I'm in the planning stages of building a 1930/31 Ford pickup. The idea is to keep it all Ford with a 302 Ford engine, and all manual with a 5 speed transmission. Call me crazy, but I just like to shift. The chassis would be modern TCI gear.

These are the issues as I understand them so far:

- Need a SB or BB Chevy-style firewall for clearance
- Short water pump will help
- Steering linkage will be tricky (when isn't it?)
- Need block hugger headers to clear the hood sides
- Might need a rear sump oil pan
- Might need to use a Tremec 3550 trans to get the shifter out from under the bench seat

I'd appreciate it if any of the 'been there, done that' folks in the crowd could confirm, deny, or add to the list.

Thanks,

-Wayne

Im putting a 302 in my 35 Ford PU, which is not tooo terrible far difference from your 31. I might have 1 inch more space in stock version on ya (HeHe).

Anyway, I built my firewally myself (check the archives here). There is also a article in the Tech site on the MMC that I wrote of it. As you move your firewall back, DO remember that your taking leg room away!


http://www.roddingroundtable.com/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi
(motorhead message board)


Far as the rear sump, its a good idea anyway, and most mid 80s truck and vans have them.

For the steering....good gawd, what a nightmare! Keep in mind that I put a MII under the front of my truck. I ended up requiring a duoble u-joint for the middle joint, thus requiring two support bearings.

Block huggers (or stock exhaust manifolds), and shorty water pump are both kinda no-brainers.

As for fitting a clutch in that thing, Id have to stick it up MY freakign rear (yes I do mean my rear, not the rear of the truck) as its REALLY tight in that toe board area. :):):) Actually, if ya planned it a little better than I did, you really could fit a clutch in. It really wouldnt be much more difficult than makign the extra space for the forward throw of two pedals instead of just one.

If ys ask more specific questions here as posts. As you uncover each obstacle, Im sure youll hurdle each with not too much agony. Good luck.
--
Damn, I wish I had more time.
35 Ford Pick-Up

Thanks for the tips. I'm planning on getting a firewall from Direct or Bitchen, but I'm not sure which one I'll need. Some say the SB version, others the BB version. Maybe the guys that say SB version used the shorter water pump...

Judging from the rear tires on your '35, it looks like your 302 is going to be a monster!

Cheers,

-W!

I am in the planning stages and working model stages of putting a 5.0 litre 5 speed in my deuce. This is some of the got to do that I know:
1. 94-95 Ford 5.0 water pumps are shorter by about an inch and a half thus giving a little clearance up front
2. I will have to run a 16 inch Vintage air electric fan for clearance. This fan is apparently thinner than most and has a good cfm draw
3. Sanderson makes a header to fit a Ford small block in a deuce frame. Not sure what the difference for an "A" would be
4.in my case the shifter sits exactly 2 inches ahead of my seat,with the shifter turned around.I am using a Harwood body so am not sure of the dimensions of an "A" in that respect
5.March makes a setup that will allow everythig to fit under the hood and between the rails,but it is pricey...still working on that angle
Hope this is of some help...Roger

Hey HB32, if your running a newer water-pump, or more in the process of doing it, perhaps you can confirm this (or anyone else for that matter). Arent the impellers of the serpentene pumps backwards from the v-belts systems?
--
Damn, I wish I had more time.
35 Ford Pick-Up

From what I understand it is reverse flow. Not quite sure if I can convert everything to a v-groove. Time will tell. Waiting for the 94-95 Mustang water pump that I bought off e-bay and then I will be able to do some more ciphering.

Roger-

Thanks, that does help, especially the bit about the fan. I assume you're using the T5 that came with the 5.0? I believe that the '32 frame is about 2" longer than the A frame -- with the extra space landing on the engine side of the firewall -- which would put the T5 shifter just under my bench seat on the A...

Cheers,

-W!

Yes,using the t-5.

Definitely go with the big block version firewall if you go with Bitchin. I used the small block version with a small block Chevy in my 29 Ford and can't remove the distributor without removing the engine. I can barely remove the distributor cap for Pete's sake. You won't have that problem with the Ford distributor in the front but those 302s are even longer than the SBC. Good luck on your project.
--
Keep on Truckin'

Vern

Thanks, Vern. I've heard the same thing from a couple of Ford guys, too. How much legroom do you have in the '29 with your existing firewall? I believe the BB version is 2" deeper, and I'm 6'0"...

Cheers,

-W!

Zonk, I'm 6 feet 2 and have plenty of leg room in my 29.
--
Keep on Truckin'

Vern

Vern:
How the hell do you fit in a '29 pickup at 6' 2"?? I have a '33 and at 6' I fit but there is no extra space & my seatback is only about 2 1/2" thick--& W/O running a bitchin recessed firewall. On an extended drive you need to squirm around a bit in an effort to give the bent up legs some relief.
I just can't imagine constricting a '29 even more with a firewall pushing back even more into the already inadequate leg room space. Can't imagine driving such a thing more than a few miles at a time!
Somehow years ago I had the notion to follow the trend to look cool & chop the top on my P.up. Christ In addition to having leg cramps I could have neck cramps too... had I done that chop. Meanwhile the '33 easier to find in a parking lot with that high top sticking out above most other cartops.
--
In the land of the blind, the one-eyed is KING!

Before you cut the firewall back, put a tape measure from the rear of the left bank to the tip of the water pump shaft and then figure out if you can get away with a short pump instead of cutting back...leg room is a premium...especially in an "A"....plus the extra pedal will require room. Over here in Oz, we adapt a Holden water pump to the Windsors...gives about 1 1/2" extra room. Then run a thermo fan at the front...this all may be futile if you can't clear the front cross member. Even with the rear sump the oil pump still hangs down a way....Chevs do have their advantages but I've got to sympathise with you....I too believe in Fords in Fords.


--
see ya
Pep

Yeah, the short water pump sounds like a given. In the U.S., it looks like the options are '94/'95 Mustang, late model Explorer 5.0, or aftermarket.

(Hey, isn't Holden a GM mark? You must have to hack that thing pretty good to get it on a SB Ford!)

Cheers,

-W!

The Holden is a GM car alright, the pump is off their 6 cyl cars. The adaptor is a cast job... I would think a good machine guy with a lathe could shorten the original just as easy....
--
see ya
Pep

Howdy, I put a 289,302,351w and currently a 5.0 in my 29. I used the bitchin firewall they suggested for Ford at that time>I dont remember but their advise worked.The steering is no big deal. I even used a Ford Aerostar column in mine to really add to the agravation of a "F in a F". If you come through the firewall in the lower left corner at about 45 degrees you can run a u-joint and straight to the u-joint at the rack.(mine is a manual).I have obout 10,000 miles and no binding.I would recommend a dampner at the rack side though.I didnt but think I will.

Remember if you already have a radiator ,that the Ford can dump on either side.If you can run the shorter pump you will be much happier with fan selections. Sanderson headers will work for small Fords with no problem if you run block huggers,I had originally picked up a pair at a swap meet and they bolted up but ran tight into the oil pan.I have the stock 5.0 pan on mine also.

If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me at srfncr8@msn.com.

Welcome to the "Fin a F" crowd.
Woody