351 Cleveland swapped MII

[78 Mach1]

I didn’t want to drill any holes in my factory dash. So I decided to build an adapter plate and use the existing radio location for my toggle switches. I won’t be listening to music in this car anyway. The sound of the Cleveland will be music to my ears. To keep the dash completely in tact, I used two bolts as adjustable studs in the radio mounting holes.

Then fabricated a plate for the switches that bolts to those studs.

This keeps my dash completely in tact if I ever decide to put a radio back in or delete the toggle switches.

 

[LILCBRA]

I think a pair of cap nuts would give it a more finished look, otherwise I like it!

 

[Blackhawkxx]

I didn’t want to drill any holes in my factory dash.

I totally understand, I have tried not to drill any holes in the engine compartment as well. Good idea with the switch panel and if you wanted to make it less apparent, it could be painted black.

 

[78 Mach1]

I think a pair of cap nuts would give it a more finished look, otherwise I like it!

Yep. I’m looking for a nice set.

 

[78 Mach1]

if you wanted to make it less apparent, it could be painted black.

I was on the fence with that. I think the natural aluminum does match the existing fake aluminum panels. But I may paint it in the future.

 

[78 Mach1]

I had to make custom brackets for my tranny dip stick tube and the modulator vacuum line. Just little things like that you don’t think about until you’re already in the project. It was a small project but still moving forward.

 

[Adieu]

It seems like @MustangIIMatt had an aluminum Ebay radiator in ElSuperPinto, but I could be wrong.

I did, and it even kept that .040" 302 from overheating on a 100 degree day when the radiator fan relay failed. The fact that it kept the engine under 220 as long as I was moving and under 240 when I got caught at a light was a testament to it's quality. I was genuinely impressed by it.

 

[78 Mach1]

Got my front frame support bars in place. With these, I’ll have zero issues with the notched frame.

 

[78 Mach1]

got the support bars painted and starting to get the motor buttoned up with all the peripherals. My goal is to start this motor this weekend.

 

[78 Mach1]

Time to run exhaust. But I need a double hump tranny mount. Couldn’t find one anywhere in my area, so I’m going to make one. Guess I should have done that when I was modifying it previously.

Here it is mostly factory.
I found an old cross member in my parts.

Cut out the section I needed.

Then graphed it in to me existing support.

I’ll paint it later. Today the exhaust is going in.

 

[extra_stout]

My goal is to start this motor this weekend.

WITHOUT VIDEO OF THE RUNNING ENGINE

 

[78 Mach1]

I plan to get some video. I’ll talk my wife into videoing. Because I’m sure I’ll have my hands full setting timing, confirming oil pressure, and adjusting the carb. All the normal panic stuff on a first start of a fresh motor.

 

[78 Mach1]

My radiator didn’t arrive. Was supposed to be here on Tuesday. Now the tracking is saying Friday. I’m stuck until that thing arrives. Fingers crossed it is not delayed any further. Also my mufflers didn’t arrive. Still be running open headers with partial exhaust to the cross support on start up. But hopefully the mufflers arrive next Monday.

 

[Blackhawkxx]

got the support bars painted and starting to get the motor buttoned up with all the peripherals. My goal is to start this motor this weekend.

Love the copper pipe coming out of the water pump. Whatever works, right?

 

[2Blue2]

Oh I’m excited
Can’t wait yup!

Gonna be cool!

 

[78 Mach1]

Radiator finally arrived today. Got it installed.

Still need Rad hoses, tranny cooler lines, and mini alternator installed. The plan is to do those tomorrow and hopefully fire the motor.

 

[78 Mach1]

Love the copper pipe coming out of the water pump. Whatever works, right?

Yep. I tried to bypass heater hoses using just rubber hose. It kept kinking. Or else I had to have it so long it looked awful. The copper was the best thing I had laying around. At first I thought it would look horrible, but I needed something to get me that much closer to starting the motor. But honestly it’s growing on me.

But yes, whatever works at this point. I’ve been waiting way too many years to drive this car down the road. So at this point, I refuse to let anything slow me down or hold me up.

I have owned this car for over 20 years and have never driven it.

That day is coming soon.

 

[2Blue2]

I have owned this car for over 20 years and have never driven it.

That day is coming soon.

Oh yeah! SOON!

 

[78 Mach1]

Well. After a 10 hour thrash to install all new tranny cooler lines, alternator, troubleshoot a clogged fuel line, and running to O’Reilly to dig through every radiator hose they had to find something that would work, the time finally came.

I know you are going to be disappointed, but I have tried many times to upload the video. I had to cut it down to 20 seconds because I kept getting a, file is too large prompt. Then once I shortened it enough, it keeps saying I do not have an allowed extension. I assume this is because I am using an iPhone to try and upload it. If anyone can help me upload the video, I would love to share it.

 

[LILCBRA]

Well. After a 10 hour thrash to install all new tranny cooler lines, alternator, troubleshoot a clogged fuel line, and running to O’Reilly to dig through every radiator hose they had to find something that would work, the time finally came.

I know you are going to be disappointed, but I have tried many times to upload the video. I had to cut it down to 20 seconds because I kept getting a, file is too large prompt. Then once I shortened it enough, it keeps saying I do not have an allowed extension. I assume this is because I am using an iPhone to try and upload it. If anyone can help me upload the video, I would love to share it.

The only way I know how is to upload to a YouTube channel and share it. There may be another way but I'm not aware of it.