Another Build Thread - My '32

[J. Robinson]

I've been off track doing other things recently. Finally got back on the Deuce this week...

Since Roger was able to supply me with the dimensions I needed, I set about the task of mounting my engine in the frame. I began by bolting the 454 big block engine and 700R4 trans together and then setting them on dollies between the frame rails. The dollies are the steel ones that normally are used under the car's wheels, but for this process I want the frame sitting on its wheels on the floor so I can confirm ground clearance, etc. I used wood blocks and shims to get the engine and trans at the correct height and leveled both directions. The dollies allowed me to shift the whole assembly fore and aft and side to side to get it aligned.

In the picture below the 3 levels are visible (red arrows). There is one across the frame, one across the valve covers, and a small one on the carburetor boss to verify level long ways. To center the rear of the assembly I put a mark at the center of the X-member and aligned the center mold line on the trans. Up front I clamped a piece of flat stock across the frame and marked the center. Then I aligned the center bolt on the crankshaft with the mark. (Marks are indicated by green arrows) With the marks and levels all in place I could verify location and levelness with a quick glance at them. I had to cut a notch in the bottom flange of the X-member on the right side for trans clearance, but I failed to take a picture of it; I'll try to remember it later. With everything in position I was ready to install the front mounts.