Projects Learning As I Go... The 34 Canuck Truck

[Speedy Canuck]

Met up with Skunk Victim last Thursday evening cause we had a mutual interest... he was interested in getting some extra parts out of his garage, and I was interested in reducing the size of my wallet.

Picked up a few parts and pieces, only one that I really needed, but a few that I wanted as well.
The part I needed:
- a pair of good condition '40 brake drums

The parts I wanted:
- a 3x2 Edelbrock intake manifold
- a NOS Mallory mechanical advance dual points distributor for the Rocket
- a 324 starter with a new solenoid
- a set of connecting rods and pistons out of a '55 324 (just because)

I'll get some pictures when I get around to moving them somewhere with some light.

[F&J]

The parts I wanted:
- a 3x2 Edelbrock intake manifold
- a NOS Mallory mechanical advance dual points distributor for the Rocket
- a 324 starter with a new solenoid
- a set of connecting rods and pistons out of a '55 324 (just because)

Good haul. How's his Rocket T coupe working out? Have not heard much lately.

[Jeff Norwell]

AJ
Good to hear you visited the Candy Factory....
You can always count on leaving satisfied.

[Speedy Canuck]

Originally Posted by F&J

Good haul. How's his Rocket T coupe working out? Have not heard much lately.

It's still looking pretty slick. Had the carbs pulled off for the winter. He mentioned he was planning to redo the interior and fab a new trans cover for the floor.
He's also got a set of '32 rails and another Rocket 324 in there... think he's gearing up to get his other T started in the near future.

[Speedy Canuck]

Originally Posted by Jeff Norwell

AJ
Good to hear you visited the Candy Factory....
You can always count on leaving satisfied.

You've got that right Jeff! He sure does nice work.

[Speedy Canuck]

Stole some time away from the family this weekend to get some work done in the garage...

Got the rusty brake hardware off the ends of the 9", pulled the shafts and the centre chunk. From what I'm understanding, the axle verifies as the large bearing version. Also, under 55 years worth of road grime, I found the gear ratio tag: 2.91. I'd like to put a posi in, and a bit steeper gears, but I think I'm going to hold onto that gear set, just incase I want the option to better my milage on a long trip. The housing is stripped down and (hopefully) off to the soda blasters next week.

I pulled apart the '40 brake and clutch assembly to get the mount and arms blasted as well. I'll need to get some new parts and bushings, as well as a new MC once I'm ready to put it back together.

The spindles are getting blasted to clean them up as well. I think I'll slip some old hose over the actual spindle to protect them from damage.

I did a lot of swearing trying to get the front axle all apart. Everything is off except for the kingpins and spring perches (I think those are the proper names). Once they come off, the wishbone and front axle will be getting blasted as well.

Then, the front axle, wishbone, spindles and a few other pieces will be getting magnafluxed to ensure they're up to the task of keeping me safe.

Few more things to gather up - maybe a trip down to Spadaro Reproductions - over the next month or so before Neil gets to work on the chassis.

[Speedy Canuck]

Also, since I haven't given you pictures of anything in a while, I'll show you something that I think is hotrodish.

For Christmas, my mom gave me a present that I consider very special. She was in a pawn shop one day, and found a pair of safety glasses that date back to the mid/late 20s and early 30s. She spent some time cleaning them up, straightening the wire mesh safety sides, got new glass for them...

Anyways, after trying them on at Christmas (see attached pic), we both decided that they'd look much cooler as sunglasses. Something to wear while I'm out hunting for parts at swaps.

They were done when I got home, I was pleased, and I am more than ready to get out on the road...



They came out a little darker than the smoke grey I was expecting, but I'm still plenty happy.

[Speedy Canuck]

So I'm trying to compile what I have, have ordered, and know I need to order to set up my rolling chassis. I think I've thought of most everything, but making a list always helps. Maybe somebody will notice something I've overlooked.


For the perimeter frame:

- 1934 Frame Rails
- 1934 Front crossmember
- 1334 Rear crossmember
- X-Frame
- Engine mounts
- Transmission mount
- F1 Steering box
- 1934 Gas tank

Front Suspension:

- 1934 Front axle
- Spring Perches
- Leaf Spring
- 1934 Wishbone
- Kingpins
- 1940 Spindles
- 'Hairpin' steering hoop
- 1940 Backing plates and brakes
- Bearings and Races
- 1940 Hubs
- 1940 Drums
- 1940 Wheels
- Drag link
- Tie rod

Rear Suspension:

- Semi-elliptical or parallel leaf springs (haven't made final decision yet)
- Torque arm (?)
- 1957 Ford Rear axle housing
- Rear axles 5x5.5
- 1957 Backing plates and brakes
- 1957 Drums
- 1940 Wheels


I left out a few odds and ends like bushings and tie rod ends and the like, but am I overlooking any of the 'main' components?

[F&J]

- F1 Steering box

Not sure on a 34, but an Olds in a 32 would need a starter changeover, or a mini-starter with the F1 box. On a 32, I do know that the slightly later F100 box will fit with the stock Olds starter.

[Speedy Canuck]

Originally Posted by F&J

Not sure on a 34, but an Olds in a 32 would need a starter changeover, or a mini-starter with the F1 box. On a 32, I do know that the slightly later F100 box will fit with the stock Olds starter.

Good catch Frank, I forgot to list the changeover.

I've had a few guys tell me that an Olds will fit in a 34 frame with the original box, without the changeover... I'm hoping that I can just squeak by with the 34 frame, F1 box, and stock starter/lower bellhousing.

However, I have been trying to find a changeover. I've been searching for months with little luck. I'd like to find one, just to circumvent any setup problems.

[fuxl]

Nice project you got going on there!

