Caddy 500ci in a '34 Ford

O.K., My buddy has a '34 Ford and Is going to put a Caddy motor in it, but has questions about the steering box. We are thinking that it should be about the same as a BBC, but if anyone has any pictures of this application or anything similar, could you please post some pics?? Or, What about a "DirtTrack" style steering?? (Sorry, but that's what I have always called it....)

Also, He has original '34 wire rims, will these mount onto a 40 Ford Juice brake setup???

 

That's a great idea. That torque monster will hustle the little Ford around with very little effort. Dan't help with the steering question, however.
Don

 

I think C9 is a running big block Buick in a '32.

 

maybe it was last months issue of custom rodder, steering setup with a 500ci in A rails... if you like, i can scan it and post it

i was thinking of doing the same style of steering for my 35 p/u. but i probably have a little more clearance than you do.

 

C9's Roadster with a Vega box.

 

Here's a shot of the 31 on 32 rails roadster.
Look close and you can see a black powdered Vega box just ahead of the motor mount.

Disregard the overly long aluminum steering column jacket.
It's been cut down since the pic was shot.

 

Here's a closeup of the motor mount.
An oft seen shot, but it may be new to you.

 

SWEEEETTT! Thanks for all the info and pictures. We were talking about a Vega box, but wanted some more input.

Anyone know anything about the wheel situation??

 

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maybe it was last months issue of custom rodder, steering setup with a 500ci in A rails... if you like, i can scan it and post it

[/ QUOTE ]

Please do.....

 

kustomolds, i need to scan the mag at work... forgot to pay the dsl bill at home... so no connection.. doh!
the magazine is rod&custom november '03 issue, pg 56 "One good turn".... they use Lime Works pieces and a GMT column drop

thanks for those pics C9, question for ya... did you have to fab up the exhaust yourself? or did you find something that worked?

 

[ QUOTE ]
thanks for those pics C9, question for ya... did you have to fab up the exhaust yourself? or did you find something that worked?



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Far as I know there are no commercially available headers for the 455 Buick - or the 500 Caddy for that matter - in a 32 frame.

The headers you see were home-made, flanges and all.
A bit time consuming, but fun if you just do a little every day.

The 32's flanges are one piece except for where I split the left side for the dipstick.
The 31's flanges are individual and the headers for that will probably be sprint car headers for a Brodix SBC with a short run of tubing (45 degrees) added to adapt the SBC headers to the Buick.
(Chevy exhaust ports where the header bolts on is just about vertical, Buicks are at 45 degrees.)

I'd post a pic of the 31's mocked up headers, but I don't have them available right now.

 

Wheel problem. You need the spacer rings that level up the back of the rim. Many posts on this. Search

 

here's my Big Chevy with a Vega box,

with the headers outside there is lots of room.

things may get kinda crowded with the headers inside the rails..

sorry 'bout the*****py picture

 

That was me (us)in Rod-n-Custom.Put a 500 Cad in a 32 frame.
The car has since been sold.But we fabbed the motor mounts.Used a Vega box,all pretty straight forward stuff.
In stock we have some "limefire" type headers for the 500 and a set of aluminum heads ,aluminum intake manifold too.
I'll need to double check,put the little trick was a trans adapter to use a turbo 350 to make it all short enough.?
ME
Doing a 365 Cad ina 32 now,with a different adapter to turbo350,posted pic's awhile back...

 

resurrection of an old post!

right on vaphead... cool article.

how much are the aluminum heads/manifold/headers for the 500, and who makes them? ill check your website for more info

 

My freind Howard runs a 500 Caddy in his Model A coupe on duece rails. It really hauls**** without even breaking a sweat. He has a drag link set up using a '55 F-100 steering box with lakes style headers. There is a picture of the car on go-kat-go's website.

www.go-kat-go.com/howitsnotdeu.html

 

hey mike... did your friend finish the 3 pot intake? really cool, thanks for the link!