11 replies to this topic

[Ratticis]

So after 2 1/2 years, I'm seriously considering telling my dad OK to changing my truck over to a 460 and and an automatic so I can drive the damn thing again.
49 Ford F-47 (that's F-1 in the states. 4700 GVW) with the original flathead 8 (rebuilt in 1960) and 4 speed. We changed it over to 12 volt, but put the generator of a '53 so it looks original. Saw a 37 at a car show that the guy put a GM alterator. Looked so gross and out of place. Also put ford factory mag wheels off a 1990 bronco.
Anyway, over a few years I spent a lot of hours with my dad working on that thing. But as it sits now, I can't drive it. And for the last 2 years I didn't want to change it. I mean, who doesn't love a flathead? Last summer at a car show I finally got to sit in it (in the drivers seat) again. Very mixed emotions. Ever since I got gimped dad's been wanting to put a 460 and automatic in it. Now I'm considerin it. I mean, why let it sit and only tow it to the odd car show? I miss cruising around town ALL summer. Sure, I'll have another truck soon (I hope), but park a 98 dodge next to a 49 ford and see what gets more attention. We got that 36 chev, but who knows how long that'll take. Should I quit living in the past and go for it already?

[Tetracyclone]

Rat-

This is a tough question. Which do you value more- the truck as it is? or just having this truck?

Does it have enough value to trade it for another of similar vintage that has already been gelded, I mean automaticked, or to get one that needs an engine anyway?

I would check around on e-bay or the vintage auctions before making a final decision.

Very hard question, but you should and clearly could have a truck of similar vintage tricked out to your needs. This one or another, just explore your options if you are in love with her as she is.

Pat

[Ratticis]

The vintage isn't the issue. We've got lots pa trucks in that era, even more chevs and all kinds of other toys, but I spent 3 years working on that thing with my dad and I think that's why I'm having a hard time. It would be quickest and easiest at this time and I'm getting desperate to drive again, but we can (and will) build something else. Either way, I'm never selling it. I'm on my phone, so can't post any pics, but there's some videos of it on youtube (my channel = Ratticis)


*hope these links work

http://m.facebook.co...&...10&refid=29

http://m.youtube.com...%...ticis&gl=CA

Edited by Ratticis, 18 March 2010 - 01:35 AM.

[JesseB]

hey Ratticis, not sure if these would work on your 49 Ford.. but found some hand controls on youtube that lets you drive a manual trans.
i'm sure they're pretty expencive, too...

[Ratticis]

Hmm, that does get me thinking. Actually I was thinking about it before, but . . .

How bout a compresser that runs off the moter, then a valve on the stick that controls an actuator on the clutch.

[ClaraTaylor]

Ratticis, on Mar 18 2010, 04:10 AM, said:

Hmm, that does get me thinking. Actually I was thinking about it before, but . . .

How bout a compresser that runs off the moter, then a valve on the stick that controls an actuator on the clutch.

Is a possibility.


Get the automatic engine and keep the car you love. You wont have to do any structural mods to the engine bay will to get the engine to fit in? Because if not all you're doing is swapping something that can be replaced at a later day (like changing the wheels). If you decide it's not how you dreamt it would be put the manual engine back in and sell it.

You've spent ages on that car - it's about time that you got to enjoy the work and cruise.

[edlee]

I agree with CT,,, drop the big cubes in and the auto. You can save the original stuff, just in case.

Cruiseing in anything is fun,,, cruiseing in that ford,,, priceless.
ed

[Ches]

Yep Ratty/Robin I agree with the masses here.

What's the point of just looking at the truck, you need to thoroughly enjoy it.

[dangerousdave]

Keep your truck as it is ratty and get one of those push button clutch operator kits
The stick shift ain't a problem these days

[Quad65]

My first and last car was a '52 Mercury Monterey with a flathead 8 and 3-speed in it. I was trying to fix the clutch on the day of my accident. It sat in the back-yard for a couple years, rusting, before I sold it and had it towed away. I say, fix up your truck and drive it again. The rest of your life will be filled with compromises and adaptions.

[Ratticis]

Well, i've decided. The easiest solution is to put the shell on that Lincoln chassis. No changing moter or tranny of screwing around, then got a newer chassis with a smoother ride and power stearing, plus a 460 that'll twist pretty good. Should only take a weekend to do, but need time to do it. Racing arson starts in may and we still gotta build 4 cars