Getting this one dug out again and inventorying parts. It's been in the family since 1971 when it was bought for less than I'd have to pay to replace the headlights now. I figured I'd better get going on it before I'm too old to enjoy or forced to go electric. Trying to use a lot of the pieces that have been sitting on the shelves for decades. The body doesn't need any bodywork (no tubbing, no cutting, still has all the original glass) but the rear fenders might get a little massaging to iron out a few wrinkles. Planned motivation is a built 400hp 327 small-block backed by a Muncie M-20 or M-21 4-speed (5-speed thoughts are bouncing around my head though) and an '57 Ranchero 9-inch rear-end. Transverse leaf springs on both ends with an original axle up front that was dropped in the '50s or '60s. As I go through old coffee cans of nuts, bolts, and brackets, I've found a few pieces that I'm not sure what they are. Two are pictured here in hopes that some of the '34 experts can help me ID.
34 3-Window Project
- Thread starter SoCal32
- Start date
mercman from oz
Well-known member
What a great Barn Find with lots of History. Love it.
mercman from oz
Well-known member
1934 Ford Passenger Car Radiator to Grille Mounting Brackets
Last edited:
mercman from oz
Well-known member
See location of this Mounting Bracket down near the Horn
deuce lover
Well-known member
The bracket you are holding connects the grille to the radiator and secures the front hood latch .
Ron Pilger
Senior Member
Engine choice will negate the value for such an original auto
Seth Swoboda
Well-known member
I think you might just be trolling us? I hope you're just joking with the good folks here.
Ol' Ron
Well-known member
A car like this should be preserved as much as possible. A later flathead and trans, juce brakes. Suspension upgrades???? Better shocks, etc. But it nust be left stock in appearance. No chopped and channeled, no SBC and big sliks. My Race car was a buchered 33/4 3 windo, and we salvaged it. I'll find a pic of it.
Gramps
Make it safe!!
Gramps
Make it safe!!
Karl Wescott
Well-known member
Welcome to the "Barn"
The frequent posters on this side of the world (as opposed to the "H.A.M.B." side tend to be very generous on help identifying stock body and chassis issues (and early speed equipment), regardless of the motor. They tend to not be familiar or comfortable or even receptive with issues in putting a sb chevy in the car. The experts there tend to hang out on the "H.A.M.B." side.
Think your motor/trans/driveline/rear axle and suspension through. The frame is designed for an 85hp motor with torque transmitted through a tube from the transmission to rear axle. The frame is designed with a certain amount of flex to accommodate the poor roads of the time. The frame will not handle the horsepower and open driveline you are envisioning without excessive vibration and flex from the drivetrain. The frame also will not handle the vertical loading across the axle clearance dogleg in the rear without distortion over time. The horsepower road leads to full boxing of the frame, or replacing the frame with an aftermarket street rod frame (and guidence from the guys on the "H.A.M.B.").
If you do go with a Chevy, think a de-tuned 283 or 327 of around 175 hp. Plenty to scoot the car around but minimizing stress on the stock chassis.
As to "value" the value is yours not someone elses. Regardless of what you do (flathead, sb chevy, street rod, or restore) you will put more money into the finished project then you will ever recoup if you sell it.
Get it running. Enjoy it. Share the love!
The frequent posters on this side of the world (as opposed to the "H.A.M.B." side tend to be very generous on help identifying stock body and chassis issues (and early speed equipment), regardless of the motor. They tend to not be familiar or comfortable or even receptive with issues in putting a sb chevy in the car. The experts there tend to hang out on the "H.A.M.B." side.
Think your motor/trans/driveline/rear axle and suspension through. The frame is designed for an 85hp motor with torque transmitted through a tube from the transmission to rear axle. The frame is designed with a certain amount of flex to accommodate the poor roads of the time. The frame will not handle the horsepower and open driveline you are envisioning without excessive vibration and flex from the drivetrain. The frame also will not handle the vertical loading across the axle clearance dogleg in the rear without distortion over time. The horsepower road leads to full boxing of the frame, or replacing the frame with an aftermarket street rod frame (and guidence from the guys on the "H.A.M.B.").
If you do go with a Chevy, think a de-tuned 283 or 327 of around 175 hp. Plenty to scoot the car around but minimizing stress on the stock chassis.
As to "value" the value is yours not someone elses. Regardless of what you do (flathead, sb chevy, street rod, or restore) you will put more money into the finished project then you will ever recoup if you sell it.
Get it running. Enjoy it. Share the love!
Thar poor old car has survived all these years without anyone butchering it. Why can't you just appreciate what a great car it has always been instead of destroying it forever. Just my opinion and maybe you should go over to the HAMB where the hot rod would be teenagers are.
Anything but a SBC . Please rethink . If you want OHV at least think traditional nail head ,Y block , caddy all mated to a 3 speed. But i really love the car. Modify but do no harm.. I know I know, while the car is in your care you can do what you wish , but think further ahead.
deuce lover
Well-known member
fortyfords
Senior Member
I wish he would go and buy a street rod and leave this one for a fellow who would appreciate what they have. My 40 is a story like that, guy sold it to me and took a chance I wouldn't hot rod it. It's a 50k miles original coupe, and I have kept it stock except for rubber parts. He admits the car went to the right guy.
nickthebandit
Well-known member
Does anyone have a copy of that issue of Rod and Custom magazine that I can buy ? Thanks, nick.