Busy Weekend

[tys]

Hey gang, remember last week I posted a few pics of my 55 and asked a few questions on how to get started. Well my son & I got wrenching and this is how it looks now. Removed front/rear bumbers, front fenders and fender wells, radiator + support, other sheetmetal in the front (forget what it's all called). Tossed some old dry rotted wiring and fuel lines, cut the brake line off master cylinder, disconnected sway bar, removed shocks and pulled the front springs (notice my 2X4 blocks) and disconnected the clutch. The front springs appear stock and did not have any spacers in them (there was a 1" rubber "bushing" that sat on top of the spring when installed, but I think this is factory).

Next is removed floor shifter, disconnect steering column then unbolt the body!! Would be nice if that all can happen before winter arrives...

Chris

[Dave Severson]

Looks like most everything is in good shape! should be a fun build...Do you have a plan put together yet for the build yet?? Keep us updated.

[Itoldyouso]

You guys are working like mad on that car. How much rot did you find in the frame? If I remember correctly, that era Ford had a weak area in the very front crossmember.....they were prone to rusting out. I could be wrong on that however.

Keep the pictures and progress reports coming.

Don

[tys]

Dave, pretty much yes. It currently has a 3spd, but it came with a 4spd top loader, so I plan to install that. Rebuild everything mechanical (suspension components + fatman dropped spindles, engine, trans, clutch, d-shaft, rear end, brakes - front disc swap, etc), install new wiring harness, new cooling system, fuel/brake lines. Then move onto body work (my weak point). I want to paint the car Blitz Black and my son (who's 7) wants flames on it.

I would like a vintage air system and a chopped top, but I'm putting those off until the later years.

I think I may have posted this previously, but this car was dragged sometime in the 60-70's (I'll try to get more details) in NH. It has a '61 390FE w/ '58 Edsel 4bbl intake and a 67 4bbl carb from a fairlane. the current 3spd looks like a top loader (did they make such a thing?). It also has a 9" from a station wagon (reportedly larger axle shafts??). Anyways, it won a couple races and has window stickers showing off the wins. While it may not be the best performing setup by today's standards, I would like to keep it (minus the 3spd) for nostalgic reasons.

Don, I didn't notice any rot in the crossmember, nor frame rails. The car looks VERY solid. Remember, it has been in storage for 30+ yrs. However looks can be deceiving so we'll see once I have the frame sandblasted.

I need bigger muscle to get the body bolts off - my 7yr old is strong, but not that strong.

Chris

[48fordnut]

good start. keep the fe. install an alum intake and lose about 75 lbs. the 3 speed looks like a 4 speed because of the top. a 4 speed fits in place easily.

[Oldf100fordman]

Yes, the 3 speed first appeared in 63 with the 64 and earlier bellhousing bolt pattern. It was Ford's first syncroed in low gear 3 speed. It is what the 4 speed top loader was based on. (T-10's of the day wouldn't hold up to the big blocks too well) In 65 Ford changed the bolt pattern for the bellhousing to what has been used since that time.

Interestingly enough you can find the Top Loader in late 60's GTO's with a 3 speed. Just a fun fact.

[tys]

Is there a fact sheet or something out there that can help me ID which trans I have? I played with the 4spd last night, and verified it is a 4spd, but don't know how to decode what year or model is came from (there is a tag or two located on the case). I suspect the 3spd is the same with some sort of ID markings on it. It's not critical to my project...just thinking it'd be interesting to have that much more information on what it's all made of today.

Chris

[Oldf100fordman]

No, Chris, I don't have a decoder, but I am sure someone on here does. Maybe FFR428 will give it to us. I do know if the 3 spd has a 65 or later bellhousing bolt pattern, it's going to be almost correct for the car. It's easy to tell the difference. The 64 and earlier has a total bellhousing pattern. But by the same token, Some of the later 3 speeds had both patterns drilled in the trans.

[tys]

Thanks Duane. After reading your post and doing some googling, I came up with this link. http://www.davidkeetoploaders.com/3speedidchart.htm They also have id information on 4spd models. I will look to ID my 4spd trans this afternoon, and the 3spd the next time I can get under the car.

Chris