Technical 51 and 52

hi, i'm working on a 1951 victoria 2 door and i have the chance to pick up a 52 2 door parts car. i know they don't share anything as far as cosmetics go but how about otherwise? i could use some replacement spindles, a radiator, bell housing and rear end and drive shaft.
will they interchange? what else will?
both cars are 8BAs. the 52 has a automatic trans.
thanks

 

Engine, transmission and rear end should interchange without any problems, other than rear axle housing width may be a little wider. Moving the spring mount pads in to accommodate is easy if needed. Brake parts and hubs should interchange and with a good, proper professional brake job are plenty adequate and stop well. The '51 rear end gear ratio is 4.10 to one. The Ford-o-matic gear ratio is much too high for use with the overdrive transmission, however. Quick off the line and lower RPM at highway speeds, I would definitely advise you just use the engine, keep the stock overdrive and rear end. There are lots of small parts you will find are the same. The '52 with automatic transmission is really a dog. Once you learn how to use the overdrive to it's best advantage, you will essentially have a 6 speed tranny and you will wonder how you ever did without it.

 

I know this is an old thread but I have a mostly Complete 51 vicky parts car that I am almost ready to get rid of. Where are you located? I can make you a good deal on a whole car or parts.

 

re the overdrive, I was of the belief it kicked in at 28mph, and worked in 2nd and 3rd, effectively giving a 5 speed,
1st
2nd
2nd overdrive
3rd
3rd overdrive.