It's all about time and money
This project still needs a lot of work. And as we all are aware it is takes longer than
planned and of course money is always an issue. But as usual I will continue as resources and energy becomes
available. Because this is one big project the parts are going to be in groups rather than by project.
Part Sources
- The Lincoln/Mercury Old Parts Store (also
known
as LMOPS) is a vintage car part warehouse located in Clearwater, Florida. Our company is proud to provide
high-quality classic car parts globally to keep those beautiful ladies running with style and grace.
- Shoebox Central we take your needs seriously
and
are the most knowledgeable parts professionals in the 49-53 Ford and Mercury parts business. We can help you
with any new or used part you need and will take the time to answer all of your questions and advise on
technical matters free of charge as always. When you call Shoebox Central, you are getting much more than an
order taker, you get someone dedicated to your needs and passionate about these cars. Call anytime, we will
work with you to get the parts and help you need.
- Concours Parts Classic Fords can bring back
memories to seniors and give young people a window to a portal in time. It takes a labor of love to properly
restore one of these classics and the right source for classic Ford parts sales too.
- Dennis Carpenter Ford Restorations have
been manufacturing and selling classic Ford parts such as Rubber Weatherstripping, Die-Cast Chrome Emblems &
Handles and Metal Stamped parts as well as many others for your restoration needs for over 50 years.
- C&G Ford We give you access to thousands of vintage
Ford parts that are in reproduction for old Fords. We have classic Ford parts covering old Ford cars for years
1932 to 1972, old Ford trucks for years 1932 to 1979, and Mercury cars for years 1939 to 1970.
- Early Ford Store of California Hard to find
Original & High Quality New 1928-1959 Ford Parts. Located in San Dimas, (Southern California)
EarlyFordStore.com has thousands of parts in stock. Phone: (909) 305-1955">
- Midwest Early Ford Official Ford Licensed
Parts for your antique and vintage vehicles in three catalogs: pick yours to get started. Midwest Early Ford
has what you need!
- Muds Classic Parts and Restorations Official
Ford Licensed Parts for your antique and vintage vehicles in three catalogs: pick yours to get started.
Midwest Early Ford has what you need!
Online Resources Other 52/3/4 Fords on the web
52/3/4 Builds
Electrical - Wiring, Gauges and Other Electrical
- Wiring Harness - Painless Wiring #10201- 18 Circuit Universal / Streetrod Harness / GM Keyed Column
- Dash Gauges - SunPro
- Fuel Gauge and Sender - SunPro #CP7950 and level sender #CP7583
Mechanical Parts - Starters, Alternators and the Like
- Holley R4778 350 CFM 2 barrel carb
- Ford PMGS Starter - #3205
- Fuel Pump -70 Ford F100 Airtex
- Fuel Filter -Integrated into fuel pump
Chassis Parts
- Motor/Trans Mount Adapter Kit - Butchs Rod Shop / Death Row Products
- Front Control Arm Lowering Kit - NOS Fenton kit
- Rear Air Support System - NOS Air Lift kit
Other Parts
- Black Car - front fender patch panels
- Lokar flex oil and trans dipsticks
Nifty parts that I have found work on this project
SBF Motor Mounts
You can use motor mounts for an 86 V8 302 Mustang with no modifications to the stock 54 Ford chassis mounting
brackets. You can cross Anchor 2725 and Anchor 2726.
Note: the two motor mounts are NOT the same....the bolt that goes into the
crossmember is off-center on one of them. They'll work on either side. One version places the engine right up
against the firewall with about 1/4" clearance and if you swap them, it places the engine substantially forward.
Some brands of motor mounts will separate due to the low quality of the rubber they're using. Get good ones!
The AOD will sit on the stock '54 trans cross member using the ANCHOR 2253 mount
SBF Oil Pan Conversion
You also need a front sump oil pan to clear the crossmember. Most SB V8 Mustangs from the 60's and early 70's
had front sump pans. So an oil pan for a 1968 Mustang 302 will work nicely. Spectre pans have a nice oil baffle
in it. To complete the conversion you'll have to get a matching front sump oil pickup/screen.
Changing to a front sump oil pan creates an issue with the stock oil dipstick on a late model 302. You will
need a timing cover that has provisions for an oil dipstick that goes down into the front sump. Again, the 1968
Mustang 302 Dorman cover (part # 635-107) with the gasket and front seal will do. These are available just about
antwhere including eBay.
Front Grease seals
Front grease seals part number 472319 fit the hub and spindle. Hope this helps anyone with this same problem
Alternative Gas Tank
You can mount a 55 gas tank in a 54 with very little effort or mods HAMB
Lowered Front Shocks
Shocks
52/3/4 Shocks - Stock and Lowered
STOCK Front
- MONROE OESpectrum #5801
- 52 - 56 FORD
- Extended Length (in): 14.375 in.
- Collapsed Length (in): 9.250 in.
- Travel Length - 5.125 in.
- Upper Mount: Stem Mount - 2.3/8" Stem Length X 3/8"-16 Thread Pitch
- Lower Mount: Cross Pin Mount - Closed Ended, 5/16" Hole ID (Both Ends) X 2.1/2" Pin Length (Hole Center to
Center)
Lowered Front
- MONROE OESpectrum #5821
- 76-80 Sunbird/Monza/Firehawk
- Extended Length (in): 11.750 in.
- Collapsed Length (in): 8.000 in.
- Travel Length - 3.750 in.
- Upper Mount: Stem Mount - 2.3/8" Stem Length X 3/8"-16 Thread Pitch
- Lower Mount: Cross Pin Mount - Closed Ended, 5/16" Hole ID (Both Ends) X 2.7/16" Pin Length (Hole Center to
Center)
Stock Rear
- MONROE MonroeMatic PLUS #31125
- 52 - 56 FORD
- Extended Length (in): 20.750 in.
- Collapsed Length (in): 12.250 in.
- Travel Length - 8.50 in.
- Upper Mount: Stem Mount - 2.3/8" Stem Length X 3/8"-16 Thread Pitch
- Lower Mount: Stem Mount - 2.3/8" Stem Length X 3/8"-16 Thread Pitch
Lowered Rear
- MONROE OESpectrum #5751
- 55-57 Tbird Front
- Extended Length (in): 13.440 in.
- Collapsed Length (in): 8.50 in.
- Travel Length - 4.90 in.
- Upper Mount: Stem Mount - 2.3/8" Stem Length X 3/8"-16 Thread Pitch
- Lower Mount: Stem Mount - 2.3/8" Stem Length X 3/8"-16 Thread Pitch
Lowered Rear - Air Shocks
- GABRIEL HiJackers 49105
- Extended Length (in): 18.21 in.
- Collapsed Length (in): 11.23 in.
- Travel Length - 6.98 in.
- Upper Mount: Stem Mount - 2.3/8" Stem Length X 3/8"-16 Thread Pitch
- Lower Mount: Stem Mount - 2.3/8" Stem Length X 3/8"-16 Thread Pitch
Aerostar Spring Swap
Aerostar Springs
- Moog PN-CC850
Coil Springs
[ 2 - 21/2" drop ]
- 86-97 Ford Aerostar
- Diameter: 4.07"
- Wire Diameter: 0.735"
- Free Height: 11.65"
- Load Height: 10"
- Load rating: 1825 lbs.
- 605 lbs./in. spring rate