1952-59 Ford '53 Customline With Ardun

Here are a few pics of my Ardun Customline. Heads are original, not repops. Engine has a Merc crank, Ross pistons, Some clearance problems but not too bad. Car had a 6 in it originally. Interior and rest ig car is mint stock, Aerostar springs, Diamond Back radials, exhaust going in is stainless. Engine is an 8ba, Merc Crank, Ross Pistons, **** Rods, Schneider Cam, Ken Austin Intake and a quick Fuel 4 Barrel. Took almost a year to complete the engine.

I need the clutch release bracket bolted on the side of the engine, part number B2A 7509-B for 1953 Ford P***enger Car. It holds the split bushings.

Hope to have this running soon.

Tom

 

Nice! Welcome from So Cal.

 

Very nice. A real sleeper. Any interior shots?

 

Thanks. A sleeper it is. Will send interior a bit later. It is mint stock as seat covers were put on when new and not taken off until 3rd owner. I am 4th owner.

 

Very nice installation. I dig the Arden flatty.

 

Holy Cow! get out your crayons and color me jealous!,,I absolutely love the Ardun's. HRP

 

Very nice,, What are you running for drive train?

 

I kept the OD and stock rear end. Did same when I had a 327 in my other 53 and had no problems. Since I am an old time rodder (74,) don't think I will be doing burn- outs or drag racing anytime soon. I will re***es after it has been on the street for awhile.

 

Still looking for the clutch bracket that bolts to the block. Can't drive without it.

 

check this thread,, I think someone had one http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/lf-8ba-clutch-bracket.922303/#post-10417162

 

mmmm... you gonna upgrade that master cylinder to a dual reservoir with that extra go under the hood?

 

Really nice.

 

That is a fantastic car. I'm not usually a fan of brown cars but yours looks great. I dig the Ardun too, but may I suggest swapping to a different lid for your air cleaner? The Ford Motorsport one looks a bit out of place since it has a modern logo on it. Love the car though!

 

Yes, after it is running.

 

Ya, when I find one that moves me. Had this one new in box for years.

Almost ready to run. Exhaust & cooling left to do.

 

Since there is a fair amount of black under the hood,I vote to keep the Ford air cleaner One look by those uninformed will keep them scratching their heads for a while trying to figure out " what kind of Ford is an Ardun?"

 

the uninformed should remain that way! i love watching people scratch their heads while looking at any particular car.

 

Hard to find a no- name 13" air cleaner in black. No room for a 14 incher which seems to be the standard. Will paint a chrome one if needed.

 

Please, when your car will be ready, post a video!!!! Looking forward to see and hear it running!!

 

That is THE nicest thing I have seen in weeks/months/years. AMAZING!

 

Found a clutch bracket and put it in yesterday. Took a lot if searching on Internet to find. Today, I will joyfully wash the whitewalls while waiting for an opening for the exhaust to be installed. Maybe I can post the startup in a few weeks.

 

Engine now running. What a joy after 1 years' work! Started on the first crank, no timing issues and great oil pressure. It is strong and runs real cool, 160 thermostats used. Valve are noisy though. Put in an overdrive and it works well with an Bosch type relay costing only $8.00. Sure beats the repops at $100.00. 12 volt starter really cranks it. Stainless Steel headers and exhaust system by my cousin, the famous Willy Stryker. A bit of vibration which appears to be the rear end angle from dropping the front end with Aerostar springs. Will try truck straight axel caster shims under the spring pads to try to correct.

Having an original, first generation Ardun is rare and a dream fulfilled. A real challenge with an 8 ba and front water outlets,

 

Beautiful!!!!! GREAT job!!

 

Nice! The idle seems a little high though.

 

Not at idle in video. Running about 2500 rpms to break in cam. Need to do that for about 15 mins when new to work-harden cam or it will likely fail.

 

OK, that makes sense.

 

Cool car!
Roof looks the same colour as my 53 and the body the same as my dash, got me thinking of doing the roof in the dash colour
Ian

 

Its great man, congratulations.

 

That would be nice!

 

Thank you...