Ernie enjoyed his '39 Chevy Dwarf so much that he decided to build another but of a different style. He fell in love with a '42 Ford convertible after seeing the movie “April Love,” in 1957. Ernie was especially fond of the convertible feature and the front grill of the '42 Ford compared to the ‘46, ’47 and ’48 model. After thinking long and hard, he made a decision to build a Dwarf '42 Ford Deluxe Convertible.

Ernie began construction in 1992, using 1x2 rectangular tubing for the frame and 20-guage sheet steel for the body. He used the same motor and drive train from a Toyota Corolla, just as he had used for his ’39 Chevy Dwarf. From the Corolla, he also used the steering, tie rods and electric wiring.

Like the original 42 Ford, Ernie’s 42 Dwarf has a straight axle with front and rear suspension using a transverse leaf spring. He also fabricated a hydraulic convertible top that is fully operational. Ernie spent seven years constructing his “42.” He finished up in 1999 and registered the car as Street Legal, 1999 Home Made.

This car has many features, such as, bucket seats, cloth interior, heater, defroster, stereo and clock. Ernie used an 80 inch wheelbase. The car is 11 ½ feet long, 50 inches wide and 46 inches high.

In 2003 Ernie drove this car from Maricopa, AZ to Wauconda, Illinois  near Chicago to meet the Mid-Americruise. He traveled the cruise from Waucondo, Illinois to Lincoln, Nebraska. The cruise made stops at several rod shops along the way. Ernie’s car received the “Editor’s Choice Award,” from Rod and Custom Magazine.