I put a 425 Olds in my 36 ford truck (on a 34 frame) and the F100 box barely works in there space wise.
I'm thinking that the mid 50s engines should be smaller. So you should be fine.

Here's what I did:
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...50#post7532750

[Speedy Canuck]

Originally Posted by fuxl

Nice project you got going on there!

I put a 425 Olds in my 36 ford truck (on a 34 frame) and the F100 box barely works in there space wise.
I'm thinking that the mid 50s engines should be smaller. So you should be fine.

Here's what I did:
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...50#post7532750

Thanks for the link and your experience! The truck looks real nice.

I guess we'll be finding out soon enough if we can make everything fit. If not, I'll have to set the engine/steering box up and track down a changeover at a later point.

[RATnROLL]

Nice Truck'' We have some of the same interests in the olds rockets. I have bits and pieces of 3 rockets in the garage. I can't help you out with the changeover as I am looking for one myself. I have numerous projects and trying to decide on the rocket or a 331 Hemi in my coupe. Im looking for a standard shift transmission for the 324 as well if you know of any. I have a 32 pickup in progress as well. I hope to see your truck this year tearing up the streets of Ontario. Im up in Wasaga Beach if you would like to stop by the shop some day and shoot the shit.

[Speedy Canuck]

Originally Posted by RATnROLL

Nice Truck'' We have some of the same interests in the olds rockets. I have bits and pieces of 3 rockets in the garage. I can't help you out with the changeover as I am looking for one myself. I have numerous projects and trying to decide on the rocket or a 331 Hemi in my coupe. Im looking for a standard shift transmission for the 324 as well if you know of any. I have a 32 pickup in progress as well. I hope to see your truck this year tearing up the streets of Ontario. Im up in Wasaga Beach if you would like to stop by the shop some day and shoot the shit.

Thanks RATnROLL! It's slow, but it's starting to come together. As for deciding on an engine, you should probably just go with the Hemi and dump all that Rocket junk on my doorstep... Or go with the Rocket and leave the Hemi with me. I'll be happy either way

I found my changeover recently, after missing out on two others... so I'm on to trying to track down the next piece of the puzzle.

As for the truck tearing up the streets, I'm still about 2 years out on that, but when it finally gets finished, you know I will be! And yeah, I'll definitely swing by sometime this summer when I'm in Wasaga. Bet you're loving the weather up there right now eh?

[Speedy Canuck]

So things have been coming along slow and steady. Or maybe slow and spendy is more the proper phrase...

I put up an ad in the Wanted section looking for a changeover. I never really thought that section actually worked, but I'm a believer now! Tony had a rare Fenton starter changeover for me, and I'll soon have it in my hot little hands.

Placed an order with Horton Hot Rods over in Milton for a few parts and should pick them up sometime this week or early next week... I've also got to place an order with Mac's Antique Auto Parts for some stuff tomorrow, so I'm also planning a run down to New York State at the end of the month.

After surviving Paddy's Day this year, I hightailed it North to take advantage of the beautiful weather we've been having. Spent Sunday afternoon in a hungover fog with everything out on the driveway. Bolted the spare Rocket back together so we can use it for mocking up the new frame. Also dragged the old frame out and drilled out a bunch of rivets to salvage the crossmembers and transmission mount. Sunday night was Hot Rod magazine and hydration time.

I had Monday off work, so I used it to get a bunch of stuff done. Took the axle and wishbone over to a guy I know who has a fabrication shop. When his upright press failed to press the spring perches out of the axle boss, we lit up the torch. After a good deal of heat and some heavy persuasion, the perch bolts finally gave. One slid out fairly easy, but the other one wasn't prepared to give up. We were both surprised at how much effort the one bolt required.
After that, I spent some time pulling together everything I'll need for the frame. It's amazing how much stuff gets squirrelled away. Piled everything on the driveway, sorted out what I still needed and what needed to get cleaned up. Parts ready to go went in one pile, while parts to get blasted got loaded into the car. (They got blasted and primed today).
Gave the garage a thorough cleaning and got everything squared away.

As soon as Norwell gets his Deuce out of the Candy Factory, things'll get going for me.

[No_Respect]

Cool rebuild Love the olds but wouldnt want the hydro.... put a munci behind it or the old toploader

[Speedy Canuck]

Originally Posted by No_Respect

Cool rebuild Love the olds but wouldnt want the hydro.... put a munci behind it or the old toploader

I'm running the hydro because it's bulletproof and it's different. I have two complete ones in the garage, so why not.

Plus, as much as I love driving stick (my daily is standard) I have a bad left knee and clutching gets me sore after a while.

I do have a Hydro/Gate though, so at least I'll have a shifter for the Hydro.

[redwelter]

Looks cool Speedy, keep it going!

Red

[Speedy Canuck]

I've been slacking in the picture department lately, but I was at the Rodmasters Spring Swap last Sunday. Picked up a few parts and pieces... two remote oil filters, a single guide headlight that was surface rusted but not dented, a steering hoop...

I passed on a N.O.S. early ford transmission case, that was still in the wooden crate. I've been kind of kicking myself for that one.

Also got a bunch of parts back from the blaster. Hopefully picking up some stuff form Horton's this week, and headed down to Mac's to pick up a bunch of parts on Saturday. Starting to pull it all together.

[Speedy Canuck]

My buddy Alex and I made the run down to Macs on Saturday. When I opened the door, I was pretty surprised by their showroom. A bunch of cars on display, restored gas tanks, samplings of their product, some vintage parts... The place was neat!
After that, I went to my US shipping address to pick up a box from Tony that I had been waiting on... A great condition Fenton Starter Changeover for the Olds, and a set of Fenton Valve Covers.