[vincent]

Originally Posted by GB SISSON

While no expert, I have general flathead experience over the last 35 years or so. A lot of overhauls and switching the v8s from one year to another. The most straightforward way to get what you want may be to install an 8ba or 59 ab with a 4" stroke mercury crankshaft. From memory the 4 speed truck tranny was changed to a synchromesh type in 1953. This should bolt to an 8ba with the correct bell. I had that trans in a 53 f350. This MAY allow you to keep your frame stock. These trans are very robust and you'll never wear it out in a 34 car. A 59ab will look closer to original under the hood, but that French engine would be drawing me in. With the 4" crank they have great pulling power. I towed my tandem axle car trailer many times, hauling other wrecks home behind my '38 truck. Never changed the cable brakes, but went to 12 V for trailer brakes, which stopped the whole show on a dime. Just my $.02, and you'll have to research if that trans works for the application...edit: I know the 4 spd truck has a granny low first, making it essentially a 3 speed but that granny might make a higher rear axle ratio practical.

Now this is good advice - really appreciate it! Thank you very much.
cheers, Harty