This is going to be my first build starting from a pile of parts to a complete car. In the previous year or two, I have started working on a 46 ford pickup but had my attention redirected to this coupe once I acquired it. I've started off with a pretty solid long door coupe in a bunch of parts. Actually got it off a hambe member that has onlt posted once. The pics are of when the car was in OH. For the engine, I've found a 371 olds tripower with a manual trans out of an old drag car that use to be raced. The car was running before sitting oustide for 5 years due to the owner's health. But it does turn over. I'm going to run this exact same set up. Here is a link http://http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=299214 I was given a pair of new hurst motor mounts still in the box that adapts an olds engine to an olds frame. For the rear end I thought of using a dick spardo quick change open drive. I want to lower the car front and back. For the front, I want to use a dropped axle. For the inside, I'm going to use a 41 ford dash along with a 39 cad speedo. I will have to speedo.guages redone. The dash is already installed. I'm incollege right now so I won't get a whole lot done until winter break which is about two months. Plan on working on it all the time.
Its going to be slow but I'm going to start to order parts. I have to figure out the rear cross member if I use a quick change and lower it.
Looks like a neat project for a first time build. The only thing I would question is using a quickchange. They are quite spendy and basically an eye candy component that you'll never see under the car unless you leave it jacked up in the rear ( a no-no by a lot of rodders opinion). I'd suggest a Nova or similar and put the bucks into making the rest of the car a reliable cruiser. Get a Chassis Engineering catalog and do some searching/purchasing and you'll be a lot more satisfied. One of their parallel leaf rear suspensions is a reliable, affordable, and doable setup for a relatively inexperienced rodder. I've used several and they bullitproof. Frank
That car looks nice and solid. My 2 cents.... Run the car with the existing suspension and rear end. Yes the banjo will handle the Olds. I have one that is still in good condion after being in a 392 blown hemi. Bottom line. get it on the road so you don't lose interest again, then upgrade as time goes on.
Very nice. What are your plans, Hot rod or custom? For lowering it, look into Posies Super Slide springs, they have many bolt in kits for your car that will make the job very easy, and still keep it all traditional.
I went to GoodGuys today in Bowling green a dn looked at some of the other fords there. I'm thinking of keeping the stock rear end. I've been looking into the front end and started thinking about the back. I plan on doing a custom
Way to go! Ive been working on mine for 3.5+ years, but these are great cars. They make awesome customs. You may find that you cant get the rear as low as you may want without going to parallel leafs, but Im not sure if you can do that with a stock rear end. Regardless, they did it 50+ years ago, so im sure there is a simply, traditional way to do this. My 47 in my avatar is now running on air ride, but Im about to ditch the whole air ride system, and replace it with Posies parallel leafs in in the rear (which is running an 8" ford from a Grenada, fits well with no narrowing). Check out Rikster's page (www.rikhovingkustoms.com), there will be tons of inspiration for building a 41-48 Ford custom there.
Yeah I've already check out rikster's for a long time.. I think I can go with the original rear axle. I was looking to see how the engine was going to fit. What kind of gear box are you using? Straight axle up front?
My car has a 302/c4 combo, and an Mustang II front end. I bought the car as a stock body on a frame with a MII already installed. Its just not worth going backwards to make it 100% period correct. Everything you will be able to see without looking under the car, or under the hood will be 100% early 50's custom style.
I was riding in the truck with dad today and he mentioned to me that he wanted to work on the coupe some. This has been a first in years. Last time he concoquered a full project was in 1969. He quit on his model a in 72 and hasn't touched anything since (except for small repairs and etc). Dad has some time off from work so this will give him something to do. Still going to keep the olds engine, 41 dash and cad speedo. I have another coupe but needs some work.
Great looking car. Take your time, get it running and driving first, then work out the body mods. Keep us posted.
The Jalopy Journal
