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This rare project car was quite a find!

We purchased this incomplete 1936 Ford Hot Rod (with a 1935 Grille) to get the car to run and drive with some enhancements and get a feel for what it will drive like before it receives a complete ground up restoration.

It has a great deal of potential. It started its life as a four door sedan before it was custom built into a nice looking 2 door chopped top Hot Rod.

We never heard the engine run because it required a new flex plate and starter and it will also need a new radiator and several other upgrades.

The motor is a Big Block Chevy 454 with a 3 speed turbo 350 automatic transmission.

The front end is out of a 1970 Pontiac GTO (just drum brakes) along with a 1970 Chevy Camaro 12 bolt rear end assembly and leaf spring suspension. The previous owner improperly cut the front coil springs and installed unknown leaf springs without rear shocks.

The car will require quite a bit of work, but we have a few ideas for it!

A new flywheel and starter were installed first. The engine tested out fine. The carb was removed (later replaced with a new one), the engine was cleaned up and painted. The Turbo 350 3 speed automatic transmission was replaced with an upgraded rebuilt 700R4 4 speed automatic.

A special custom made high volume radiator was installed along with new upper and lower rad hoses to ensure this Hot Rod stays cool.

The exhaust system and some engine components were removed, degreased and sandblasted and treated to some fresh paint. The motor received new gaskets, upgraded valve covers and new air cleaner assembly.

A complete new wiring harness was installed next along with a new heavy duty alternator. With an upgraded fuse panel and all new wiring it will make this car much safer for years to come.

We installed a large capacity electric fan to keep the Big Block cool and also added a heavy duty transmission oil cooler.

Our focus moved to the front brakes, steering and suspension next.

All new steering components were installed, along with a rebuilt power steering pump. All new front suspension was also installed along with a new power front disc brake conversion kit.

The rear leaf springs were replaced and new shocks were installed to the new mounting points that were made.

Upgraded lighting was next on the list. New LED tail lights and a new (LED) third brake light were installed along with a licence plate light. The headlights are now upgraded Halogen sealed beams and the front fenders received small (LED) marker and signal lights.

The wheels and tires that came with the car were replaced with a nice set of early 80's Crager chrome wheels with a nice set of B.F. Goodrich white lettered tires.

Now that the mechanical upgrades are done, we look forward to putting some test miles on it and perhaps take it to a couple of local "Show & Shine" nights to get a feel for future upgrades to improve this neat Hot Rod.

Minor improvements and enhancements will be made as we get some test miles on this fun car.

This car will have a great future. We predict that someone will have a vision on how they would like this rare car finished.

Perhaps a four link rear suspension upgrade and a complete front and rear air bag suspension package. With custom body work and paint, along with a new custom interior......

You are viewing the 1936 FORD HOT ROD in completed projects.