The firewall showing sheet metal work.

The firewall required some minor modifications to clear the engine. The battery box was removed and relocated under the seat. A serpentine belt drive was installed making it necessary to use a Mustang water pump. March aluminum brackets were used to support the SVO NASCAR alternator and the air conditioning compressor.




Cab mounted to chassis.

After purchasing new wooden mounting blocks, the cab was bolted to the new chassis. The Ididit steering column was mounted and connected to the Flaming River steering rack.




Cab sheet metal repairs in progress.

The truck was sent to GMT in Huntington Beach, California. The cab was media-blasted, which revealed significant rust damage to the rear panel. This panel was removed and replaced. The rocker panels were repaired along with numerous small dents and dings. Both doors were also blasted and repaired prior to being refitted to the cab.




Rear of cab after repairs.

When all of the sheet metal work was complete, the cab was taken to Mick's Paint in Huntington Beach, California. Mick prepped the metal and a sealer/primer was applied to the entire cab. No body filler was applied during this process.




Interior View

The dashboard was left unchanged. The stock gauges will be restored and re-installed. Custom made defroster ducts were fabricated and installed at the base of the windshield, behind the dashboard.




Clutch & Brake Pedal Detail

The lower firewall/floorboard plate was modified to accept the new steel floor. An additional piece was fabricated to cover the area above both the clutch and brake pedals. Special attention was paid to welding up any of the pre-existing holes.




Steel Replacement Floor

After much thought, the decision was made to replace the original wooden floor with steel. This photo shows the steel floor and transmission cover. Both pieces were bolted to the cab instead of being welded, which will allow for easy removal, if necessary. The next step is to install a piece of rubber mat or a thin piece of plywood on top of the new steel floor in an attempt to insulate the cab from heat and road noise.




Ignition Switch

In order to preserve the stock appearance of the dashboard and interior, the upper steering column support bracket was modified to accept the ignition switch. This photo shows the switch mounted in a location very close to original. The ignition switch itself is a complete reproduction assembly from a 1956 Ford truck.




Seat Mounting Brackets

A complete seat assembly was purchased from Glide Engineering. This seat is specifically designed for the '37 Ford truck. This photo shows the seat mounting brackets being installed. Once the brackets are mounted, the seat itself will be bolted in.




Seat Installed

Here is what the seat installation looks like. The lower portion of the seat is hinged at the front, allowing the seat to be tilted forward. The rear half of the seat is hinged at the bottom and can be folded forward, allowing access to the back of the cab.




Gauges

Maintaining the original appearance of the dashboard was a primary concern. Therefore, both gauge pods were removed and sent out for overhaul and repair. The speedometer was completely rebuilt with late model components and a refurbished dial. Each gauge in the left pod was replaced with a modern 12-volt instrument, compatible with a late model V-8 engine and related systems.




Headliner

The two open compartments house the windshield hinges and the windshield wiper motors. This area will be left unchanged.




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