37 Ford build--IE: old Header issues thread /37 Ford/5.0/GT40P heads

[34_40]

Mike - While sitting on a box, I did have to be careful - tho I did dig a couple of ruts in the yard when I put it back in drive to bring it into the basement garage

My upholstery guy is not on my best friends list right now. He does great work, that is when he gets around to it.

And yes, the water leak does seem to be coming from the "gooseneck". I'll fix that problem first then do my "punch list".....that is as soon as I finish my laundry room rebuild. This @#$% house doesn't have a wall that's square, plumb, level or straight which is trying my patience

Okay. So I just got back from Miami at 1:30 this morning and am sippin' some coffee while reading this. Hotel lost it's internet the last couple days and I'm trying to catch up! Dave, I just knew you'd have to stuff your foot in it! Now your killin' the grass!

Did you use one of those Ford Motorsport chrome "goosenecks" also? The one with the o-ring? I did and am not happy about it!

I need to finish my spec list so we can start the addition to the house, I'm NOT swingin' a hammer this time. Gonna try and find a Gen'l. Contractor.

While it's not an 82' day like Miami. It's supposed to get to the high 40's so I'm going to go to the garage and see about "re-working" the front sheet metal. I bought 2 steel inner fenders from Spadaro and they arrived while I was gone. New parts always get me excited about working on the car and it'll be warm enough outside my heater should easily get the shop to 65 - 66.

Have a good day everyone!

[bluestang67]

Randy scoring some parts here . The cowls on the 37 are are bit weak and looking at patch panels costing at $400 I started asking about some being available . Well was contacted and a real clean set was acquired (thanks henryJ $65 ) . So just a few pics of getting ready for some sheet metal to fix this sweet car . Still more to get but I am getting moved buy your build .

[randyr]

Randy scoring some parts here . The cowls on the 37 are are bit weak and looking at patch panels costing at $400 I started asking about some being available . Well was contacted and a real clean set was acquired (thanks henryJ $65 ) . So just a few pics of getting ready for some sheet metal to fix this sweet car . Still more to get but I am getting moved buy your build .

Looks like a nice score on the patch panels, Bobby!
Here's a link to detailed build on a 38 Ford coupe that has some good ideas, too. http://www.progressiveautomotive.com/onlinestart.htm

Didn't get to work on mine this weekend....I'm doing my taxes....argh!

Hopefully will post more progress soon....

[bluestang67]

Randy great link thanks .

[35fordcoupe]

I have wondered for a long time what this thread was all about, but didn't care much thinking it was just about Ford tech. My curiousity got the best of me today though as I wondered how long a discussion on fitting headers with GT40P heads could go .

I am glad I checked this out...you're pedal adventure seems similar to mine. I got a pedal assembly from JPL (forget the brand now...it was about $530 a year or two ago ). I have a hydraulic clutch though...I have over $100 in my hydraulic line because I needed a threaded fitting for the clutch master cylinder and a push style to connect to the slave . Anyway...looks good! carry on

[randyr]

I have wondered for a long time what this thread was all about, but didn't care much thinking it was just about Ford tech. My curiousity got the best of me today though as I wondered how long a discussion on fitting headers with GT40P heads could go .

I am glad I checked this out...you're pedal adventure seems similar to mine. I got a pedal assembly from JPL (forget the brand now...it was about $530 a year or two ago ). I have a hydraulic clutch though...I have over $100 in my hydraulic line because I needed a threaded fitting for the clutch master cylinder and a push style to connect to the slave . Anyway...looks good! carry on

LOL! Yeah, it's definitely evolved way past headers & GT40P heads! It turned into more of a "build thread" along with a lot of friendly banter with a few guys scattered around the country. I've learned a lot from their input and hopefully others can get ideas from it too if they have the patience to wade through all the other stuff we talk about.

I was planning to do the hydraulic clutch on mine until I discovered that cable setup from Pete & Jakes. Given everything else that's going on under there, I just like the idea of having one less master cylinder to feed.

My project is coming along slowly....too many "life" distractions but I got the brake/clutch pedal pads fitted this weekend and finalized the clutch cable bracket on the frame. Will post some more pics soon.

Thanks for checking it out.

[IC2]

Glad to have you aboard - it really isn't a closed to the public thread!! Reading 499 individual posts over a couple of years (yours was #500 ) must have been a real adventure in patience. We've had lots of fun with this one and since it seems to flounder then spurt, we welcome your input (even without a Ford powered vehicle) and suggestions. So with that said - have at it

[bluestang67]

Randy did you locate some pedal pads from something yet . Any more progess also on the floor pedal assembly .

[randyr]

Randy did you locate some pedal pads from something yet . Any more progess also on the floor pedal assembly .

Hey Bobby,
Yes I did. Sorry I've been lax about posting. I've been sidetracked again. Anyway, here are a few pics of what I came up with. They are Lokar pads for a 57 Chevy. I cut a small 3/16 plate and welded to each pedal then drilled them to mount these pads. I haven't inserted the rubber treads in the pedals yet. Waiting until I bolt them on permanently for that. I think it's going to work well though.

