I am getting close to getting my 1954 chevy 3100 running and I noticed something that could be a problem. I have my 1957 235 engine installed. The fan sits almost flush with the front cross member in the frame. I dont currently have the radiator or radiator support so I am not sure but it looks like the fan is sitting way tot far forward. I have heard chevy 260 engine wont easily fit these trucks because the water pump is too long. Will I have the same issue with this engine? I can put a shorter water pump on this engine? Maybe the support sits further forward than I am thinking but it definitely looks like there is a serious problem here.
I used Chev 235 guy's adapter plate and a short shaft water pump on my 1955 235. It was a slick conversion. I also had to drill the timing cover plate to accept the front motor mount.
I used the dark grey engine enamel from The Filling Station. It took a couple of cans to paint the engine and bellhousing. I purchased three cans for the job as recommended by 52Carl and I'm glad I did. The third can has been useful for some touch-up.
Originally, I had planned to use Ford Dark Gray Engine Enamel, a Rustoleum product. However, I bought a can locally assuming the hardware store would get more inventory and learned shortly thereafter it was discontinued by Rustoleum........
Good to know thanks for all the comments. I ordered an adapter plate and a 54 water pump and will hopefully get it installed next weekend. I read some mention that a 54 and 57 used different size radiator hoses. So do I also need a different size thermostat housing?
Check the inlet diameter on your radiator. It is probably 1 1/4". You'll need just the top section of the tstat housing to match. They are available with both 1 1/4" and 1 1/2" outlet sizes. They are identical other than the outlet size. Both sizes have the threaded hole for the fuel line clip. You'll probably need the 1 1/4" size to fit the inlet to your radiator. Your '57 235 would have come with the 1 1/2" size from the factory. They are usually available on ebay and are relatively inexpensive.
There are also versions of the top section that are for cars, not trucks. The angle and length of the outlet is a bit different and some don't have the threaded hole for the fuel line clip. You'll want to get the version that looks just like yours but has the correct size outlet.
The bottom sections are exactly the same for both tops, but are threaded for either a 3/8"NPT or a 1/2"NPT heater hose connector. This won't matter if you aren't running a heater because you will just plug the hole, but if you are, it might matter. If your bottom has a 1/2" hole (which they did in 1957), you can either install a reducer bushing or simply buy a new hose barb that is the correct size for your heater hose and has a 1/2"NPT male thread.
Check the inlet diameter on your radiator. It is probably 1 1/4". You'll need just the top section of the tstat housing to match. They are available with both 1 1/4" and 1 1/2" outlet sizes. They are identical other than the outlet size. Both sizes have the threaded hole for the fuel line clip. You'll probably need the 1 1/4" size to fit the inlet to your radiator. Your '57 235 would have come with the 1 1/2" size from the factory. They are usually available on ebay and are relatively inexpensive.
There are also versions of the top section that are for cars, not trucks. The angle and length of the outlet is a bit different and some don't have the threaded hole for the fuel line clip. You'll want to get the version that looks just like yours but has the correct size outlet.
The bottom sections are exactly the same for both tops, but are threaded for either a 3/8"NPT or a 1/2"NPT heater hose connector. This won't matter if you aren't running a heater because you will just plug the hole, but if you are, it might matter. If your bottom has a 1/2" hole (which they did in 1957), you can either install a reducer bushing or simply buy a new hose barb that is the correct size for your heater hose and has a 1/2"NPT male thread.
Matt
Great good to know. I will keep all that in mind. Thanks again
