40 ford engine swap

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May 23, 2005 | 09:12 PM

yaki69

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From: knoxville

40 ford engine swap

hey i have found a '40 ford truck "rat rod" so to speak, if you wanna call it that. but it has a 283 chevy the owner sais. how hard, and what all would i have to do to convert it back to house a ford motor. im prolly onna put a flathead 8 back in it. would this be a major issue?

May 23, 2005 | 11:06 PM

46fordtruck

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From: Orange County, CA

To put a flathead back in should be no problem. See if the front mounts are still left in the frame, and that the rear mount for the stock trans is there. If they are then you are set, no major problems. The flathead used a 3 point style sytem of mounting, 1 on each water pump, on the front, and another point at the back of the trans.

Jun 4, 2005 | 09:58 PM

yaki69

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From: knoxville

ok so heres an update on that '40 pu. the body is pretty rough, needing replacement rocker panels and cab corners. tho it is complete, except for the fenders and grill.this brings me to a few questions.
1. what hot rod companies would carry metal replacement running boards, rocker panels, and cab corners.
2. the frame is all there, it had a caddy motor hooked up, wiht some shady engine mounts. the old ones arent there any more. how would I go about puttin in a new engine, would i cut mounts from another frame or make my own? also the tranny crossmember has been cut out, should i just fabricate a new one, or find a junker?
3. i have a choice of 2 rear ends to put under it. 1, a 1948 ford rearend. but the torsoin bars would be a problem he said. or i can go wiht a '46 studabaker rearend...any suggestions would be much appreciated

Jun 6, 2005 | 12:33 PM

j wright

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From: Beavercreek oh

Northern Classic Trucks has a very good assortment of cab panels and they are located just north of Detroit Mi. I am mounting my '40 on a Ranger frame so once I get all the measurements I need I'll be ready to get rid of the frame. If you are interested let me know.
John

Jun 6, 2005 | 08:15 PM

yaki69

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From: knoxville

is the frame in good shape? i already have a frame to go wiht it, but i dunno it its completely striaght or if it is weak or anything, i didnt really look over it all that well. does that place have an internet site, if so, what is it?

Jun 6, 2005 | 09:31 PM

yaki69

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From: knoxville

hey i went and found that site. god everything i need is there. thanks for the help. i appreciate it. those few peices were my main worry about if i could find them or not, now i have found the place, so im all set on restoring it as soon as i get a few hundred dollars together...

Jun 6, 2005 | 11:27 PM

j wright

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From: Beavercreek oh

The guy I bought the frame from had cut the center section out to fit an automatic trany in and welded spring purches for a chevy rear end. I think the frame is straight the reason I am going with the Ranger is I am putting in a V8 with an auto. and I didn't want to worry about 65 year old metal. I'll have the cab off in a couple of weeks if you want I can take some pic's. Let me know....BTW I have a complete front axle (wheel to wheel) that seams to be in good shape and I also have the rear end but it is frozen, don't know why (I wasn't that interested due to the V8 and all) If you want or need these let me know.