Projects 1953 mild custom build

Since it had an automatic and you are running a stick you will need a stick shift pilot bearing in the crank.

 

what the hell is this?

 

Take another picture showing more of what is to the left of it. This is the same area in a '53 with a 302 using Butch's mounts. I would guess it's a piece cobbled in to use the y-block they had a part called a "steady rest" https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1767306 Since 1953 fords still had the flat head.

 

the steady rest fit on front bolted to block at front behind crank pulley

 

That is a nice find... I like.. A lot !!
Good for you..

 

that is a bent, hurst style mount that used to be mounted to a crooked piece of angle iron!

 

is there a hole for a pilot bearing already? i have a 292 mated to the 3 speed manual and could swap cranks if its easier or drill out a hole for a pilot bearing if a hole doesnt exist already?

 

i am making my own mounts that will allow the use of the factory y block mounts, i am also going to use a single central mount that came on the new (to me) y block, it comes off the front. the thing ran idk how well, extremely hob knobbled together in the past, i tried to relieve some tension on the clutch pivot and lower the engine slightly. now that my mounts are in and the factory y block mounts fit in them. i am going to remove the engine and finish weld as well as better brace my mounts

 

why the hell would you want to go to extreme just go to napa and get a pilot bushing.

 

lol thats why i asked if theres already a hole! obviously there is so ill just go to napa and get a pilot bushing

 

Stock rear gearing?

 

idk, i think so!

 

got out and worked on her today, yanked the old engine and trans, gonna finish up my mounts, patch up the butchered crossmember and clean clean clean, maybe a bit of rattle can black. then mate the tri power 292 to the manual and slap her back in, the throwout bearings toast, i tried monkeying with the pilot bushing to pull it out of the old engine but i may just buy a new one, pressure plate and clutch look good, anyone recognize this trans? whats it out of potentially for the oreilly boys?

 

That's a Ford three speed, not one of the B/W trans. The lightest-duty of the manual trans Ford used in that era. Not one you want to beat on....

 

it wont get beat on, could that be stock for 1953? just wondering what vehicle info to enter when looking for parts

 

You should save this link a lot of good info on 1953 and earlier Fords. http://www.vanpeltsales.com/index.htm

 

little motor mount progress today, still have to reinforce the crossmember, i just dont trust it how it was left

 

Well...progress. took me long enough. I welded some 1/4" plate in to reinforce the crossmember, finished up my mounts and installed the tri power y block!

 

Also finished welding the pass side headlight french, stripped 3/4 of the fender to bare metal and primered. Now filler, seal skin!

 

Progress is good .

 

Figured id go back and pull the back glass with my bud

 

That arm-burner exhaust has got to go.... LOLOL...

 

The crossover pipe? Itll likely get headers at some point idk. At this point i am trying to get the floors,roof and rockers patched, painted, interior in, start run and drive and im handing the keys over to my pops. Was supposed to be an 80th birthday gift but i will be lucky to have it ready for his 81st christmas next month! It will still be a project when he gets it, just an easier one

 

https://www.spotlitekustomaccessories.com/store/p8/Ford_Y_Block_Headers.html Company owner drives a '54 with a Y block.

 

From the Ford Shop Manual "the back glass has to be removed when installing a new headliner" so it's a good time to do that too.

 

Ive been toying with the idea of doing one of those tuck n roll headliners. Just havnt figured out how to make it all work yet, appreciate the advice!

 

Mine had the steady rest. I pulled it off. It hit the core support