302 in 1934 ford pickup, mikebell
- Thread starter mikebell
- Start date
JM 35 Sedan
Well-known member
Mike, why not think about "modernizing" a Flathead Ford engine and a 3 speed top load early Ford transmission? This is what most of us here are about.
Bored&Stroked
Well-known member
Hey Mike: Given the design of the stock 33/34 X-Member, I don't believe you can fit any modern 302 Ford style engine and transmission into the frame. It is very narrow in the X-Member area, so you'll need to either go "traditional" as John mentioned above (which is what the FordBarn is all about) - or you'll need some serious cutting/fabrication work to redo the center area as well as create the necessary motor mounts up front. Another thing to think about in using a SBF is that the overall engine length can be a bit much - unless you run the right combination of water pumps and belt-drive systems (so you don't have to cut your firewall). I'm not an expert in SBF parts combinations - you may want to check on the HAMB site to see what folks have used. You may want to check with Chassis Engineering as well . . . they make a few kits that might get you started:
http://www.chassisengineeringinc.com/
In the end, most everybody on this site would love to see you put a nicely built flathead and 39 style transmission in it - and not see anything cut up!
http://www.chassisengineeringinc.com/
In the end, most everybody on this site would love to see you put a nicely built flathead and 39 style transmission in it - and not see anything cut up!
deuce lover
Well-known member
You can fit a 302 and C4 in a 33-34 Ford frame without altering the X member.The saddle for the trans mount will have to be trimmed or removed.I did it in 1973 for a 34 roadster I built.Look on EBAY, July 1974 Street Rodder.The car on the cover is that car.You will have to alter the firewall.Click on my user ID and send an email w/contact phone number if you want accurate details.
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deuce lover
Well-known member
Mike, If you want to keep the flatty that is fine.I would opt for the T5 ,then you can change the rear and have open drive.The T5 will fit easily but you still will need to modify the saddle.I had a 36 5W that I kept the flatty but went with a T5 and 57 wagon 9". Them T5's IMO much better than the 39 type trans.Full synchro to.Ford trucks in mid 80's had a T170 which is a 4 sp.The 4th gear is an overdrive Plus its a top loader.Nice trans.
2ndgeer
Senior Member
About 25 years ago I installed a 302 Ford with a C4 in my '34 pickup. The secret to installing it was to use the Snow-White Opel water pump conversion. I did not cut the firewall and I used a mechanical fan. The saddle was removed to fit the small C4 but the remainder of the frame was untouched. One of the reasons I now have a 59 AB flathead in the truck is because the AC condenser in front of the radiator made the hood fit poorly. Ironically, I don't have AC on the flathead because neither did Henry!!
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Bored&Stroked
Well-known member
If you go the T5 approach and modify the saddle - try to drill all the rivets out of it and remove the complete unit . . . that way you have it for the future if you ever want to put it back. Also, the T5 shifter is going to be further back towards the seat, so there will undoubtedly be some work in the floorpan area. (I'm not sure what a truck has in this area, so it may just be floor-boards??? - never built one).
The other thing that comes to mind with this package is the steering box - have no idea as to if the original will fit or not (might need a custom/modern setup) . . . something to think about. Then, there is the clutch/brake pedals and master cylinder setup (which the original chassis obviously didn't have) - so this will need to be sorted out as well. Then there is the exhaust system . . . then the radiator, then a trans cooler (if C4) - the list goes on!
What one finds is that once you start the modifications - the list will get longer and your desire to keep stuff as original as possible will be a challenge. Just research ALL The modifications and know what you're getting into before you start.
It is super simple to put a 39-48 truck style transmission (open drive - 3 speed) into this chassis - then you can change the rear-end to an open drive (your desire) - like a nice Ford 8" and make a clean setup with as few modifications as possible. It will take some fabrication work for rear control arms/rods/4-bars, etc - but not a big deal.
The other thing that comes to mind with this package is the steering box - have no idea as to if the original will fit or not (might need a custom/modern setup) . . . something to think about. Then, there is the clutch/brake pedals and master cylinder setup (which the original chassis obviously didn't have) - so this will need to be sorted out as well. Then there is the exhaust system . . . then the radiator, then a trans cooler (if C4) - the list goes on!
What one finds is that once you start the modifications - the list will get longer and your desire to keep stuff as original as possible will be a challenge. Just research ALL The modifications and know what you're getting into before you start.
It is super simple to put a 39-48 truck style transmission (open drive - 3 speed) into this chassis - then you can change the rear-end to an open drive (your desire) - like a nice Ford 8" and make a clean setup with as few modifications as possible. It will take some fabrication work for rear control arms/rods/4-bars, etc - but not a big deal.
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