Getting this one dug out again and inventorying parts. It's been in the family since 1971 when it was bought for less than I'd have to pay to replace the headlights now. I figured I'd better get going on it before I'm too old to enjoy or forced to go electric. Trying to use a lot of the pieces that have been sitting on the shelves for decades. Plan at the moment is to leave the rust-free body as-is and build a full-fendered hot rod. The body doesn't need any bodywork (no tubbing, no cutting, still has all the original glass) but the rear fenders might get a little massaging to iron out a few wrinkles. Planned motivation is a built 400hp 327 small-block backed by a Muncie M-20 or M-21 4-speed (5-speed thoughts are bouncing around my head though) and an '57 Ranchero 9-inch rear-end. Transverse leaf springs on both ends with an original axle up front that was dropped in the '50s or '60s.
I still have that issue around here somewhere. That is a fantastic little car, make sure and post lots of pics. -Abone.
I have that Mag in my collection and remember it well. .. Anything but a SBC . Please rethink . If you want OHV at least think traditional nail head ,Y block , caddy all mated to a 3 speed. But I really love the car. Modify but do no harm.. I know I know, while the car is in your care you can do what you wish , but think further ahead of future care takers.
I vote for FE power , aluminum intake and water pump , they can be used to drive nails , they are so tough .
The Coalville Kid in Iowa has a 33 with a 303 Olds and the Olds 3 speed he fit into the original crossmember. He fabbed linkage with a Ford swan neck shifter, He used a 33/34 4 cylinder radiator for extra room. The 303 Olds engines cool so well. A real pleasure to drive!
Me, I'd respect what a great car it is (in the original shape it is in) and I'd put a hot flathead in it, 39 trans and modify it such that as much originality as possible is retained. Very few cars are found in this shape - that haven't already been heavily modified. With that said, it is your car and my opinion (while important to me), means nothing - only your opinion truly matters! Have fun and get it on the road - regardless of the final configuration!
How about an early 283, a T5 to an open early (39-40) rear on transverse springs with 53-56 truck or Lincoln type brakes. Nothing that can't be undone later if the mood changes. Great car!
The '32 3-window was sold and built by Brizio's, chopped with early Cadillac engine. The '29 RPU is going to get built soon as well. One of the shells is hanging in my son's room and the others are hanging in the garage. Some of the other stuff was sold but most is still in storage.
I've got a '32 Roadster with a '39 trans, torque tube, and early juice brakes so am well aware of some of the driving limitations. If this was a restored car, I'd leave a flathead and early running gear. This is a very solid car but a long way from being restored. Believe me I love the early stuff and respect it, so all the sheetmetal is being left as is and using as much early Ford parts elsewhere that I can.
Being a Model 40 Fanatic since I was 8 and saw the makings of what was to become “The California Kid”, I think you know pretty much how much I like 3W’s. I have had the one in several pix for 28 years +.as well as the blue 34. The 34’s are something that just gets under your skin. I’ve seen your 3W in person, I can attest it’s ever as nice as that R&C cover. Kevin, you build that 34 however you see fit, perhaps with “Ford” as your assistant? Maybe sooner than later I’ll have the opportunity and space to get mine done. Congrats on digging it out and kudos to your late father for having the foresight for having procured such fine sheetmetal and your ability to make it all happen. CK.
Your project reminds me of the one my late dad and I did in our garage back in 1987 (the summer of my 16th birthday)! 34 3-window Coupe is a GREAT car! So many fun memories... was my first body off full resto. +1 flamedabone -- get some good gears for running low rpms on freeway. Mine looks like this now (37 years on the resto!)... and it's running the blown flathead in my signature w/a 3 speed + columbia rear end. I run 3rd gear + high on the freeway. Pops isn't around anymore, but his 34 is! My kids will get it some day... Cheers, L76
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