1940 Ford Tudor Build Thread

[40FordDeluxe]

Looks like another old Hemi lurking in the background by the gun safe......?

No, I wish there was. I used the original valve covers and made wall hangers out of them. I gave the bronze one to a friend for Christmas and I kept the bare one for myself. I am thinking of painting it gold but haven't messed with it yet.

[40FordDeluxe]

I've always wanted side exit exhaust on a vehicle. This car originally had side pipes but some person ruined that when he slammed it. I followed Mike P's lead and decided a fender notch was a good option. I didn't want a billet ring on the outside like a lot of stuff has these days. I also fixed the cracks in the bottom of the fender and started the body work blend.

I had a pleasant surprise when I decided to separate the inner fender and rear brace from the outer fender. They never separated them when they "restored" the car. The bolts were rusted frozen. I got them to turn with Kroil and some heat but I had to cut 90% of them after they moved a few threads. This also means the original welting is still there. It appears to be in good shape. Now I'm trying to decide if I want to replace it or just run it. It didn't tear or rip. I'm thinking of re using it but haven't fully decided yet.

Once I realized my cool valve covers were a big issue and I had a huge decision to make, I side tracked to a smaller problem.

Upon my smarter decisions I decided to replace the stock valley pan with a Hot heads cast aluminum one. I already had a pcv from Hot heads but I didn't give it a thought there is no provision for a road draft tube on the aluminum plate. I started doing some research and it seems I will have to add a hole to the rear of the valley cover to attach a pcv to, as well as modify the oil fill and add a vent. Perfect. Back the valley cover came. I drilled and tapped it to accept a 1/2" NPT pipe fitting. I finally sourced an in hose PCV and I will put it in between the rear carb and the brass fitting. I was told not to put the valve on the intake because it could just suck oil out since there is no baffle now. Fair enough.

[40FordDeluxe]

I don't have a picture of it, but I used an exhaust clamp and put the u bolt on the inside of my fender cut. I then welded it in. I wanted to add strength since I cut out the rolled edge and I also wanted to have a rounded edge look to the opening.

So no more procrastinating. I decided to leave the engine and trans mated and pull them out together. Next is to cut that fresh paint.......

[40FordDeluxe]

Now it's time to cut this ting and make it have clearance. This time I went taller, farther back, but the biggest help I believe will be I recessed the actual notches an inch back too. Now to get the welds dressed and start body work.


Just remember, we do it twice because we like it nice!

[Mike P]

Looks Good Ryan! Looks like you should have enough room. The cutouts for the exhaust also came out great

In spite of the extra work I think you made the right decision. I still sometimes wish I could have left the aluminum covers on the 57. Looks like you're going to be using bolts instead of studs for the covers, just remember to put some sealant on the threads.


.

[v8nutz]

Nice. I never leave enough motor clearance, I'm a slow learner.

[40FordDeluxe]

Looks Good Ryan! Looks like you should have enough room. The cutouts for the exhaust also came out great

In spite of the extra work I think you made the right decision. I still sometimes wish I could have left the aluminum covers on the 57. Looks like you're going to be using bolts instead of studs for the covers, just remember to put some sealant on the threads.


.

When I was getting ready to put the engine in, I figured I wouldn't have enough room to lift the valve covers off so I used bolts. I especially didn't take into account, you have to lift the valve cover up 1.5-2" to actually get the valve cover off. Hopefully, now with the larger notches, I'll be able to lift them off the engine. I have 5/16" stainless rod to make studs for it so hopefully the notches are deep enough.

Nice. I never leave enough motor clearance, I'm a slow learner.

Yeah, this one bit me. Having to have the cool shiny things is a disease?

[40FordDeluxe]

I now have the new notches welded in and ground/sanded ready for body work.

[34_40]

OOF... I guess you really wanted them fancy valve covers! 8-)
was it painful to cut some more?

[40FordDeluxe]

OOF... I guess you really wanted them fancy valve covers! 8-)
was it painful to cut some more?

Oh yeah, it definitely was! Even sanding the middle of it was rough to do but it'll be all shiny again some day.

I haven't had much time available to work on the car. Kiddos birthday parties, lovely winter weather, and doing side work to pay for the newest car to the fleet.

I did get some tiger hair mixed up and put around the notches. Hopefully I can get it all smoothed out soon.

[34_40]

Keep at it,you've made good progress recently!

[NTFDAY]

Hell of a build. I just checked and you are less than 400 miles from me practically due north. That would make a great little road trip, might have to try it someday. I've only been in Iowa once and that was on a choo-choo from Omaha to Dayton, Ohio in 1964.

[rspears]

Hell of a build. I just checked and you are less than 400 miles from me practically due north. That would make a great little road trip, might have to try it someday. I've only been in Iowa once and that was on a choo-choo from Omaha to Dayton, Ohio in 1964.

Ken,
You'd enjoy the Good Guys Heartland Nationals in Des Moines, always the weekend close to July 4th. This year I think it's June 30 - July 2. The State Fair Grounds is a great venue, lots of room, and lots of old buildings for the inside stuff, assuming they do inside stuff.... Ryan might even have the '40 there!!

[40FordDeluxe]

Keep at it,you've made good progress recently!

Thanks Mike. It's still close but so far away but I'm not putting it back in storage again without it driving on a road first.

Hell of a build. I just checked and you are less than 400 miles from me practically due north. That would make a great little road trip, might have to try it someday. I've only been in Iowa once and that was on a choo-choo from Omaha to Dayton, Ohio in 1964.

Ken, thank you. If you do decide to make it up this way feel free to reach out and I'll be glad to show you around and can take you to a couple of older rod collections in the area. Have you seen this yet? It's right near you, I'm going to try make it this year.

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...-2023.1284657/

Ken,
You'd enjoy the Good Guys Heartland Nationals in Des Moines, always the weekend close to July 4th. This year I think it's June 30 - July 2. The State Fair Grounds is a great venue, lots of room, and lots of old buildings for the inside stuff, assuming they do inside stuff.... Ryan might even have the '40 there!!

Des Moines Good guys is an awesome show. From what the Good guys workers say, it is the 2nd or 3rd top ranked show they had for the last 2 to 3 years.

[NTFDAY]

We have a number of Braum's in town so I logged on and asked which one but be assured I'll be there. My second car was a 40 Standard 2dr sedan I drove from San Diego to Dayton, Ohio in 1962.