New guy, 56 Ford Mainline

I've been reading the boards for a while, mainly the 56 Ford and y-block threads. I took the plunge and registered myself - I have a bunch of Ford related questions.

A while ago I bought a 1956 Ford Mainline 2 door post in a somewhat incomplete condition. Wrong badly installed engine (SBC), wrong interior, with 70s ill fitting seats, Chevy van wiring harness (!) and so on. I believe it sat in a junkyard for many years, and later was completed by someone to flip. It was cheap, compared to nice condition original cars, though. Being stupid as usual, I bought it.

I am aiming for an early 60s hot rod look - on a budget. So far I have installed an original front bench seat, upholstered with mexican blanket fabric, built door cards using black diamond s***ch material, cleaned up the wiring and driven it quite a bit.

I managed to find a '57 272 y-block with a Ford-o-matic. Right now I have pulled the SBC/th350, painted the 272 and the engine compartment and am in the process of installing the engine. Modifications and missing parts make me confused - I don't have an original car to compare. I have realised that someone stole the transmission crossmember, and I have a bunch of questions on transmission linkage, drive shaft and rear axle + more. I'll make a separate thread.

 

The Ford throttle linkage is a bit of a Rube Goldberg setup. It is important that the rod to the transmission is adjusted correctly. It controls both transmission operating pressure and shift points. Typically you get your throttle likage connected and adjusted so that you get both full throttle and it will go back to idle. There will be a hole in the slider portion of the linkage on the intake that you can slip an 1/8 in drill bit. The carb should be in the idle position. Now you adjust the trans link until it just lines up with the lever on the intake. Remove the drill bit and you are properly adjusted. This will give you proper shifts and a full throttle kickdown. It will also allow a full throttle shift to low range( Ford-O-Matics normally start in second gear) if you jump on the throttle at a full stop.

 

Welcome to the HAMB from Illinois.

Here's a similar Ford for some inspiration.
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/as-promised-the-hun.1337252/

 

Welcome. Enjoy your Ford.

 

Thanks! And thank you for the advice on the throttle linkage. I will make a thread about the project.