How I came into this project wasn't because I was looking for one, but it just kind of one of those things that you just can't p*** on. About two years ago I had a booth at the Puyallup swap meet, I had a lot of '40-'41 Ford p/u parts for sale and had a very successful weekend. During this swap meet, there was a guy who bought several items from me, and told me he had a '40 project he was trying to sell. Long story, but I ended up buying his project...he made me such a good deal, I couldn't p*** it up. Interesting, all of the parts he bought from me, came with the truck. It has a 364 Buick Nailhead, Ford 8.75 rear end, and oddly a C3 a/t. So here is the project (ninth '40-'41 Ford p/u for me).
Had a chance to take it apart, and was glad to see the frame has zero rust. The reason I put it in this forum is because of the MII front end, and I'll be running radial tires, and an alternator, so won't be 100% traditional.
Dude, that is a great starting point! You know these trucks better than anyone, I like it! Keep this thread updated, I will be watching. And thanks again for all the help on my truck build.
Thanks, you're welcome on any help I provided on your build. I'm no expert on these trucks, but have learned some things just by having owned/working on so many. This won't be in the same league as your truck, but should be fun.
I send Joel a message on that template. I am enjoying your new build thread. I am sure it will turn out nice.
I thought I'd fire up the engine, before I pulled it to do some detail work on the engine ch***is, etc.. Hooked up a mechanical oil pressure gauge 50 psi at idle, 60 psi at higher rpm, no odd noises, and no smoke....feeling good about that.
That is HUGE! It reminds me when Forest Gump was talking about the Apple stock Lt. Dan bought for them, He was telling the old dame on the park bench that Lt. Dan told him that they wouldn't have to worry about money. And Forest added "so that's one less thing". You got one less worry.
Had a chance to pull the engine and transmission, was told it was a 322 with a C3 transmission. Turns out the engine is a 364, and the transmission is a turbo 350. The adaptor used was a Bendtsen's, which is a nice piece (I see Bendtsen's was a member here but hasn't been on since 2019). I really like the discovery of these old builds, what was done, how it was done, what was used, etc.
I detailed the engine a bit, replaced oil pan gasket valley pan gasket, timing cover gasket, water pump gasket, etc., and my attempt at polishing the intake manifold....on to the ch***is.
The ch***is was complete when I bought this project, all of the usual suspects already in place. I removed/inspected/painted, and reinstalled the components. Next step re-install engine.
I got caught up on some other things, but did have a chance to get back on this project. I reinstalled the cab fenders running boards etc. to ***ess the proper placement, to determine the previous owners logic on this huge engine set back configuration. I get engine setbacks...handling. looks, clearance, etc., but this one is excessive. As everyone knows these cabs are small, the loss of any floor space ****s. Here's what I'm up against. I'll be in the process of cutting the current sheet metal out, and designing a more acceptable surround.
Yes, yes it is. I'm debating on leaving the setback, with modifications/addition of new sheet metal to tighten up the unnecessary wasted space between the engine and the firewall. Currently the setback of the firewall is 6 1/2", there's room to bring it into a 3" space/gap, with a bump out for the distributor at around 5 3/4". This would allow enough room for gas pedal, feet, etc. The other option is of course to bring the engine/trans. forward and re-invent the wheel so to speak. With the engine/trans in its current position, does allow for a mechanical fan and shroud...and in theory better handling. I'll give it more thought before I commit to the final plan.
When I was in high school , my neighbor had a '38 Ford coupe with a 322 nailhead mated to the original trans. and there was very little modification to the firewall. I recommend installing the radiator and measuring the the distance you actually have left to move forward with the engine. With the independent front suspension there should be no oil pan or steering clearance issues. If the distributor clearance is the big problem, maybe you could create a "pocket" in the firewall above where the accelerator pedal is for foot clearance and comfort. I would rework the firewall for more room for thee driver.
I cut out the sheet metal set back the PO installed. It had to come out regardless of whether I keep the engine position where it is, or move it forward. I created a much less intrusive set back, that allows room for my feet. gas pedal, etc. The floorboard to firewall yet to be created.
The Jalopy Journal
