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1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

flathead to smallblock

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Old Aug 17, 2020 | 09:33 AM
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flathead to smallblock

I have a 1950 Ford F1 with a flathead V8 and looking to change to a smallblock Ford motor. Are there motor mounts out there compatible for the swap ? What type of wiring harness would I need for a 6 to 12volt conversion? Would Mac's have what I need ? Thanks in advance to all.
 
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Old Aug 17, 2020 | 10:36 AM
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Originally Posted by Checker
I have a 1950 Ford F1 with a flathead V8 and looking to change to a smallblock Ford motor. Are there motor mounts out there compatible for the swap ? What type of wiring harness would I need for a 6 to 12volt conversion? Would Mac's have what I need ? Thanks in advance to all.
keep the flathead
 
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Old Aug 17, 2020 | 10:44 AM
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I’ll buy the flathead
 
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Old Aug 17, 2020 | 05:25 PM
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I concur, your truck is too nice to throw in a 302... also, why ask a nearly identical question again - I already called dibs on the flathead over there ;-)

I'm not aware of any complete "kit conversions" that will do a 302, 12V etc - usually it takes some ingenuity and fabricating skills. Again, a truck as nice as yours should stay stock. If you want to mangle something, find a beater that needs saving.
 
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Old Aug 17, 2020 | 05:28 PM
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Originally Posted by bmoran4
I concur, your truck is too nice for trow in a 302... also, why ask a nearly identical question again - I already called dibs on the flathead over there ;-)
I knew someone already did lol
 
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Old Aug 17, 2020 | 06:02 PM
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haven't been getting much infomation
 
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Old Aug 17, 2020 | 06:08 PM
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Originally Posted by bmoran4
I concur, your truck is too nice to throw in a 302... also, why ask a nearly identical question again - I already called dibs on the flathead over there ;-)

I'm not aware of any complete "kit conversions" that will do a 302, 12V etc - usually it takes some ingenuity and fabricating skills. Again, a truck as nice as yours should stay stock. If you want to mangle something, find a beater that needs saving.


couldn’t agree more. I found this 51 Merc M3 and the flathead was gone so I put in a 302 and basically everything else. Keep the flatty if you can!
 
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Old Aug 17, 2020 | 06:22 PM
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Is there a reason why you want to get rid of the flathead? Only reason I am in the process of putting a 302 in is because my truck came with no drivetrain.
 
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Old Aug 17, 2020 | 08:23 PM
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There are adapters to connect the 302 / 5.0 to the stock transmissions, keeping the stock clutch linkage. I believe Wilcap makes them. If you don't beat on them, and have a mild engine, the stock trans will work, and the stock rear ends are plenty stout.

To mount the engine, the simplest way is to buy a tubular crossmember that fits between the front frame rails and has provisions for stock SBF motor mounts. Summit, Speedway, lots of places sell these.

There are obviously changes needed to wiring, exhaust, radiator, etc.
 
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Old Aug 17, 2020 | 09:00 PM
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Originally Posted by ALBUQ F-1
There are adapters to connect the 302 / 5.0 to the stock transmissions, keeping the stock clutch linkage. I believe Wilcap makes them. If you don't beat on them, and have a mild engine, the stock trans will work, and the stock rear ends are plenty stout.
I've been looking for some time for a 302 to flathead trans conversion bellhousing that would work in our trucks. Having a later 302 but keeping the 3 on the tree I always thought would be fun. The Wilcap site does not offer one for Ford engines, but they do for about everything else. Offenhauser made one a long time ago, but not now. Chevy engines to flathead trans are everywhere. Today, I found this adapter on ebay. It's a bunch of money, but they all seem to be. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-small-...-/192202633872

 
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Old Aug 17, 2020 | 10:48 PM
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Yeah, they are mighty proud of these kits. Here's the one I was thinking of: https://transmissionadapters.com/col...nd-older-trans
Note that and the eBay one are for the pre-8BA trannies, I can't figure what difference that would make. Meanwhile, adapters for the SBC are dime-a-dozen...

Being able to use the stock clutch linkage is a big deal, saves the trouble of hanging pedals, hydraulics or cables, etc.
 
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Old Aug 17, 2020 | 10:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Checker
haven't been getting much infomation
Yes allot more opinions on what you should do than on help with your question .
 
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Old Aug 18, 2020 | 02:22 AM
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You guys are all talking stock transmissions, but Checker has indicated he has a non-factory 5 speed transmission of some sort... And lets not forget that there are potential issues with even fitting a 302 depending upon oil pan sump position and so much more... Non of this is insurmountable given enough time, money, patients and whatnot. We also need to take into account the users expressed mechanical inclination and any tendencies/reluctance to read a diagram or schematic. But to Checker's original ask, there is no off the shelf kit (or small collection of kits) that does everything he is asking with easy as 1-2-3 spoon fed instructions. Additionally, there is nothing wrong with stating the FACT that it is a lot of work when you have a complete very nice roadworthy truck with a flathead.
 
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Old Aug 18, 2020 | 06:23 AM
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There are so many aftermarket parts out there I had hoped there would be a conversion kit that would be out of the box. Many old vehicles are being "upgraded" to modern engines/trans/rearends/etc. My truck is roadworthy and travels down the interstate easily with traffic with the 5 speed and I believe 8.8 rearend. I didn't expect so many opinions on what to do with the truck beyond My question..and I didn't need an evaluation of My mechanical abilities. If the truck is so precious left as stock...anyone here can have it for 18,500. I've been on mopar sites for years and never received the "comments" submitted as here. I'm sorry I posted and will ask the moderators to delete My membership.
 
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Old Aug 18, 2020 | 07:30 AM
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Originally Posted by Checker
There are so many aftermarket parts out there I had hoped there would be a conversion kit that would be out of the box. Many old vehicles are being "upgraded" to modern engines/trans/rearends/etc. My truck is roadworthy and travels down the interstate easily with traffic with the 5 speed and I believe 8.8 rearend. I didn't expect so many opinions on what to do with the truck beyond My question..and I didn't need an evaluation of My mechanical abilities. If the truck is so precious left as stock...anyone here can have it for 18,500. I've been on mopar sites for years and never received the "comments" submitted as here. I'm sorry I posted and will ask the moderators to delete My membership.
Im not here to flame. Just stating facts. No one has answered your questions to your likings. I see you have posted the same question in the y block forum and you posted looking for a shop to do the “kit” swap. Asking for a shop within 300 miles tells me about your mechanic abilities. It’s your truck to do as you please. I will say many times people get in over their heads and the fine people on this site are trying to save you the grief of a failed project. If your skill level requires a shop to do the build you might want to reconsider the direction and enjoy the truck as it currently is

 
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