34 Ford and a 49-53 Engine
 

I have a rebuilt never run 49-53 flat-head that I want to install in a 34 two door sedan. Will this engine fit without cutting the fire wall. What other things will I need to do to make this conversion. I think it has the original 34 transmission with a sawed off shift lever.

Re: 34 Ford and a 49-53 Engine
 

btt (back to top)

Re: 34 Ford and a 49-53 Engine
 

I have a 59B in mine, stock trans & rear end. You will need Merc adapters for the front mounts. Not sure about the 49-53. Do a Search on the HAMB Board, they have a few threads about late model flatties in 33/34 Ford.

I can post some pics of mine later today.

Re: 34 Ford and a 49-53 Engine
 

I will be watching for the pictures.

Thanks

Re: 34 Ford and a 49-53 Engine
 

One difference is the 8BA types have a different offset on the flywheel for the starter engagement. Since the 8BA only has two compatible clutch combinations for the early 1 3/8 X 10 spline, the only ones that work are the 48 thru 50 pick up flywheel with the early 10 inch clutch or the 49 thru E51 Mercury flywheel with the Borg & Beck 10 inch clutch. Using the early transmission prior to 1935 will require something different though. You will have to drill any 8BA flywheel you can find for the early 9 inch set up so it will fit in there. Most machine shops can easily handle this mod so that would be an easy way to go unless you change to a later transmission. You could go either way then.

The next problem is the front clearance and mounting. The older Fords used a generator mounted fan up until they fit one to the crankshaft somewhere in 39 or so. The 8BA fan set up sticks out there farther and I don't know if it will fit with the angled type radiator. 8RT pick up pumps can be used to mount or you can convert the whole front of the motor to 59A style with an older crab style distributor. The hardest part of the conversion is either replaceing the cam or machining the gear stub on the front to drive the early distributor. I think the crank snout has to be shortened a bit to use the early pulley too. I've seen threads either here or on the HAMB that deal with this swap. It would be similar for all the angle mount radiator type cars from 33 through 38. I seem to remember some threads where they were successfull at using the 8RT type drive set up and distributor but they had to get real creative with the fan.

Kerby

Re: 34 Ford and a 49-53 Engine
 

Doing the same with a 36,was wondering if earlier 24 stud heads can be put on a 8ba also a duel intake .alltaken from a 46 merc i had years ago dp

Re: 34 Ford and a 49-53 Engine
 

Here is my Flattie in my 34 Ford project. The adapters were found on Ebay, think they were around $70 (Ford Part #41A-6023) I also had to cut the flange off the crank pully so it would not hit the crossmember. I plan on using the stock radiator and 46-48 Distributor. Its a tight fit, less than an inch from the firewall.

Attachment 21669 Attachment 21667 Attachment 21668

Re: 34 Ford and a 49-53 Engine
 

What water pumps did you use?

What adapter do you mean?

Did you fabricate the motor mounts?

What transmission did you use?

I sure like the red paint

I sure appreciate you reply. A few pictures sure help.

Thanks

Re: 34 Ford and a 49-53 Engine
 

Sturgis 39 -- Send your phone #. I'm presently installing a 8ab in a 34 and your welcomb to look at my progress if you would like. I'm in Black Hawk but will be leaving on Thursday. My installation isn't completed but you can see the problems and discuss what I plan to do. I'm at 787 5465.

Re: 34 Ford and a 49-53 Engine
 

[QUOTE=#1 flathead;112140]Sturgis 39 -- Send your phone #. I'm presently installing a 8ab in a 34 and your welcomb to look at my progress if you would like. I'm in Black Hawk but will be leaving on Thursday. My installation isn't completed but you can see the problems and discuss what I plan to do. I'm at 787 5465.[/QUOTE


584 2088. I will be busy tell noon tomorrow but have nothing scheduled the rest of the week.

Thanks

Re: 34 Ford and a 49-53 Engine
 

Years ago I installed the 49-53 8BA type of engine in '35-36-37 Fords and had no problems at all. We always used the '49-50 Merc and/or the '49 and later truck bell housing in lieu of the Ford car type. We also used Ford truck or '49-50 Merc water pumps with the '49-50 Merc motor mount adapters.... See attached pix.
Of course which ever clutch disk you use, you should make sure it easily slides onto the trans shaft before you start lowering the engine into the chassis.

Re: 34 Ford and a 49-53 Engine
 

[QUOTE=sturgis 39;112179] Tuesday is good -- Give me a call and I'll meet you in Black Hawk.