I also built a bracket for the clutch cable.

I'm waiting for a cash infusion so I can move to the next phase. I wanna raise the body up to seal the new floors underneath, etc. While I have it up I wanna fab the exhaust system and install different springs on the rear. The ones I have sit too high. I acquired a nice set of lower springs from a SAC custom frame for cheap. They're designed to sit much lower than what I have. One step at a time....LOL1

What's happening with yours?

[34_40]

Yes I did. Sorry I've been lax about posting. I've been sidetracked again.

I'm waiting for a cash infusion so I can move to the next phase.
One step at a time....LOL1

What's happening with yours?

Randy, sounds like a common theme for a lot of us! Life gets in the way and we're waiting for some cash here also!

You're pedals look great! Good Job!

[Mr Blue]

Nice job! Looks great! Don Jr

[bluestang67]

Still in the parts searching but I like how the pedals came out . Sure may change my mind on the hangers since they look and work for a cable clutch . How was it routing the cable to the trans . Did you have to play with the tab to get the right throw on the throw out bearing . Did you use the stock length cable or order a special shorter one .

I picked up some things to swap to the 31 so I can keep the 9 Inch and T-5 for the 37 .

I scored a 88 Mustang GT AOD for free and tonight picked up a 66 Fairlane 8 Inch to swap in the 31 .

Few weeks back I purchased a C9 351 W but with newer heads just missed by hours scoring a set of GT40P heads for $200 off Craigslist . So the search is still on for better heads

You already seen the cowl patches I found they came out great after soaking in 3M metal conditioner .

[randyr]

Still in the parts searching but I like how the pedals came out . Sure may change my mind on the hangers since they look and work for a cable clutch . How was it routing the cable to the trans . Did you have to play with the tab to get the right throw on the throw out bearing . Did you use the stock length cable or order a special shorter one .

I picked up some things to swap to the 31 so I can keep the 9 Inch and T-5 for the 37 .

I scored a 88 Mustang GT AOD for free and tonight picked up a 66 Fairlane 8 Inch to swap in the 31 .

Few weeks back I purchased a C9 351 W but with newer heads just missed by hours scoring a set of GT40P heads for $200 off Craigslist . So the search is still on for better heads

You already seen the cowl patches I found they came out great after soaking in 3M metal conditioner .

Yeah, I'm pretty glad I kept the pedals under the floor. I didn't want to hang a master cylinder on my new firewall. It wouldn't have worked anyway because there is no room since it's a big block firewall. I looked at putting it all under the dash but that was going to be pretty expensive and require re-thinking my guages, AC and other stuff. So, under the floor it is. The clutch cable is a short one from Pete & Jakes. A little pricey but it works well. A regular length cable can work too, I'm told. You just have to keep it away from the headers. As for getting the right throw on the pedal, I clamped the cable mounting bracket in place and tested it before finalizing it's location. After that is set, you still have quite a bit of adjustment on both ends of the cable to tweak it if necessary. You could probably adapt those '39 pedals that are already in your frame to fit a late model master cylinder if you want. You wouldn't have to use a power booster if you don't care about power brakes. Otherwise you could get a set up like the one from Pete and Jakes but you'll probably have to split to pedals to run on either side of the x-member like I did.

Nice score on the AOD & 8" for the 31. Check the salvage yards for GT40P heads. I got mine from a 2001 Explorer in a salvage yard for $200. They were in good shape and I probably could have used them as is but had them rebuilt with roller rockers. Everything else in the engine is new so I wasn't going to put used heads on it! LOL!

Check out this link for BulldogCountry1, a member here. He has a 37 tudor with a 351w/5sp Tremec. It's a pretty nice car. http://www.andyphardy.com/my37ford.htm

[bluestang67]

Looked at Pete and Jakes didn't see anywhere they listed a cable clutch pedal . But what you said about the one's I have maybe I can convert them myself and save some cash . I do want power brakes though . With this Chicago traffic you never know when a panic stop may happen . I have been studing you pics and I think I have the idea down but if not expect me asking alot of questions on what you did and how .

[randyr]

Looked at Pete and Jakes didn't see anywhere they listed a cable clutch pedal . But what you said about the one's I have maybe I can convert them myself and save some cash . I do want power brakes though . With this Chicago traffic you never know when a panic stop may happen . I have been studing you pics and I think I have the idea down but if not expect me asking alot of questions on what you did and how .

Ask away, my friend! I'll tell you what little I know....LOL! P&J doesn't list the shortened clutch cable on their site but they sell it to those who buy their clutch/brake pedal kit for use with a Ford engine & trans. They'll sell it separately. For those using GM engines they send a hydraulic unit. Anyway, he has these cables shortened for this application but it's like $125 if I remember correctly.
The power brakes are probably a good idea for both Chicago & LA...Yikes!