[Los_Control]

Be careful what you ask for .... someone might be from Finnely WA and you may regret what you receive.  

[Dan Hiebert]

2 hours ago, Floydflathead said:

I'm in Richland,  WA.  Think you're in Oregon.   If so,  where about?

If you're asking me, I'm in northern Maine.  Other side of the continent.

[Floydflathead]

18 hours ago, Los_Control said:

Be careful what you ask for .... someone might be from Finnely WA and you may regret what you receive.  

Please explain

[Los_Control]

1 hour ago, Floydflathead said:

Please explain

Just pulling your leg ... as a carpenter I built as a team member a lot of houses in Richland, West Richland, Kennewick ... lived out in Finnley.

Family members throughout the Tri-Cities ..... Wife father is in Kennewick ... I moved out of the area many years ago.

I went back for a short time in 2016.

 

The boat races were always fun .... I spent a lot of time fishing on the river ... I car pooled to work with a friend, we get to my house and the boat was connected to my truck.

We picked up supplies on the way home, jump in the truck and head to the boat launch 1/4 mile away. Lot of memories in that area.

[Floydflathead]

Ok, got you.   I'm actually close to West Richland.  Unfortunately,  like everything in the west,  it's too expensive to live here.  But great place for cars because of the desert.   Lousy because of higher gas prices and large growth of population.  For now at least. 

[Neira]

Looks like moparmall.com has the hood release for 46-48 DeSoto. I think the DeSoto has a single hood vs. butterfly. However, it looks very similar to the one in your original post.  Maybe they can tell you how long the cable is to see if it'll work. Then you'll need two of them if I'm not mistaken. 

[spongebob]

i have a hood release handle with a cable attatched. it is chrome. supposed to be for a hood release inside the car. i have it to install in my 54 windsor but will probably never do that. my wife will be back in town after this saturday and can text you a picture. my email is captdennis29@gmail.com. let me know if you are interested.     dennis