1952-59 Ford 1953 Ford Customline Build

I already started another thread asking a ton of questions and I received alot of good answers on the build I am undertaking but I just joined this group so I figured I would start a thread that I could update with progress. Here is a current picture.

 

Glad you found your way here! Welcome and Congrats!! Here is the information file you will want to save but it is for information files only.NEVER ask questions there use the regular forum here for that, So just click on this: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/faq-sticky.897329/

 

Hey thanks! Had to figure it out

 

2cool of a car.

 

Very nice.

 

Dig it !!!

 

Thanks! Thinking about heading to the junkyard this weekend and pulling a 302 and T5 try and find a 80s-90s mustang is there anything else I should pull or need besides motor/trans?

 

I plan on using the same set up in my 54 !

 

The 1984-93 Mustang motor mounts are used in a swap for 1954-59 Fords if they are in good shape you can resell them the OEM's are much better than the ones made in India and China. If you are going to keep the fuel injection you need to get the wiring harness too.

 

I'm going with a carb, I'll grab the motor mounts if possible

 

Figuring this is about the going rate it could help fund the swap a little: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1987-1993-M...988|Model:Mustang&hash=item210058e864&vxp=mtr

 

Love it! I can't wait to get mine all one color. What is your suspension/lowering setup look like? You on bags or static?

 

Thanks. its static, linked rear end on coil overs and fatman uprights in front. I didn't make it to the yard so I still did not pick up engine or trans, I almost feel guilty for pulling the flat but Ill figure it out.

 

Nice! That's got to be a good set up in the back! I'd like to go another inch or so out back, but I don't think I can push my leaves too much further, or add bigger blocks cause I don't want to be dragging my shock mounts either.
Ya the flattie looks right in that car, but the 302 will be so much more reliable and have much more power. Good luck with your build.

 

The other issue is once you lower more than 3" in the rear you may have driveline clearance issues which is not uncommon.

 

yes i noticed that right away haha. I ended up modifying my shock mount brace, and raising the transmission tunnel a few inches.

 

pretty sure I am going off the deep end but I am about to order a 363 SBF from FordStrokers.com to put into the 53. Originally I was looking at a 347 but after price and quality comparison I think this is the way to go. . .

 

That should move it down the road! Nice car.

 

Current build sheet, looks good so far?

 

What are you trying to do with this car? That sounds like a pretty serious engine for a cool custom cruiser. Plus it's a lot of money if it's just going to be overkill.

 

Probably a good bracket racer than a cruiser,I would expect MPG to be 10 or under.

 

I'm looking at doing a mustang ii front end and go for a nice inbetween hotrod/custom. Somewhat of a sleeper, something I won't get bored with real fast and have room to grow.

 

Trying to plan the rest of the build, I have a stock 8.8 with disc brakes and i believe 3.31 gears (i hope this works for now) I am not sure if a stock T5 will hold or if I will to a TKO series and in that case 500 or 600 and will the TKO series mount up similarly to the T5? Ill have to figure out how wide on wheels and tires I can go also.

 

Any input or reviews on these helix ifs kits?

 

if I do the mustang ii IFS will it be easier to fit a 351 windsor based engine?

 

I haven't heard much good from any Hoffman Group product.

 

Has anyone had good success with using a Heidt or Fatman IFS front end?

 

Heidts is good stuff, same for fat man, but why not just leave the stock front suspension?

Any details or pics on your rear suspension setup?

 

I guess I just want better suspension/handling/braking. I know I can upgrade the stock stuff but I figure it can't cost much more and supposedly 351 based engines are easier to put in.
The rear end is linked, I'll get pics soon.