Projects What exactly have I gotten myself into?

Long story short, I was gifted a truck, and I'm working on restoring it a bit.

Its a 1934 SOMETHING- which is the 1st question. What have I got?
Next question, WHY would someone put a CHEVY engine in a FORD truck?

Had a terrible time getting the new Holley carb to get it running right, so I dropped a Sniper TBI in it. Purrs just fine now.

But it runs HOT and I need to widget a new radiator in here, which doesn't have the top tank that sticks out 6" or so. It DOES have a bracket to rest the rods on, but is it OK to just buy longer rods?

Anyone ever deal with a work around? Got any words of wisdom for the rear of the cab, which has some carriage bolt square holes?

 

chevy in a ford is common, and you may be in the wrong hobby if you didn't already know that.

 

Welcome to the HAMB from Illinois.

From the license plate, I'd guess it is a 1934 Ford.
Chevy engines are used in hot rods very often. They are small, light, and relatively inexpensive.

On the radiator, I'd start by trying to find a local radiator shop and see if your unit can be rebuilt for under $600.
Finding a shop is getting more difficult.

 

or if youre on a budget, theres always Ebay aluminum rads... not exactly traditional but much more affordable

 

Love the project. As to why some goofball would put a BOAT ANCHOR in a Ford is inconceivable. But that’s just me. He he.

 

Seems the price was right for a very cool 34 Ford pickup. Stick around here a while and you can get lots of ideas how to make it even cooler.

 

I was thinking April Fools, but... Looking at the pic from the rear, I honestly don't know what you've gotten yourself into. Best advice is don't do anything until you learn a helluva lot about hot rods. NOTHING>

 

First thing I'd do is take that radiator out, turn it upside down and flush it out real good with the garden hose and see if anything comes out that might have been inhibiting flow.

Gotta have good Flo.
And plenty of Clarence.

 

Cool truck.
Why a Chevy engine?
Manufacturer of parts is irrelevant. You use what fits/what you have.
Replacing a flathead with an SBC is as traditional as a pointy bra and easier to work with.
The overall dimensions of a SBC is similar to a flathead.
Overheating.
For a new to you ride, I’d make sure the thermostat worked, the water pump pumped water, and the system was clean and obstruction free.
Then you can diagnosis.
Overheating needs defined. Boiling over or just hotter that you think it should be.

 

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/32-34-ford-pickup-differences.375939/
this will help ya pin down the year.
You have a ford truck with a Chevy engine. As common as belly buttons and as reliable as you could ever want in good working order.

 

In situations like this you need to understand what you have and how they are constructed, before understanding modifications. Crawl before walking. I would suggest going to ebay or wherever and buying and studying a couple of shop manuals or books about early Ford trucks. Get your head around that. It will help you ask more informed questions which in turn will generate better answers.

Of course you will get help, but there is way to much for anyone to provide you with in a few posts here.

 

I agree with you on that chevy engine.
The square carriage bolt holes in the back of the cab are used to support and stiffen the back panel. They also go through a wooden piece of wood bent and molded to fit on the inside. Like a gusset.
I’d dump that gigantic radiator and buy one that fits your profile.
Keep asking questions here before moving into the next step. A lot of guys here have built these trucks.
Oh……
And remove that god-awful rear bumper made of square tubing.

 

You might find be a better fit on the Ford Trucks Enthusiast (FTE) forum. Not as traditional as the HAMB (your TBI won't be an issue) but still lots of knowledge there. JMO
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum42/

 

BWAHAHAHA!

My CHOSEN Hobby is Brewing; my Career job is Communications Engineering for optical networks. But, I used to wrench on my own cars as a younger man so I'm no stranger to rebuilding an engine or swapping a transmission out- but this is a bit more than that... so although I've got SOME skill, and no fear- I'm up for a challenge

I'm curious though why the mix n match engine- whats the theology behind it? Is it just because they built more 350's than 351's or 302's? Or is it because, going from an OLD hardware to NEW hardware in the same family the changeover was easier if using the other product line?

Or, is it JUST BECAUSE it could be done? (I cold see that as a valid answer !)

 

This is not a 34. The reason people put sbc in them is because it's cheap and easy. Looks like a awesome ride and you will learn a lot on here. The knowledge here is unreal.

 

Oh, no argument there BUT- I wouldn't be able to describe the differences to you between Classic, Antique or even Traditional!
Give me the tolerances and processes and I can manage the job. FordBarn said something of the sort and referred me to you folks. BUT- if theres a better spot for this thread, can it be moved there? ( ID DID ask what I was getting myself into )

 

Roll with the punches here.
It will be the smartest thing you’ve done this year.
We look forward to pointing you in the right direction. But everything we suggest for you will be a tradition approach.
And yes you have a 33-34 ford cab there. I can’t see much else to judge the bed

 

OK, lemme ask this; when you say "Traditional" you mean, what exactly does that mean? Using the "flathead" replacement radiator vs an Aluminum regular type, not using a Supercharger.... like that?

 

Overhead engines were taking over the rodding hobby in the early 50’s
The power the engines (chevy, olds and caddy’s provided was just the next step in speed. The y- block was big, cumbersome and had a poor ignition when they first arrived.
The other engines were small and powerful and reliable.
It only made sense and it still does.
Yuk. Did I say that????

 

Start comparing the price of parts for a Ford and Chevy and you will have your answer.

 

Small block Chevrolet engines fit in early Fords like they were made for them. It was a cheap and foolproof way to double the horsepower of an old Ford at exactly the same time the flathead V8 was waning in popularity. The SBC had a 10 year head start before the Ford engines you mentioned existed, they clear chassis and steering parts better, and they are just easier to deal with.

 

First thing you need to be traditional is thick skin.
The rules state that nothing later then 64 is traditional.
Fact is many cars have engines later then that ..... we never talk about them.

We never post pictures of wheels or FI that is modern
We never talk about things that are modern
We all have vehicles that have modern conveniences ..... we do not talk about them here.
Grab a cold beer, sit back relax & enjoy the ride.

 

There it is, the real answer without all the bullshit hangin' off it...........

 

Here is the theology. The small Chevy fits where a flathead was easier than any other engine. It’s cheaper and yes it plentiful.
Ford replaced the flathead with a y block around 54.
Chevy replaced their straight 6 with the small block Chevy in 55.
the first available small Chevy was probably quickly swapped over into a ford. Why? It’s just a better design than the Y. You guys can flame me all ya want. I’m a ford guy. But I’m replacing a flathead with a Chevy. Why? Well I first test fit a Y block ford. That would require extensive front crossmember modifications. And had exhaust issues. The Chevy fit the same hole with no mods. Hooked up to the Ford trans and was able to use gm exhaust manifolds. So the answer is it’s easier. By the time Ford built a real small block in the early 60s the Chevy had dethroned the flathead.

I’m building a work ride cruiser. I could care less what makes it go. I’d rather wear out a cheap plentiful sbc than a Y or a flatty.

 

Preach brother.

and yep the dedicated ford guys can use ford engines. I’m helping a friend put an FE in a 50 ford business coupe. It was easy but the suspension mods are extensive and off topic

 

THAT makes perfect, Human sense. It was easier AND cheaper...

 

Not to mention, they made more horsepower than anything else in that era.