[Cool Kat with Hot Car]

Kube,


I admire those who take the time to do a full correct restoration. I try to make my Fords nice and enjoyable to drive. I think you will find it to be very satisfying to find and assemble the parts to make a safe, reliable Early V-8 that is compatible with modern driving conditions. If I may, I would like to share my observations. Part one are the common, traditional upgrades made by old Ford guys for ever. These are all things that were done to my 36 roadster which was restored in 1962, the first V8 restoration made in Sacramento as far as I know. Part two is what I feel adds to these modifications


Part 1:
Addition of juice brakes, using a 1939 pedal assembly. Safety, ease of adjustment, readily available new parts


Use of 1939 transmission. There is a world of difference in shifting a well built 39 box over previous trannys. They add a great deal of driving enjoyment. Recommend the 28 tooth cluster, avoid LZ gears for your car.


1937 steering. Such a great improvement. Not a big deal to change over a 36.


Crab distributor. Simplifies wiring, Easier for roadside repairs. Coil replacement simplified.


Convert to 12 volts.


Add a Columbia. The flexibility of instant gear ratio changes, and increased driveability at highway speeds make it a must for me. There is a great feelig of satisfaction when the Columbia you rebuilt is shifted, for me super fun! I recommend a 3.78 ring and pinion.


Add tube shocks. Will ride better and end the headache of restoring the original pains in the ass


Part two:
Install a 40 front axle with the sway bar. I believe that 40 springs give a softer ride due to recalibration as they did not have to be as stiff due to the bar.


Add a pass through electric fuel pump. Good if pump fails,good to prime when crap gas evaporates after sitting, hopefully can overcome vapor lock.


Add a generator converted to an alternator. The coils, condensers, voltage regulators currently available seem to be junk right out of the box. In the last few years I have been sidelined by all of these items. An alternator will eliminate them. E.J. Whitney may still be doing the conversion of the fan mount generators.


Add led tail lights. I hate the look, but our sweet little tail lights are all but invisible to the idiots on the road.


Add turn signals. Fronts can be disguised with fog lights.


Add seat belts


Maybe use larger diameter rear view mirrors.


I have not done this yet but Drake sells (maybe) a rear shock/sway bar kit. The shocks are gas and may be pretty stiff. I will try this on my next build but have no real world experience yet.


Use one of the available bias look radial tire sets. My brother put a set on his 37 pickup. The change was dramatic. He drives the truck on the mean freeways of L.A. The truck handles the crappy roads much better, is more stable, rides better, stops better, and believe it or not at least 70% of the rattles went away! Taking turns is significantly better. Plus he lost 30 pounds and sleeps better.


Install dual exhaust. All flatheads want to burble down the road with the marvelous sound of Henry's V-8


Build up a mild 59A series engine. Toss in a 4 or 4 1/8 Merc. crank, add a cam ground like a late Merc. Run stock heads and a single carb. for simplicity. You will really enjoy your car.



There you go, have fun