so I came across this banjo rear this afternoon. I did not get a chance to measure the tubes but here is a quick pic: It is roughly converted into a trailer but nothing has been welded onto the rear. Only mod is on the welding on the front of the t-tube. Two piece wheels, driveshaft moves freely, etc. I am looking to add a nostalgic rear to the '33 powered by a 351 Cleveland/4-top loader. Is this banjo rear worth dragging home???
well it's upside down atm. but it's a 39-48 rear. if I had a better pic of the backing plate I could narrow it down further. 39-40 rears are narrower and generally more desirable
looks like 37-40 vintage if its cheap and you got the ambition to drag it home go for it. cant have too much old ford parts layin around
Speaking of banjo.... i'm not convinced that rear end will be durable behind a Cleveland and Toploader. It's likely to break at the worst time. In the boonies, out of cell phone range, with hillbillies that think you are attractive unhitching their overalls while Dueling Banjoes plays in the background.
Something is odd here. The spring hanger is right side up and the brakes and radius rod are upside down. Why were they switched? Also,the hole in the spring mount is a clue but I don't have the knowledge to figure it out. It is for the shock but someone should be able to ID from it.
Reason for the upside down axle tubes is the surface for the axle bearings. (also the spring hanger bore: when the shackle stud wore into the hanger bore, industrious rodders just switched the housings and turned them upside down) This also gave them the fresh race on the axle bearings...
Looks like wide 5 wheels and early backing plates, probably '39... Hell yes, you should drag it home if the price is right. The weak link with a banjo is the tapered axles/keys. If you're that worried about it, there are kits available to install late axles with modern retained bearings.
im gonna say pre ww2 because of the way the spring perches are shaped. so 39-42? and the fact its got wide five drums im gonna say its a 39.
Thanks for the input guys! Here is a pic rotated for your viewing pleasure: $35.00, tried to negotiate down to $20 with no luck! Main reason I did not bring it home is because I was riding a motorcycle, no way to bring it home. I know this rear will not be able to handle the 351C but I am thinking it is worth gutting and updating with stronger stuff.
FWIW Here's mine I rescued from a Flare wagon. Same vintage but my spring hangers have been torched: Jeff
Yes, but I already had a case of Yuengling strapped to it (case of 24 bottles) and I was not willing to leave the beer behind! I am going to try to swing by with the truck in the next couple of days and pick it up.
Well, I brought her home. Not sure what is in it's future. I have both a 33 5-window coupe plus a 34 sedan. I am thinking maybe it will go into the coupe...
The Jalopy Journal
