Projects Stuffing a 392 into a 40 - resurrecting a 60s build

I haven't been on the HAMB much lately. But 2 years ago I picked up a 40 Ford Standard Coupe. An elderly gentleman started a restoration in the 60s. For unknown reasons it stalled and sat in a barn in NE Tennessee since. When I got it it had everything but the trim and the drivetrain. The paint is perfectly checked and cracked. Plus a very cool seat.




EDIT: It is 90% finished and I am driving ity. I had it at Old North State. Here's a couple shots of it done.



I had a 331 long bell hemi I was going to put in it, but I found another 392 - easy decision. The goal was a traditional hot rod that I could drive cross country.
My plan:

• Tremec TKX,
• a narrowed 8.8 out of an explorer,
• parallel leaf springs
• chrome dash and garnish
• 32/6 dropped axle
• GM 525 steering box (moved outboard about an inch)
• Disc all around.
• heat/defrost
• stainless exhaust

Blasted the frame and made the modifications for the drivetrain. Modified the firewall but tried to keep it stock looking. Patched the floor. Rebuilt the gauges for 12v. Stuffed a VA heater inside an old Arvin heater box and located original trim.

Here's a load of pics in no particular order....

 

Good job. Looks great.

 

Looks to be a very cool start. I think your plan is a good one and as hard as it can be sometimes try to stick to your vision. Great looking workmanship.

 

more pics...

 

Thanks. It is done.... well driveable. I have a number of finishing touches left to do. Plus the interior.

 

Very nice....I like everything about it!

 

I LIKE IT! Excellent solid fabrication and workmanship! Thanks for sharing your project.

 

Great thread, cool build.

 

Wow! Very cool!

 

Engine is great, firewall is fantastic, but that dash is outstanding!

 

Looks great! Which clutch, bellhousing, and throwout setup did you use? I'm in the middle of ordering parts with the same combo as yours for a Studebaker project.

 

Thanks.
Used a Hays cutch (85-102). I had to use the chevy bellhousing that puts the fork at 7 oclock (to clear my steering box). I used a clutch slave out of a 58 f100. I also had to put a 1/4 spacer (quicktime Rm-197) between the adapter and the bell - the input shaft was too long and was bottoming out in the pilot bearing.

the setup works great. I have over 6000 miles on it already. Driven it all over the southeast and up to Kentucky. Its my daily driver.

 

Thanks! Any idea why Hotheads recommends the Borg and Beck style cluch? Looks like any 10.5" works?

 

I’m not sure why they do. But I have two hot rods with a 392/tko/x setups. Both use regular diaphragm clutches - 10.5.

 

Good to hear. I was having a hard time finding the right clutch. Thanks a bunch for the advice.

 

Excellent job. As others have already said the firewall, the floor, gauges, the whole build is top class and it's so refreshing to see a build using something other than an SBC.
How do you get on with the chrome dash? In my 32 with a 40 dash I have trouble with reflections off the radio delete plate. Wife complains about it too.

 

Thanks. I get a glare at times. But it’s not too bad.

 

Very nice! Hope to have mine back on the road after the upcoming move.

FWIW, I had a pretty nice 40 Standard Tudor with an all chromed dash. It was only an issue if the sun angle was wrong. The guy I sold it to painted it.

Guys used to chrome the glove box door to catch the reflected panty view from their date sitting next to them. Keep your eyes on the road!

 

Man what a beautiful ride! I’m jealous