The Ford Barn

Bored&Stroked · 05-24-2025, 02:15 PM

I've found that mechanical brakes work quite well . . . up until you get to higher speeds (over 55 mph) and/or use them a lot (long downhill grades at higher speeds). I think the more modern 'Bendix' style of brakes are a solid update to the Lockheed style brakes that many of us have used.

On the tire side, I put the Excelsior Radials on my 32 Cabriolet and they dramatically improve the handling and safety of these older cars ---> again, especially at higher speeds, around corners, etc..

As others have mentioned, I really like the E.J. Whitney alternator conversion and would really want to run the BEST headlight/taillight solutions possible ---> that could be either Halogen bulbs (they take a lot of amps) or a LED retrofit bulbs. Original lights at night are just not a great solution for a car you want to drive a lot.

Hey Kube: If you decide to hop-up that later flathead, be happy to help you in any area where you might have questions. More cubic inches and power are surely a help in pulling highway grades with a Columbia in the rear.

Kube · 05-24-2025, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bored&Stroked

I've found that mechanical brakes work quite well . . . up until you get to higher speeds (over 55 mph) and/or use them a lot (long downhill grades at higher speeds). I think the more modern 'Bendix' style of brakes are a solid update to the Lockheed style brakes that many of us have used.

On the tire side, I put the Excelsior Radials on my 32 Cabriolet and they dramatically improve the handling and safety of these older cars ---> again, especially at higher speeds, around corners, etc..

As others have mentioned, I really like the E.J. Whitney alternator conversion and would really want to run the BEST headlight/taillight solutions possible ---> that could be either Halogen bulbs (they take a lot of amps) or a LED retrofit bulbs. Original lights at night are just not a great solution for a car you want to drive a lot.

Hey Kube: If you decide to hop-up that later flathead, be happy to help you in any area where you might have questions. More cubic inches and power are surely a help in pulling highway grades with a Columbia in the rear.

Truly, I respect you and your advice.
My plans don't envision nighttime driving, and I refuse to get on an interstate with these old cars. Crap, around here 80+ mph is the norm.

My vision?
A "barn find" appearance yet very reliable. I am confident I can get the reliability of the stock drivetrain.
Radials? Maybe. I do have one prewar Ford with radials that noticeably drives nicer than bias.

I am really looking forward to this project. Although a huge shift in what I have done for decades, methinks this will be a fun and mentally healthy endeavor.

I want to stress that I am sincerely appreciative to you and the others that have chimed in here.
Thank you all.

34fordy · 05-24-2025, 07:43 PM

Hey Kube,
I kinda think you are after the same kinda enjoyment that I have. My 36 pickup has mechanical brakes that work well and I like the 6 volt system. I put 8 ply radial van tires on it and love them. I did add turning lights this spring but have a habit of forgetting to turn them off after getting around the corner. I do not go over 50 mph, drive in the rain or nighttime. I do not go places. I drive it 3-5 times a week in the spring, summer and fall. Every outing is just for the enjoyment I get from sitting behind the wheel, listening to the flathead purr and noticing all the waves and thumbs ups from so many folks. I do not worry if my great grandkids crawl around it. No matter how much I like this pickup that is all it is--an old pickup to enjoy. I believe the sun is gonna shine for ya Mike!

05-24-2025, 02:15 PM	#1
Bored&Stroked Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 5,723	Re: What's needed to install a 24 stud into an earlier 21 stud car I've found that mechanical brakes work quite well . . . up until you get to higher speeds (over 55 mph) and/or use them a lot (long downhill grades at higher speeds). I think the more modern 'Bendix' style of brakes are a solid update to the Lockheed style brakes that many of us have used. On the tire side, I put the Excelsior Radials on my 32 Cabriolet and they dramatically improve the handling and safety of these older cars ---> again, especially at higher speeds, around corners, etc.. As others have mentioned, I really like the E.J. Whitney alternator conversion and would really want to run the BEST headlight/taillight solutions possible ---> that could be either Halogen bulbs (they take a lot of amps) or a LED retrofit bulbs. Original lights at night are just not a great solution for a car you want to drive a lot. Hey Kube: If you decide to hop-up that later flathead, be happy to help you in any area where you might have questions. More cubic inches and power are surely a help in pulling highway grades with a Columbia in the rear.

05-24-2025, 07:43 PM	#3
34fordy Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Fort dodge, Iowa Posts: 1,228	Re: What's needed to install a 24 stud into an earlier 21 stud car Hey Kube, I kinda think you are after the same kinda enjoyment that I have. My 36 pickup has mechanical brakes that work well and I like the 6 volt system. I put 8 ply radial van tires on it and love them. I did add turning lights this spring but have a habit of forgetting to turn them off after getting around the corner. I do not go over 50 mph, drive in the rain or nighttime. I do not go places. I drive it 3-5 times a week in the spring, summer and fall. Every outing is just for the enjoyment I get from sitting behind the wheel, listening to the flathead purr and noticing all the waves and thumbs ups from so many folks. I do not worry if my great grandkids crawl around it. No matter how much I like this pickup that is all it is--an old pickup to enjoy. I believe the sun is gonna shine for ya Mike!