1952-59 Ford 54 Customline Build Thread

You were mentioning that the engine was yellow. Merc engines were that color from the factory, so that may have been the origin of it.

 

awww hell. I just need to run the numbers huh? Ive never done that. Supposedly, it came from a 60 f-100..... oh well.

 

I'm an idiot, nevermind.... That bellhousing came off of the inline 6, not the 292. Sorry.

 

The relay keeps the ignition power loads out of your dash and under the hood - and by using the type with a "hardwired" socket separate from the "plug-in" relay, you get some maintenance and security advantanges.

(1) Pulling the relay (engine off first) - kills the ignition and isolates the parts. You can then turn the ignition switch on and fool with the radio - lighting - coil - whatever and not risk cooking the electronics. Just be sure to turn off the key before you plug it back in again.

(2) You can replace the relay with a burnt out or modified relay (cut off a specific power lug) - and a thief won't get her going too easily. Everything will look just fine.

 

Rocky,The plug has 5 color coded wires and is moulded to plug into the relay making a dirt proof seal,much cleaner install.

 

Cool. Thanks greendird and jeff. I have a frys electronics close. Will swing by there tomorrow.

 

So Doug and I finally got the engine in last night. I think I went to be around 5 this morning. ****ed, but well worth it. However, we messed with the flywheel for about an hour trying to get it to line up. Is there any special way of doing this? I have 3 different flywheels and we tried them all. Went round and round until we both got mad at it. Im lost. It was on there before, but now it wont line up. I think the most we got was 4. Anyone have any ideas?

 

I don't have first-hand knowledge of Y-block ***embly, but in similar situations - where a close-fitting part came off but won't go back on - it's a matter of getting the alignment just right.

Try making some guide pins by cutting off some hardware store bolts of the same size, threading them into the crank holes and sliding the flywheel on using the cut-off bolts as guide pins.

Then take the guide pins out and replace them with the proper fasteners. Be sure to make the guide pins long enough that you can grip them with a tool, or slot the ends and use a large screw driver to turn them out.

Good luck!

 

Sounds easy enough. Thanks for the tip!

 

its not done yet?

 

I had a 54 two door with a six cylinder three speed and overdrive back in 1962. It was a pretty fast car believe it or not and the overdrive was great on the highway. I have seen some aftermarket speed equipment for the six at swap meets. Does your car have overdrive?

Have you joined the 1954 Ford Club of America yet? Good group of guys and very knowledgeable. You might find a buyer for your six there.

PS I have a 54 two door sedan now, 302 5 speed.

NVSteve

 

Had a pretty long weekend of working on the car. It was really fun. After buying a new bellhousing and brand new clutch plate, we got everything together. As of right now, the car will start, but not run. Gotta hook up an inline fuel pump. Also we gotta change out the "z bar" or clutch linkage. The one that is in the car wont allow me to run dual exhast. I'm sure some of you remember that I had this same problem when this engine was in my 4 door. For some reason though, this linkage is hooked up in my car, but binding like crazy. I cant get it to move. It seems like its not the right set up for that car. But I have one for true dual exhaust and will probably put that on this Friday. So hopefully with those two things done, it will run and drive like it should. Wish me luck on swapping out that linkage, its a pain in the... Well let's just say it ****s.

Till then,
Rocky

 

i wish i could have helped finish up this weekend ,but glad i missed doing that clutch linkage.i hate that one.lol

 

Hahahaha well at least the car isnt in the rocks this time! Gotta put the new one in on Friday, you comin over?

 

Dragonknucks- glad to see that you got her home in one piece! It really looks like you scored a solid car; can't wait to see the progress. If you get the car out in the sun anytime soon and want any more photoshop work done, lemme know and I'll get you hooked up.

Take it easy

 

Rocky,
I just noticed in the photo at the gas station you appear to be wearing an OU hat. Did you do that so you could be incognito in Oklahoma?

James

 

Hahaha no, thats actually my oldest brother. That's his truck we are using to tow the car back with. However, we were all Sooner born! Cant wait to see them in the Fiesta Bowl this year!!

 

Rocky,
I understand, so your currently an amb***ador to a less privileged state.

Keep us updated on your progress.

James

 

Finally got her running!!! I have no exhaust, just the dual manifolds. So, I obviously can't drive her far. But I did take it around the block a few times. Sounds mean and runs fairly smooth. Need to put new shocks on it. Those will come off the 4 door since they are brand new. Also drove it to a party this weekend. There were some pictures taken with the car, I'll post those too. They will be up later tonight.

Rocky

 

All sounds like great progress, looking forward to the photos.

 

Here are some pics and 2 videos. Hope you enjoy. Oh, and just a forewarning, there are pictures of girls. No ******, but a little booty grabbing and cleavage. All in good fun though. It was a fun night. Also have a photo shoot booked for January.

 

See, Geno...photos, cleavage and video and booty grabbing. That's how it's done! And it didn't take him a hundred years to get it done, either!

Nice job, Dragonknucks!

 

looks good

 

i like the 2 pics i took lol

 

Just wanted to give everyone an update! I pretty much just spent my entire savings on some stuff. Broke again! Gotta love it! Anywho, I just bought my red's headers. They should be here this week. Got the Aerostar springs. They should be here today. Also just ordered my alternator. 110 amp though. Kinda scares me! Got a good deal on it. All chrome too so it matches my valve covers. Is there anything that I should do before I hook up this alternator? I dont wanna fry everything in my car. The car was rewired with an aftermarket kit. OR SO IT APPEARS. Help would be much appreciated! Also wanted to share the photoshop pic that Skoh did for me. The more and more I look at it, the more it seems exactly like the paint scheme that Daddy O's 54 has. But I want a satin color, not shiny. Let me know what you guys think!

Rocky

 

You're right the paint scheme is very similar to Dave's paint but it still looks great. The satin look with that color is nice.

 

The one wire alternator is simple,just one wire from the alternator to the positive on the battery,I used the 4 gauge cable that Fords used from the solenoid as they have the flat lugs on both ends and come in different lengths usually under $5 I like adding and extra ground from the alternator bracket to the frame also.110 amp is no prob,I know you may want to have some wattage behind those Rockabilly tunes Since you are thinking of changing wheels I am sending you a pic of a '54 with Caddys.

 

Jeff, saw the caddys on that 54. Those are awesome! I like the fiestas, but might be pushed for the ones you sent me. Appreciate the help! I got that alternator from DB Electrical. Hope its as nice as it looked in the pics! I'll be sure to ground from the bracket. Cant afford the bracket from Mummert, so I'm gonna make one with some threaded rod and brackets. Should work ok for now. Thanks for the help!

 

Is this enough dedication?



Jeff, can I be a life long member? Hahaha skoh, it will be tattooed slmost the same color you photoshopped for me. Let me know what you guys think! Will also have more pic updates soon including reds headers, aerostar springs and chrome alternator.

Rocky

 

I'd say that's dedication! Nice tat! I like the style of your car as Scott showed it in the photoshop illustration. Clean, good color combination and not overdone with add-on extras. The secret to really good custom car building, in my humble opinion, is knowing when to stop.