Started Lindbergs 25 Ford Tall T

[Johnt671]

Started working on The Tall T a few days ago. Here's a picture of where it is now.

 

 

I'm planning a late 50s early 60s style build and while the kit has several options for a flat head, it also has a T-bird motor included, which I'd like to use. The directions say that the firewall must be trimmed to use this motor, but the starter and bell housing by the starter hit the frame. I can handle the firewall trim, but I don't know how to solve the starter problem without cutting the starter and bell housing off the motor. I don't want to make it look like too much of a hack job. If anyone has built this kit, and used this motor, would you let me know how you handled it Here's a picture of the motor. Thanks.

 

[John Goschke]

I haven't built that kit, but that T-bird engine looks like the 401hp, 390 that's in the ex-AMT '34 Ford pickup kit. Interesting that they made it an option for this re-issue of the old Lindberg "T" kit.

How much does it interfere with the frame? If it's not too much you might be able to reshape the frame rail a bit and the starter and bellhousing a bit to relieve the conflict. Work slowly, trimming a little, then test fit, trim some more, fit again, and so on.

If it interferes a lot you're probably better off with the kit flathead, and customize it with some flathead speed parts from another kit.

Keep in mind that that tri-power 390 would've been a brand new engine in '61, so it would've been an expensive choice for a backyard rod builder at the time. However, if you're thinking of your rod as a pro-built show car that somebody invested some dollars in, then the latest super stock Ford engine would've had real impact on the show floor!

Edited August 1, 2015 by John Goschke

[Ace-Garageguy]

Nice. I remember having this kit back in the dim recesses of time, and I've been kinda looking for another one. Good to know it comes with an OHV Ford option now, too.

[Johnt671]

I've decided to go with the flat head. The 390 would be hard for me to fit. I tested it out again and it would need a lot of cutting to get it to fit. The kit has a lot of nice extra parts with it including some chrome tools. I'm getting ready to go to a car show, but after the show I'll post a picture of the other side of the motor and of the box. I picked two of them up at Ollies a few months ago for $7.99 each.

[Johnt671]

Here's the box art.

 

A couple of pictures of the big motor fitment. I'm going with the flat head for this one. The other one is a who knows.

 

Even with the motor moved back as far as it will go without trimming, it looks too long to fit at the front end.

[slusher]

The engine does look to long. I can see why the flat head is a better choice..

[Johnt671]

Progress:

[Sledsel]

Looking pretty cool

 

[horsepower]

Just a thought, but it appears that the flathead is sitting lower in the chassis than the mock up with the 390, especially in the rear since the top of the transmission for it is lower than the surface of the floor. Lowering the engine down would provide clearance for the starter by allowing the engine to be moved rearward, this would also alleviate the problem with the OHV engines length, like I said it's just a thought and something you might want to look at. Happy building, this is looking like a keeper.

[Johnt671]

I have another kit of this. I bought two of it at Ollies on sale a few months ago. When I start the other one I'll see if I can work it out. Thanks for the advice.

[vintagercr]

That's cool!

[Johnt671]

Todays work.

 

May be done tomorrow. All that's left is gluing in the grill, windows, floor shifter, and exhaust. I'm not sure if I'm going to go with the kit system that comes out on the side under the running board or duals out the back.  I think the duals.

[Johnt671]

Almost done. The rear exhaust pipes were turned down, but they stuck out too far, so I cut the down turned part off. I was going to cut a short piece of the pipes off and reglue the turned down ends but I lost one. Back to the parts box for plan B. I found a couple of radiator hoses to further detail the motor, and I'll be Under Glass.