A girl and her truck, it's a beautiful thing... PART II

As many of you know I have a '48 GMC that I am putting a 401 Nailhead in. For the full scoop see old post:

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=76258&highlight=a+girl+her+truck

Anyways...
Since that post I have cleaned and painted the rear frame, finished the Mustang II installation, mocked up the rear springs, patched firewall and done a few other odds and ends. I have also cleaned and primered my 401 in prep to be put in. Now, the tough part.

I started to fit the engine the other night and came to the realization that there is not very much room for anything else. I had planned to fab those slick Nailhead mounts the Dirtys created but I'm not sure how I am going to mount the motor now. I know, I know, this isn't rocket science and I'm sure that I am not the first person who has ever put a 401 in that era pick up but I am seeking advice. There seems to be NO room for the steering if I would just mount the motor on the frame rails like I planned.

I have included some pictures to give you an idea of how tight it is. Now, let your worldly advice flow! Thanks!

 

A couple of ujoints and pillow blocks for the steering shaft? Another option might be an enclosed chain drive to relocate where the steering comes out of the firewall. I saw an article/ad for it in Rod and Custom in the last year or two.

 

What a combo, right on.

 

I can't help you with the tight fit, but I do have to tell you how cool it is to see you getting your fingers dirty again.

Every time I see your signature I smile. I'm glad you could fly.

 

Ya, me too!
I am sooooo happy to be basically back to normal (at least as "normal" as I was pre-accident) and able to go out in the garage and work again. I can't wait to drive my truck! (hence the reason this steering dilemma must be solved...)

 

Give it up and drop off the Nailhead at our house. We'll figure out how to stick it in a '54 Chevy truck and we'll give you a full report. Can you finish painting the motor first?

I like the pillow block/u joint idea and I saw the enclosed chain as well. With the chain you could just drop the shaft right along the frame rail to the box. I don't remember, what box are you using?

 

Nice combo......good luck with the build!!

 

It's called "Steer Clear" by Wizard Fabrication.

Check it out here: http://www.wizardsteerclear.com/

 

I love the engine color, very military but I have to ask, why didn't you tape off anything? it looks like you put the whole motor together and went nuts with a can of Krylon.

 

Mount your steering column and your rack. Then play around with your exhaust manifold/header of choice and a couple of broomsticks. You should be able to make it all work. Once you have the steering sorted out build your front driver side motor mount. If necessary, you can run the steering shaft through the motor mount. I know it looks tight but there is more room there than you think.

 

Man that steer clear is kewl, little pricey But it gets the job done. Good job so far and keep us posted.

 

If you think it looks tight imagine the stock steering in there! that mustang ll saves alot of room.
I usually mount the motor then steering and then the exhaust. if the exhaust has major problems, I'll go back and move the motor up, down or sideway.
I know the question was has someone done it! I have a 331 cad and stock steering. so I know yours will be a breeze keep the pictures coming
and glad you made a speedy recovery.......Jim

 

Hey Megan glad you're back to abnormal and wrenching on the truck again. I'm for the couple u-joints and pillow block too. I had a hell of a time with my Caddy with the starter on the driver side and a big power steering box fighting for the same space. grab some broom sticks and duct tape and mock up the steering shaft with some "fresh" eyes that might see it as a simple deal.

 

What color is that anyway? (nice looking setup BTW)... was it spraycan or triggergun?

 

That isn't paint, just primer. It is a self etching primer from the local NAPA. Ironically enough it is about the same color as the Nailhead should be. I have a custom color mixed for the engine that will also be on my wheels. And yes, I didn't tape much off and went crazy with a can of spray paint!

Keep the steering ideas coming...
Thanks!

 

When faced with a similar situation ... I usually move the engine over a little. Ford did it a lot on their production vehicles. The engine in my 32 Roadster is over almost 1 inch ...

 

Looks good,but Im not one for bolt-heads & other surfaces painted over...I'm sure it will look bitchen when your done.Please,,route the plug wires nicely as well.
stay the course kiddo

 

Chrysler products did it too with most of the "Muscle car" era cars.

Just remember to move the transmission/rear mount over the same amount as the engine/front mounts.
The engine/trans must still be parallel to the frame, (and perpendicular to the rear axle.)

 

Great to see that you are out in the garage working again, It's the best rehab around.

I second that your signature cracks me up every time I see it.


CBB

 

Welcome back to the garage and gettin' grease under those nails again. Too happy to have ya 'back-to-normal', whatever normal is.

 

Can you move the motor up? It looks kinda tiny in front of that big cab anyways. If you mounted the motor a little higher up than where it is sitting in the picture it might give you the extra room for steering. You can build some taller mounts off of the frame.

Bad part is, if you did that it, the bigger tranny tunnel would give you less room in the cab.

 

Would consider the Wizard Mod, guy designed it originally was going to do two different lenghts.
You could always do something real crazy like puttin the column over the motor entering a housing supported above power plant then down to rack or box?
That has been used in race cars in the past I'm sure. Anyway happy wrenching.
Cris.

 

There are a couple of differant drivers side manifolds that you need to look at. One dumps towards the front center,the other is out the very back. I agree you may need to slide the motor over about an inch. Won't hurt a thing .

 

No, really... Beetle Bailey was checking out your truck and threw up on the Nailhead didn't he?

If you are too young to know who Beetle Bailey is, I envy you!

 

I never thru up on nuttin!!!!!!!!............OLDBEET

 

Where are these different manifolds? Do any HAMBers sell them?
That steer clear system is really neat. It almost seems like too easy of a fix! There are a bit pricey...maybe an alliance vendor sells them?!? I am not that opposed to just moving the motor over a little bit, a lot cheaper solution.
Found a rear end over the weekend, gonna try to get it in tonight.
Keep all the good advice coming, thanks!

 

My thoughts excactly Nick there is plenty of room to go up, and you haven't made your mounts yet so check it out. I put a 401 in my 35 chevy, I know it is totaly different, but there isn't much room either. Moved my motor up and it squeaked by. Also I think a guy named Tom Telesco makes mini starters for nailheads, might free up some room. Friz

 

Thanks for the lead on the starter, anyone else have any info where to get one? I think moving the motor up will also be my best solution. Last night PeteJoe and WhiskeyRunner were over and helped me bolt up the rear springs and prep the rear end for install. looks like a '63 Ford Galaxie 9 inch will work out great. That old 9 inch looks like it is out of a tank. Now to figure out what gears are in it....
The truck is almost on four wheels again, woohoo! My daily driver truck will be so happy to park in the nice warm garage again!

Keep "steering me clear", you guys are great!

 

I'm going to guess 3.00 or 3.25.

 

According to my calculations of doing it the old rotate and count way it is 3.25. I'm looking it up right now...