[LBL]

I am swapping the 223 six cyl and 3 spd. std. trans. in my 1959 Ford Ranchwagon and replacing them with a 351 Windsor and a C4 trans. I am having trouble figuring out what to use for mounts that don't need to be welded to the frame. I would like to keep it a bolt on swap if possible. has anyone done this swap before or can anyone offer me some advice on this . Thanks ...

[JeffB]

It can be done with over the counter parts from Autozone or O'Reillys here are the part numbers for the motor mounts ANCHOR 2725 & 2726 the transmission mount is ANCHOR 2253 you do have to modify the factory frame pad as shown in this picture by modifying the original holes into a long slot as shown.This applies to any 1954-59 Ford passenger car doing this swap,you will also need a front sump oil pan and matching front dipstick if you would like additional part numbers and where to get the parts send me a pm,Hedman also has a header that will fit this swap.

[LBL]

I was hoping for an easy bolt in with very little fabrication. I already have my engine almost finished and it doesn't have a front sump, is here any other options ? by the way, thanks for the reply, I appreciate it ..

[LBL]

Okay, I switched everything over and now have a front sump. Are the parts you listed bolt in other than the grinding out of the existing motor pads ? Does the trans mount bolt on to the existing mount or is there a modification on that ? Thanks for the help .. I just ordered the mounts and hope that they get here soon.

[JeffB]

In most cases when using a C4 or AOD in the swap it should bolt right up,in a few cases some folks have had to redrill a hole in the transmission crossmember to make it fit(EZ fix)you can do that with the motor and transmission in place you will have to raise the transmission in order to mark and drill if needed..You have to remember these old Fords were made prior to the computer age and sometimes things are a little off center,in my own Ford I only had to elongate one hole on the passenger side frame pad for the mounts to line up.

[LBL]

Thanks for the help Jeff, I was expecting to spend 2 or $300 on mounts so you saved me a bundle. If you check out my profile, I posted some pics in the photo journal of my car and the motor I am going to put in it once the snow has gone...Thanks again.

[JeffB]

That is a good looking '59! Two things you should do,first do a search on FRAM filters here on hotrodders.com and then replace it with a Ford Motorcraft FL-1 even Wally World and Autozone carry them,second if that is the Flex-a-Lite fan with the aluminum blades be sure and check them often for looseness often there have been problems with them throwing blades the 1300 series with the stainless blades are a safer bet.When you get the swap done be sure and let me know how it goes and post some more pics of the install.

[LBL]

I replaced that filter with an oval one from Edelbrock with a K&N filter in it, should be much better. I will keep an eye on that fan, I'm starting to think that I should go with an electric fan but will run it like that for a while. I just want to drive the damn thing . Thanks again

[LBL]

You mean the oil filter, sorry. I will check that out ....

[LBL]

I got the new mounts that you told me about, pulled the old motor and I have ground the slots out in the motor pads. I didn't make them as long as yours but I think I'm going to be okay, they're probably an inch and a half long. I think I will put the transmission on the new motor and set it in to make sure it fits and then yank it out and clean up the engine compartment before putting it all back together. I really appreciate the help you 've given me, I'm sure you have saved me many hours and a lot of heartache.

[chrisfoster1959]

HiI'm doing the same swap.
Just wondering what you did for a trans shifter.
I was hoping to get an auto steering column and use an original auto column shifter
Thanks
Chris

[JeffB]

I used a B&M Quick Silver http://bmracing.com/?wpsc-product=quicksilver,but if you want it on the column there are several ways to do it #1 If you swap to a Ford automatic column you can fab a rod with threaded stock and bend as needed being threaded makes for an EZ adjustment.#2 is this idea: Ford Falcon Tilt Column Installation This is a good upgrade for several reasons first being these later columns will be easier an cheaper to find and you will be getting rid of the "deadly spear" and also these will be for C4,C6 or AOD transmissions so you can make the linkage play well with it,C4's and AOD shifters will interchange and work just fine.

[chrisfoster1959]

Thanks for that, Jeff
What is the deadly spear you refer to?
Chris

[JeffB]

Up until the mid 60's the shaft from the steering box was solid and in the event of a front end collision the steering boxes would crush drivers insides upon impact the later collapsible columns used what is called a "rag joint" which prevents this, probable more info on this in the Ford Falcon link I posted.