1936 FORD PICKUP PROJECT

Under the hood (so to speak) is a 350hp L79 327 cubic inch engine from a 1968 Corvette.
The engine came with an M21 Muncie 4 speed close-ratio manual transmission.
The 1958 Oldsmobile rear end was tough and popular in the 60's for drag racing. It is indestructible in this truck.

This was my first vehicle from when I was 16 years old. When I graduated from high school I put this truck in storage in 1970, for the next 42 years.
It's been resting peacefully in a time capsule from the late 60's.

My hot rod friend and fellow photographer Don Armstrong urged me to bring it out of storage and back to life last year.
He mentored me with all the critical upgrades. Without him, this incredibly fun truck would still be in it's long term slumber.
The engine and transmission had about 1-2 year's worth of local mileage driving to high school before it was parked in storage.

New (in 2013) is a Mustang II front end suspension from TCI with disc brakes, rack & pinion steering,
and parallel leaf springs in the rear. It now hugs the road and stops easily. It's stable and fast on the freeway.
That was a huge change from my old "baby buggy" suspension from 1948.
My dual point Mallory distributor has been upgraded with a current Pertronics electronic ignition system and a new alternator
replaces the old generator. A new high torque PowerMaster starter motor from Summit Racing spins this high compression engine with ease.
My beloved old dual-feed 780 cfm Holly has been replaced with a new, calmer, Edlebrock carburetor more suitable for today's fuel formulations available in California.
Don built me a beautiful custom radiator that resembles the original 1936 Ford radiator.
All new wiring, new instruments, new lights. New headers and exhaust system. It runs like a champ.

This is a continuing hobby and work in progress. All the mechanical work is now safe, solid, and roadworthy, thanks to Don's help and encouragement.

I'm now working on endless other upgrades and fiddle-fun. Currently on my project list is replacing the lumber rack with one that looks more era-suitable.
I'm replacing all the wood with new (old) mahogany planks that I found at an estate sale.
Last will be paint and upholstery, but probably not soon.

I don't mind it looking like a "scruffy" throwback to the 60's with the patina of age and era ... not at all.
After all, it's the journey and not the destination that's important in life, right?
In the meantime, it's mechanically sound and I'm having a blast taking it on road trips and driving it around town almost daily.