I just jumped in to this world. Bought a 49 shoebox. It has a 51 flathead in it and 3 speed on the column. I’m thinking of doing a SBF swap and 90’s 5 speed mustang transmission. I haven’t done anything like this since I helped my farther change a SBC in an old C10 35yrs ago. I’m looking for a good source to learn about doing the swap and a good place to learn about my new shoebox. Books, magazines, YouTube etc…
Post up your location, may be somebody close that has done something similar. Make up your mind about how you want to use the car. Decide how much you want to spend, then double that. Does the flathead run? Those are fun to play with, but you wont win any races. Good Luck!
Trey, you are in the right place, but The Ford Barn is a good resorce too. You can do a swap any time, but if the flathead runs, I'd play with it like Rex said. Good luck in your endeavor & HAVE FUN with it.
I did a similar swap in my 53 (same platform), and there are a couple of challenges. The lead bank on the SBF is on the passenger side, which necessitates mounting the engine more forward for clearance on the gas pedal linkage. It also requires a fox body rear sump oil pan. Shoebox Central is a good source of info.
Flat head runs great! I want to run it to shows and just run around. I plan on running it like she sits for a while. Just wanted to find where and how to learn more about it. Thanks for the reply!
If you have a good running flathead keep it and drive it a while. Lots of folks would buy it from you if and when you do decide to change it, and you'll know more about it. I'd like to have it myself. Whatever you do, good luck with it. I'd hate to see it tore apart and never get put back together.
Welcome and sounds like a great car! If the flathead runs good, sounds like you are set already. My sons 50 had a 302 in it but I would have rather had a good running flathead. And, yea, we need pics.
I would keep the Flatty as you learn the car and learn what you REALLY want/need! The flathead is 100x cooler than any SBF
There is a really incredible shoebox build from INVision Prototypes on YouTube. Totally not Hamb material but very interesting.
You sound as though you have a great attitude, Trey. The fellas that responded to you have given you terrific advice. I have nothing to add that they didn't cover. Have fun and good luck!
I would change the transmission before I'd change the engine, but then if you are "just running around" to shows and the like, I doubt it's worth the trouble.
This forum is Traditional and hotrod. Traditionally the small block chevy has always been the hotrodders first choice. If its just an occasional driver, the flathead is ok but if you are going to drive it like you would drive any other car the chevy engine is peace of mind , knowing that its an easy swap with easy parts availability and it is the traditional way. My 1950 Ford Crestliner has a flathead and its ok around town but I'm not going to drive hundreds of hi-speed miles on the Interstate.
The other thing you might consider is finding a ford transmission with the R-10 o/d behind it. That would have been the factory option new. You might have to look at a gear change in the rear end. But you keep the column shift. Given the number of early fords with engine and transmission swaps you might even find a whole donor. I don’t know about the transmission crossmember but someone here will know. Then go drive it and enjoy. You’ll know a lot more about where you want to head in the future, and you’ll have started in the shallow end of the pool for working on the old iron.
Welcome from East Tennessee . Glad you're here and, since it's already been mentioned, I'll just reinforce the suggestion that you post some pictures of your ride. In case you didn't notice, we really, really like pictures.
Welcome to the H.A.M.B. You're definitely in the right place. I would go with the S10 5 speed behind the flathead like has been mentioned. If you get then set up right they are super fun to drive and sound great. You could someday swap in a chevy and build an older hot rod like maybe a model A around the flathead that you can run hoodless. They look so cool it's almost a shame to hide one under a hood.
sorry I went cold on this. I was in the middle of the transaction of making this one mine! It’s officially mine (officially no free time left in my life. haha) I put up some pictures below. Took it out yesterday to sh
Trey, you might want to reach out to @Lloyd's paint & glass . He's really close to you in Owingsville. I'm not volunteering his services but he's a very good source of information.
If you just bought that old car, and are thinking about doing anything other than driving it, and it is drivable, think again! Drive the wheels off of it! I really like that car!
Now, you know I'd never do anything to change your point of view on, oh how I wish I didn't have to say it, chevies
Well you all did it. Now I’m wanting to keep it period correct. Looking for some heads and intake. I’m going to run this flatty until I can’t! Thanks for keeping me in line boys! Trust me I’m going to need your help on this journey.
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