Hello Everyone,
I'm a new member and was hoping to get some help with my 1951 chevy project. Let me start by saying I got my truck partially assembled and so there are some areas I'm not fully certain I have all the parts needed to complete the project. I have the assembly manual for 1947-1954 but have a 235 engine with a sm420 manual transmission with the emergency brake on it from a 1956.
I'm also planning on putting a 2012 mustang rear-end in with 273 gearing to get lower rpm's while driving on the highway, plus disk brakes and limited slip.
My main questions are about the installation of the 235 engine and transmission.
1. What is needed to mount the engine in the front and rear. Can I drill alignment holes in the lower front flange on the 235 to mount to the standard flat two hole mount location. Engine originally had side mount brackets. I could also fabricate a block that would be contoured to the flange and flat on the bottom to bolt to original mount. In the rear should I make a cross member to support under the transmission or is there something already out there that works.
2. Do I need any addition parts to tie in the original clutch pedal to the sm420. Where would I find a part schematic and any parts I might need.
3. Should I take off the brake setup on the transmission or leave it in place. I have already pulled the braking mechanism, just have the round drums which appear pressed on to a snap on the rear plate. There are 4 studs which I assume are to mount a yoke. Do I need to do anything special as far as the speed cable, gages, etc. because of the transmission and rear-end I'm using.
4. Is there any other things I need to know when working on this project.
I'm also planning on upgrading to a 12volt system and I have a restoration manual that speaks to the necessary changes.
Thank you all for the help and I look forward to learning more about these beautiful early American trucks.
Scott M.
