37-38 Ford's stock need some learning

Looking to buy a mostly restored stock model 74 vehicle its has a 52a 10 over flattie, still mechanical on the brakes We will want to run it on the interstate highway to various events. What would need to be done besides converting the brakes to make it a little more efficient and reliable. We plan on making it a special interest type government clone vehicle. I don't know if the electrics were updated.. I want to know what i'm getting into before I pop on it.

 

Putting together a rod & building the wiring from scratch easier to go alternator but if the stock components are there working I wouldn't hack the wiring up first thing, maybe an 8 volt battery though. Tip out windshield, if it's closed & not leaking leave it alone, had to use silicone & screws to get one sealed permanently, leak will go into gauges from the backside.

 

The big deal is that rear axle likely has a 4:11 ratio. If so, you're going to want to put some higher gearing in there or you're really gonna struggle to get over 55 for any length of time. 3.78 or even 3.54 would probably be nice, any lower and you might struggle to keep it in third going uphill with a headwind. A '39+ gearset/synchro for the trans would make it a little more comfy too. Hydraulic brakes would be a nice upgrade as well.

 

You will need to change the brakes over to the 1939 Ford Hydraulic style. I believe you meant a 59A engine which is the better choice. Wiring to 12 volts is easy sticking with the existing wiring although I would change all the wiring over to new. More work than money. The condition of the engine plays a big part in what you may encounter.
A windshield leak is an easy fix if you have one.
If the drivetrain is in good condition it is well suited for highway roads at 60-65 mph.
The rear end ratios vary during those years.
The stock suspension and steering is well suited for highway without modification.
You come to the right place for ideas and help. We will be here when you get started.
Good luck. PJ

 

I have owned a 1933 Ford for 40 years and have driven it quite a bit. I put a 3.78:1 rear axle in mine, but I'm not sure I'd do that again. It makes a noticable difference in acceleration and "oomph". I usually don't go much over 50 or so anyway. It's much better to drive on the side roads and stay off the interstates if at all possible. As far as brakes, mine has the mechanical brakes operated with rods, in 37 they used cables. Those mechanical brakes can be made to work just fine. All the pivot points, wedges, drums etc. have to be in good condition with new linings that are ground to fit the radius of the drum. Hydraulics don't do anything to amplify the force, it's still just your foot pushing the brake pedal, then transfering that force to push the linings against the drum. The only problem with mechanical brakes is that they seem to be fussier as far as adjustments to the individual wheel. It's easy to end up with one wheel skidding when you stomp on the brakes. As far as "reliable" you can't get better than mechanical - they never leak!
I don't think there is any need at all to convert to 12 volt, the stock electrical system works good unless you try to run a bunch of accesories. The stock generator will put out enough to run the ignition and lights, that's about it. I put a generator and voltage regulator from a 49 Ford in mine. The stock starter will work on 12 volts, but it doesn't have that neat old sound! It should turn over sort of slow, that's how they sounded back then.
Jim S.

 

If you need get more information or additional help you should be a little more precise as to your project. From reading your post it appears that you have some type of 37 Ford vehicle with a 60 Hp engine. If you want this to run faster than 48 MPH good luck. I have a 60 hp car. This unit has 4.33 rear axle ratio so after clearing 45 and going to 50 that little engine is about rung out. If you convert the rear axle ratio to a more Hi speed favorable unit like a 3.78 you will have to be in 2 nd gear quite a bit at lower speeds. Electrics are no problem to convert to 12 volt but 6v works just fine.