39 Pickup questions.

Shampipple

Shampipple

Senior Member
I’m preparing to drop an 8ba from a 49 Shoebox in my 39 pickup.

I acquired the proper trans for torque tube, the merc bell, flywheel, clutch, and water pumps for a truck.

If any of you have done this swap, do I need a truck oil pan and sump?

Can the 49 Shoebox Radiator adapt to fit?

My parts are at three different locations, so they aren’t side by side. I’m going straight off photos and measurements.

Thanks in advance, I’m new to flattys.
 
I have an 8ba in my '39 p/u. You need a truck (or rear sump Merc) pan. Assuming the motor in the Shoe Box was narrow belt. Truck pumps are wide belt. Are you changing the crank and generator pulleys to wide belt? My 8ba had narrow belts so I used the hard to find narrow belt Merc Pumps. They appear similar to a truck pump but the mounting pads are a different height. The Merc pumps require a U shaped spacer between the pump mounting tab and the rubber biscuit mount. Doubt the Shoe Box radiator would work.
 
My 49 engine has the wide belts. I bought the matching truck water pumps.

I also have a 50 flathead in another shoebox with narrow belts.

I appreciate the info on the pan and sump. I’ll start sourcing one.

I’m likely going to take a gamble on the radiator. The core size is similar. I may trim the flanges off even if it’s a temporary fix.

Thanks for the quick reply!
 
Shampipple said:
My 49 engine has the wide belts. I bought the matching truck water pumps.

I also have a 50 flathead in another shoebox with narrow belts.

I appreciate the info on the pan and sump. I’ll start sourcing one.

I’m likely going to take a gamble on the radiator. The core size is similar. I may trim the flanges off even if it’s a temporary fix.

Thanks for the quick reply!
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Maybe you ought to at least re-think that radiator. Think about the grill being glued to the radiator side panels, plus the fact that the rad is so tall and accommodating of the two steady rods going to the firewall. DD


R.5301f3da82a611ba0e821c5557a4031a


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I don’t have the original radiator. The two rods are long missing. So I’ll have to source or fab them anyway. Your setup looks outstanding by the way. Thanks for the pic. It helps a whole lot!
 
On the plus side the radiator inlets are angled perfect for an 8ba. might have to get a bit creative for the bottom, but they used to sell them.
 
Tinker said:
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/flathead-lower-radiator-hoses-s-curve.1005804/


https://www.amazon.com/MACs-Auto-Parts-49-19661-Radiator/dp/B01BSZE4VG?tag=atomicindus08-20


Walker makes a good rad. The entire front end sheet metal is setup off the radiator. Guess they only go through venders now...
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/shop...F-03QVFFMlRkeiAvyN04cY4p1p4p1v-BoCA_AQAvD_BwE
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Walker closed up shop but Jonson Radiator bought everything but the name. Not sure if the are in full production yet or not. I'm running a Brassworks 4 row in my '39 p/u with an 8ba. Couldn't be happier. Lee at Brasworks spent a lot of time with me to insure it would fit and made the top tank based on the 8ba fan not a stock '39. Not cheap but neither are Walkers. Both are high quality products. If you decide to go with either you won't be disappointed. JMHO
 
I did the same swap in last year, I used a truck pan and it was deeper than the original pan , so I had to get a drop tie rod end , also had to ad a bit of length to the drag link.
 
51504bat said:
Walker closed up shop but Jonson Radiator bought everything but the name. Not sure if the are in full production yet or not. I'm running a Brassworks 4 row in my '39 p/u with an 8ba. Couldn't be happier. Lee at Brasworks spent a lot of time with me to insure it would fit and made the top tank based on the 8ba fan not a stock '39. Not cheap but neither are Walkers. Both are high quality products. If you decide to go with either you won't be disappointed. JMHO
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That's right Bat. How did everything lineup as far as sheet metal. I know brassworks makes a decent product.
 
My 39 came already to me with an 8ba motor installed. Couple pictures of water pump and motor mounts. Everything lines up like it should.
 

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3739ford said:
My 39 came already to me with an 8ba motor installed. Couple pictures of water pump and motor mounts. Everything lines up like it should.
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Those are narrow belt Merc pumps with the correct U shaped spacers. I'm running the exact same set up on my '39 p/u with an 8ba. Everything fit fine but I did need to use a truck pan for clearance issues with the tie rod. Those Merc pumps aren't repopped and are hard to locate. I sent mind to Skip for a redo as well as a spare set just in case.
 
I'm using stock 8ba oil pan, previous owner modified the tie rod by finding a longer one and bending a 90 degree turn then welding a triangle piece of metal to stiffen. Don't know how good it will work I'm not at the point of driving mine yet. I also sent my water pumps to Skip to rework they came back looking like brand new I'm very happy with them.
 
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