I'm a new member from Iowa and found this cool old 53 Ford.(pics available in my album) It's a solid car overall with some holes in the floor pans but not bad. I'm not planning on putting the Flathead back in but I have all the parts to ***emble one except for a block. This is my first attempt at a hot rod build but I've been waiting a while to do something this cool! Is it ok to post build projects here? Thanks for the help. Rocky
welcome from Fla! looks like a solid old car- as far as I know projects are welcomed and encouraged here. I don't think any of us have a "finished" car.
Post your build here? No problem! Things get buried fast on the main board so get that posting started.
The car is definitely solid. I was told that it spent most of it's life in a shed so the only holes are in a few spots on the floor pans because of the awesome **** carpeting someone placed down back in the 60's I'm guessing. The trunk pan and body have very minimal rust and are really straight. I'm not a "brand loyal" car guy but I'm learning how cool these Flatheads are. Not sure I want to put the flattie back in it because I'm missing a block. Have all brand new pistons, rods, bearings, valve guides, etc. So I either need to sell them to fund a different motor or find a solid FH block and learn to build an old motor!
Welcome from another '53 owner! Car is much more solid than mine! haha. Build threads are great! A lot of us have them. What are your plans for it?
Sent you a pm with a lead on a flathead you may want to check out.However over the long haul a 302/5.0 swap would be cheaper and easier to get parts for http://desmoines.craigslist.org/pts/3989994332.html I have a 1984 302 and matching AOD in my '54 by using the AOD you would have a better cruiser with the overdrive if you retain your stock rear end.Flatheads look cool and sound cool but parts are not cheap the 302 swap is easy the '84 even has the correct oil pan you need for the swap.Here is the kits,note there are two listed there is a diagram that shows how to pick the one needed:http://www.butchscoolstuff.com/store/cart.php?m=product_list&c=24
Thanks everyone. When considering the 302/5.0 swap, what's the degree of difficulty between carbed vs. EFI in these old Fords? I'd like to stay with the good old hot rod theme so I'm leaning towards carb. The driveshaft is also missing. Throw out some ideas folks! You've already got my head swimming so far.
When I did the 302/5 speed swap, I bought an 85 Mustang to pull the drive train, got it for about $1,000. (85 was the last year for a carb, they switched to FI half way through the year, mine has a carb. 85 was also the first year for the World Cl*** T5 in the Mustang) I took the new and old drive shafts and measurements to a shop and had them use both ends on a new drive shaft. Neither one was long enough so they had to use both ends on a new shaft, it was around $125.
Stig- did you use the stock rear end or the one out of the donor Mustang? Are the stock rear ends in the '53 strong enough with a higher horse/torque motor? Or should I just find a good Ford 9" and be sure.
Small update and question: I haven't found a good answer while searching the HAMB so I'm leaving it to this crew. What is a good steering column upgrade for the '53? I've seen brand new from Speedway and others but is there a good alternative? I plan on installing a floor shifter. I'll be washing the old gal this week to see what's under 50+ years of farm dust. Got the floor pans ordered from MAC's and hopefully will get her media blasted in another week or two! Thanks again for the help. Rocky
If you are doing a column swap it would be wise to get one from another Ford product or spend the extra $$ for one you know is USA made like the ones from Ididit,there was just a thread recently about columns that are imports with plastic internal gears that have failed which is BAD NEWS.Spend some time and read this:http://fordfalcon2000.com/restoration/tiltcolumn.htm Our 50's Fords use the "deadly spear" same as this Falcon so just about everything will apply,going to the later column which uses a rag joints is a good safety upgrade.
Small update: Got the front end apart and thoroughly cleaned, still need to degrease. Took off unnecessary parts from firewall, took exhaust off. Still deciding on the Ford/Chevy power plant question. Just getting her ready for media blasting for now! Thanks again for the help.
UPDATE: She's going to media blast tomorrow morning. Hope she looks as good as I hope afterwards. I'm going to keep it Ford powered and I need some advice on choosing between a 429/C6 combo or a 302/C4? Both are available in my area but let me know everybody, I haven't had much luck finding 429 swap information or a mounting kit. Thought it would be very cool to put the big Ford in it but not if it's a real h***le (unless one of you is willing to donate your time to come to Iowa)! I've narrowed down the colors to: Satin Black, Orange Pearl, or Royal Blue. That decision is harder than I thought! Rocky
Those are the 2 of 3 engine/****** combinations that am considering myself, have pretty much ruled out the 429 mainly because the C6 is such a power hog not to mention not exactly easy on gas. It belongs in a truck or a 70s land barge. Your other combo makes more sense to me. Now you have to decide what will work best for you. The 302 will be a lot easier to fit in and should get you about twice the mileage.
I would look for a 302 aka 5.0 with an AOD that way you would have overdrive for cruising and could even retain the stock rear end,best donor to look for is from 1988-93 These are roller cam motors and the AOD is non-computer for EZ hookup.
The 302 I found is out of a '90 mustang. It has the C4 with it. Should I try to get the drive shaft or does that matter? I'm going to look at it today, sounds like a great set up for the '53.
The '90 would be a good choice as it is roller cam and has the correct oil pan,did he swap in the C4? After 1980 Ford cars were all AOD,if he has the '90 AOD I would bag it in a heartbeat.
Yes, get the drive shaft. At the very least you will need the front yoke and if it is long enough, you can have your old rear yoke welded to it.
UPDATE: I got the old girl sandblasted and she is very solid as I'd hoped! Some small rust on the rockers and over the fenders but really in good shape overall. Messed around and sprayed the front ch***is and engine cradle with some Eastwood Rust Encapsulator and I liked how it covered. I also sprayed the inner front fender shields. Found a nice, clean 302 out of a street rod. Looks well maintained but not a high horse motor. Should be a good cruiser for now. Just need to find a C4 to mate with it. Take a look at the few photos in my album! Rocky
Forget using the C4 if you are using the stock rear end the ratios were 3.90 with a 3 speed and 4.10's with overdrive the AOD is a much better choice as it has overdrive for highway cruising you will be turning up some RPM's and ****ing more gas with a C4.
Did some research on the AOD, should I look for the non electronic controls version? The motor is carbed and from an '85 Tbird. Just find one from this year give or take 5 years?
The '85 T-Bird 302/5.0 uses a 50 oz balance as did the AOD's behind all 5.0's, best years of AOD's are 1988-93 these have the best lubrication upgrades and are non-computer for EZ hook-up.There are two sites that are best for knowing about the AOD www.clickclickracing.com and http://www.becontrols.com/aod.htm Were you planning on column or floor shift?
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