1952-59 Ford FAQ Sticky

Sway Bars front and Rear: http://www.quickorgarage.com/CartPages/ford1.htm#cl***ic

 

Another helpful video about a Lokar cable and AOD's :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5JediOEQ3U

 

Here is a 302 tear down for the SBF crowd:

 

HEI Distributors in SBF engines: There is a picture here that explains it with text:http://www.fordmuscleforums.com/all...-length-w-85-dizzy-oil-driveshaft-length.html Standard and long shaft HEI's are available here: http://www.skipwhiteperformance.com/default.aspx Call before you order to specify.

 

TIPS & TRICKS that may come in handy http://www.hotrodhotline.com/md/html/categories.php and this one is jam packed:http://www.jefflilly.com/fabrication/index.html Also a huge thread on insulation is here: https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...d-seel-great-sound-dampening-material.711889/

 

Tip to make this thread come up quickly...somebody may have already suggested, to be truthful, I haven't read the entire thread yet. Anyways, after you open this thread just add it to your favorites. It's the star ****on underneath the red x at the top of this page. click the star, then click add to favorites.
Edit...this was posted BEFORE the thread was make a sticky....not so hard to find now.

 

8.8 rear end Tech,These rears are popular swap material that can be found in later Rangers and Explorers usually under $200 at most Pic-A Parts many have locker rear ends this shows you what to look for and how to read the codes: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Ford-8_8-axle.shtml A practice becoming popular with these is to use the 31 spline axles that come with disc brakes which are wider than the earlier models,to narrow them folks cut down one side and use the shorter axle on the cut side this gives a rear about 56" wide (makes for EZ tire changing) Here is a video showing the narrowing process on a 7.5" Ranger the same applies to the 8.8" rears. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__fsB4ucfkU

 

Here is a handy chart to help you pick rear end gears and tires: http://www.prosystemsracing.com/calculate.html

 

Here is an article with pictures showing a Ford-O Matic column set up to work with an AOD: http://1954ford.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=2951 UPDATE: See page 6 for new Lokar AOD linkage installed.

 

Here is the updated new link: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/media/55-56-ford-crossmember-spec-sheet-001.174642/ Also this member posted awhile back that he is making them again for sale. UPDATE as of 5/30/19 https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/1954-56-ford-front-cross-member.1151883/#post-13102167

 

Can't believe nobody watched or commented on the eastwood paintshaker. The post was made in december, I know, but it would make an interesting garage addition. I know I wouldn't get much done.

 

When going to 12 volt this chart will convert bulb sizes for you: Post # 2 https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1213885-12volt-bulb-vs-6volt-bulb.html

 

Ford factory specs chart: http://www.cl***iccardatabase.com/postwar-models/Ford.php

 

1952-56 Ford drive shaft info,with a 302/AOD or C4 swap you can use a 1982-86 Ford Crown Vic drive shaft it has the correct front yoke for both you can bolt it up to the stock 1949-56 Ford stock raer ends by using a NEAPCO 2-0291 U-Joint the NAPA unit is part # Perfection 506 UPDATE Tip: https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/aod-c4-mystery-yoke-leak-solved.1225492/#post-14004943

 

Picking a 289-302 Cam info: http://fordmustangcar.com/repair-and-manual/hydraulic-cams-small-block-ford

 

ENGINE SWAP INFO and more http://www.onallcylinders.com/2013/01/10/engine-dimensions-for-popular-swaps/

 

Handy parts & price locator http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/handy-link.965014/#post-10864740

 

easy to read stock wiring diagrams available from www.cl***iccarwiring.com

 

Here are some pictures of a 302 swap into a 1953 Ford Customline using the mounting kit from Butch's: http://www.butchscoolstuff.com/52-53-ford-car-15-sb-ford-eng-trans-mount-kit-2501cpb/ The headers used are the HEDMAN 88400's showing the steering box clearance. The mini-starter is from DB Electrical.

 

Guide to Ford ID Codes: http://www.mustangtek.com/FordDateDecoding.html

 

One more of the '53 to 302 swap p***enger side HEDMAN 88400's

 

Just installed the HEDMAN 88400's in my '54 with a 302 here's two shots showing the excellent clearance drivers side and p***enger side. Check out Pg 5 for a 351 with these headers.

 

For the Y-Block guys some distributor Tech and the guy to deal with. http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=179693

 

Hey guys...a body of mine just introduced me to this site: www.oldfuelinjection.packrad.net it's an awesome source for ford efi info! Sorry I don't think it hyperlinked but copy and paste.

 

Here is a link to the H.A.M.B. "DIY" upholstery forum. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/social-forums/upholstery.153/ Videos on DIY door panels https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=budget+door+panels

 

Rust Repair Tech http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...ury-custom-2-door-sedan-build-thread.1003685/

 

UPDATE ! A while back I posted a link to Restoration Tips from Jeff Lilly, well great news he has vastly expanded it to Videos which can be found here : https://www.youtube.com/user/jlillyresto/videos

 

The early 50's Fords don't have much wheel well room in the rear this may help to find what fits: http://www.racingjunk.com/news/2015/03/26/how-to-get-perfect-rear-wheel-and-tire-fitment/ More Detail on picking a wheel http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/wheel_fitment.html Another link is this: https://www.hemmings.com/stories/ar...aily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2020-10-07

 

Gl*** Restoration http://www.rodauthority.com/tech-st...h-scratched-and-stained-gl***-on-your-cl***ic

 

I just picked up one of these speedo cables and it worked beautifully. Plenty of extra length if you need it, but it is trim to fit so you can have a perfect fit. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/lok-sp1502u This one has the correct ends for 50's Ford to a C4 or AOD I used this in my '54 with a 302& AOD for better routing. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Speedometer-Cable-FORD-MERCURY-AMC-82-has-5-8-threaded-nut-at-speedometer-end/232712085870?fits=Year:1967|Model:Mustang&hash=item362eb8a16e:g:CJoAAOSwC2Jaudwh