1940 Ford Tudor Build Thread

[rspears]

When is the last time you heard it run Ryan?

Thanks. I'm trying hard to map it out and make it as nice as I can but still make it run and drive this late spring. It won't be done but are they really?
Thanks Roger. I'd love to take it to Torque Fest May 5th and 6th. That's coming really fast.

Like Mike asked, when IS the last time you heard the HEMI run, or have you ever heard this one run?

On getting it done, instead of the "I'd love to take it to....." I believe you'd be better served to set a firm goal, then commit yourself to that date, like "We're Driving this to GoodGuy's Heartland Nationals on June 30th, 2023." Then make your list of what needs to be done, focus on specific items each time you have time, and mark them off as they're done. Plan your work, then Work Your Plan!
I'm not bustin' your chops, just telling you what's worked for me and I learned it on my job through the years. Once you set your goal, it's fine to set a Stretch Goal that's earlier, like your Torque Fest weekend, but don't get wishy washy on your firm goal. Maybe even give yourself a penalty clause added to the end, like "...and we're not going to GoodGuys without it."

[40FordDeluxe]

When is the last time you heard it run Ryan?

See below.

Like Mike asked, when IS the last time you heard the HEMI run, or have you ever heard this one run?

On getting it done, instead of the "I'd love to take it to....." I believe you'd be better served to set a firm goal, then commit yourself to that date, like "We're Driving this to GoodGuy's Heartland Nationals on June 30th, 2023." Then make your list of what needs to be done, focus on specific items each time you have time, and mark them off as they're done. Plan your work, then Work Your Plan!
I'm not bustin' your chops, just telling you what's worked for me and I learned it on my job through the years. Once you set your goal, it's fine to set a Stretch Goal that's earlier, like your Torque Fest weekend, but don't get wishy washy on your firm goal. Maybe even give yourself a penalty clause added to the end, like "...and we're not going to GoodGuys without it."

I can't remember how long it has been, but I heard this engine run before I traded my 354 for it. I want to say that was right before I bought the Camaro. Around 5 years or so I think.

I agree on setting a time line. I don't want to go to Goodguys without it this year. I also don't want to be thrashing on a project the day of like almost every other year. I'm still trying to figure out if I can even get things lined up for us to go to Torque Fest. Someone has to watch the dogs, and stuff like that.

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[40FordDeluxe]

I dug out my air cleaner because I need to finish the base and get the studs figured out. Once I located the studs and hold down nuts, I figured I would have to custom bend the back one to get the rear hole to line up since this air cleaner was for a 6 barrel or 2 thermoquads not an early Hemi 2x4 setup.

I also needed to get my accessory package setup. I had collected parts before but my first attempt years ago was to run the alternator up high on the LH side. I since have decided I don't want those valve covers covered up if I don't have to. (I know if I ever go AC, which I plan to do, this will kill some of that) First I tried using the bracket I purchased to hold an AC compressor. I have some pullies I've kept around and the first one was a 2 groove GM upper water pump pulley. Mike P recommended using a big block mopar AC crank pulley and I happened to have a 440 setting in the garage with one. This current config had the crank pulley back a little too far. My first thought was, no problem. I'll cut the back of the 392 pulley and use it as a shim. We had to leave to take the kids to a roller skating event so it gave me some time to ponder things.

[40FordDeluxe]

This weekend was packed with stuff to do. I've made it a priority to make time for this thing each weekend some way some how, and it's tough. Friday after work I had to take a load of cast and junk engines in for extra money. Saturday I took off because the boys had Cadetorama pine wood derby races. Sunday was Cadet Sunday and church as well as remove a bed from a Dodge ram and get it sold. Monday was blocked for working on a 07 F250 I thought I needed to take on.

Saturday afternoon I was able to get the engine and trans sat back in place. The LH valve cover goes on and comes off with no issues. The RH one I have to remove the engine mount bolt and pick the engine up a few inches to get the valve cover to go over the rocker stand bolt. That may sound like a bad idea but I'll take it. I work on worse stuff everyday so I'll deal with my BS.

I noticed part of my trans mount plate didn't get painted when we painted the frame so I cleaned it back up and re instated the outdoor paint booth. It was around 52* and good enough for me.

