1935 model 51

big35

big35

Junior Member
I am new to the Ford Barn and have enjoyed searching through the great information you guys share daily. I am in the process of getting my 1935 truck model 51 up and running. I am replacing the original motor with a 1938? flat head and would appreciate any guidance in this conversion installation.
 

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This is pretty much a bolt in installation. the biggest difference will be the radiator hoses. maybe someone else will chime in.
 
I do like a big truck, welcome to the barn. general location would be great. I have done several of these changeovers-no big deal. bolts right up, top hose needs a little modification-I usually use a piece of pipe bent to about a 75gegree and place this between pieces of a hose made to fit the 38 motor.
 
Thanks for the comments! My 1st issue is the 19" on center, front mounts on my 35 vs. the 20" water pump mounts on the 38 motor. I will also need spacers to get the front of the motor clearance off my front cross member. The 38 motor is lacking the crank pulley also. Will a standard 38 work on the application? Thanks again for you help and comments.
 
361685

It is great to see someone preserving these good old Ford trucks. Too often, the bodies are saved and used to make a small pickup and the rest of the truck disposed of. Keep up the good work.
 
C & G Early Ford Parts have an adapter #48-6038-ADP that might work for you.
Check with Kyle for which motor mount you need. 800 266 0470
Bruce
 
I was lucky to find this locally..twice. The 1st time 8 years ago it was in front of an appliance store with a sign saying 'this truck was used to haul your grandmother's refrigerator to her'. It disappeared for 7 years and was later seen in a town 35 miles north of here and was for sale. I brought it home now have the time with little money to get it running.
 
hi; Are those mount spacers the Merc spacers? available repo now, but without the bolt stud. Newc
 
49-50 Mercury motor mount spacers will solve your problem of both linear and vertical dimensions.
 
Not directly related to the distributor question, but wondered which 38 engine do you have, 21 or 24 stud?

Depending on the cam and front cover any distributor will work on any engine. Some combos require adapters between the dist shaft and cam. The early distributors can be two bolt or three bolt and must match the front cover or use an adaptor.
 
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The '38 motor is a 24 stud and has a 3 bolt distributor pattern. I did install the '35 distributor just to see if I can get the '38 motor running. It will not start but I do have power at the coil and plugs.
 
If it's 24 stud then it is a late 38 engine, the early ones were 21 stud. 38 was a transition year for a lot of things and engines was one of them.
 
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