Hot Rods Drug Home: East Coast T Modified - NH

Studebaker Champion, you say? I wonder if that sheds light on the drivetrain and engine mount mystery any.

I'm putting the complete 33/34 Ford drive train in this little rig, as untouched as I possibly can, but thanks! I'm getting all the take-offs from my neighbor's truck (steering, front/rear ends, mechanical brakes, engine, transmission, tt, etc.).

 

I like the new plan and you will be able to play at the growing number of vintage events. By the way your neighbor may be a idiot, but it works for you.

 

Far from it. He and his son are working on it and their needs and parts on hand dictate a more modern driveline direction, despite their early desire to go with this banger in their truck. He will still be coming over to tinker with this engine once it's in my care, I'm sure!

 

Then you are a very lucky fella'.

 

A mixed bag, but I've had periods of living a charmed existence for sure!

I've been very fortunate to receive a lot of mentoring from Paul, who built his first channeled 32 coupe when he was 15 in the 50's!

I'm probably picking up the banger next week from across the cul-de-sac, shortest parts run EVER!




Here's how she looked right after they got'er running and before she was pulled:

 

I love those trucks! I had a chance to by a chopped fenderless flathead powered one in the early 60s but couldn't come up with $250. It's been pretty much the same story ever since. That is a really nice one. Do you know if that engine has the balanced crank? It would be fun to build a stout steerable banger. I'm gathering parts for a '28 Chevy four cylinder. It may end up with a Ford crank.

 

The cab had some wonk to it from a tree hit but they put a new roof and door on it and straightened the cab. The frame also got a new back end and boxing plates.

Everything you see in the pic except the cab and bare frame is what I'm getting. I'd consider running the mechanical brakes but I think juice is just going to be simpler to get working.

Those rear wheels are reversed btw; the stem is in the inside and everything.

I do not know anything about the crank. I just know it's a B banger out of a 33 truck and it runs currently. Nothing has been taken off for inspection (heads or pan). It was stuck from sitting when they got it but we all rolled it up and down the driveway while Paul gently nudged the valves with a pry bar & lubricant through the spark plug holes to get them loose and free. Then back up and down the driveway with his thumb over each plug hole to test for compression (which it has).

 

I'd go with the brake upgrade. The mechanical can be made to work well but they a finicky and need constant adjusting. Here is a quick link to some engine history that may help identify your engine. If it is the original engine from that pickup you hit the 4 banger jackpot.
http://fordsa.homestead.com/enb.html

 

Hm, the 90° exhaust manifold scared me a minute but I looked around and it appears that pickups were equipped with the A style manifold.

It's got the fuel pump, so it's gotta be a B.

 

If its a '33-'34 and is the "C" it has a counter balanced crank. People kill for those A "B" is very desirable as well. Either way you have a treasure.

 

It is. They did, but this year nobody would pay even half what it's worth so I ended up buying it!

I did the deal and hauled it home yesterday! (a whopping 1/16 mile parts run)

Next up is to get some storage boxes for my driveway to clean up some and look into adding a tent garage for winter.

 

That is TOO COOL! The only downside is that now you have the added responsibility of doing right by the Prince of Ford Bangers. It should be fun and does not have to happen right away but the potential of your build has been increased greatly. No pressure.