This afternoon I'll get a new energy suspension mount installed and get the engine and trans finally bolted in for good, for now. I guess the poly mount didn't like hanging in the for months while I painted the car etc. It started separating and chunking out so I got a new one.

I've been using the outdoor garage on and off like usual but it was really nice yesterday. Here's the 6 uh oh project. This thing has a dead engine and the owner bought a reman one for it. The reman looks like a junk yard rebuild so we shall see how this turns out.

[Mike P]

Great progress Ryan!!!


"...... The RH one I have to remove the engine mount bolt and pick the engine up a few inches to get the valve cover to go over the rocker stand bolt. That may sound like a bad idea but I'll take it. I work on worse stuff everyday so I'll deal with my BS......."

Yeah those old HEMIs look great when they're finally shoehorned in but it sure can be a challenge to make them fit and serviceable. In the end it's all worth it though. I really don't know what's better, nailing the throttle and going thru the gears or just opening the hood and looking at the engine compartment........did a little of both with the 57 yesterday LoL.




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[40FordDeluxe]

The engine and trans are bolted in again. I've never seen a poly mount broken down like this. There was a powdery/silica sand type substance coming out of it. It's never been soaked in any liquid/chemicals, or set out in the sun. Hopefully the replacement lasts longer especially it was $15 more.

The last time I had the engine mocked up I had the Fitech on it. I will not be using the Fitech and will be using the Holley 390s. I have to put spacers under the carbs so the fuel bowl on the rear carb doesn't hit the distributor.

I decided I'm going to try and get bare minimum one thing done on this car per day as well. Today I am going to clean and paint the water pump pulley as well as polish the water pump so I can install it. Then the crank pulley and I can put a power steering pump so I can work that out.

[v8nutz]

The hemi is a thing of beauty!

[Hotrod46]

Dang! That thing sure looks good sitting there!

[34_40]

When is the last time you heard it run Ryan?

[Dave Severson]

Looks great Ryan, some really nice work!

[40FordDeluxe]

Before I left I noticed my alternator was cocked and not square. Then I realized my bracket was hitting the inlet of the water pump. That surely wasn't going to work. When we got back from the skating event, I set out to find a big block alternator bracket I knew I had laid aside for this. Luckily it was in my cabinet with 40 parts. I put it on like a BBC, but the alternator fan blade hit the bracket. I then flipped it and this set the alternator back where it aligned perfectly with a single groove pulley I had saved. Now I have to make a back support bracket for the alternator mount, and add in a bracket to be the adjusting mount. The only down fall of this, is my radiator hose will run through the area where the belt goes. I thought about possibly putting an idler just below the alternator top bracket to get the belt out of the way of the lower radiator hose but I haven't decided yet. That would allow a belt replacement without dropping the coolant and removing the hose.

[40FordDeluxe]

I busted out my CAD borrowed from Hotrod46 and others. Having a template was nice while bending the piece. I usually just go free handed but this way was precise and it was done at one time. Now hopefully it fits.

Next I have to clean up my PS pump and work on getting it mounted and functional.

[34_40]

Ryan, the next to last bottom picture that shows the alternator mount clearly. What if you just flipped it 180 degrees, make the bottom the top and vice versa... it would raise the alternator slightly and add clearance to the rad hose.. maybe you already tried it? but it just stuck out at me.

[40FordDeluxe]

Ryan, the next to last bottom picture that shows the alternator mount clearly. What if you just flipped it 180 degrees, make the bottom the top and vice versa... it would raise the alternator slightly and add clearance to the rad hose.. maybe you already tried it? but it just stuck out at me.

Mike, I had it flipped before this way and the alternator fan was hitting the bracket. But, I might try it and take some off the bracket to get the fan clearance. I'd really like to be able to stick a belt on without opening up the cooling system.

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[Hotrod46]

Yep! Good old fashioned cardboard. Low tech still works.

But, for what it's worth, this old 20th century neanderthal is actually learning real CAD on a real computer. I plan on posting a thread on my journey to the modern world sometime in the future.

BTW - apologies if I offended any actual neanderthal's out there!