1939 Plymouth Pickup Engine and Transmission

[jim6346]

Hi Everyone,

 

I have a 1939 1/2 ton Plymouth Pickup. I currently have the wrong engine and transmission,

having major issues getting it to fit.

 

I found a nice 1939 Engine and Transmission out of a 39 Plymouth P8 sedan. Would they work?

 

Thanks,

Jim

[PT81PlymouthPickup]

Jim,

 

Any flat-head 6 engine from late 30s up to 1960s with 23 inch blocks will go in if you have the original type bell housing. Likely be smart to try to get an engine from a 39-47 era truck or car because there are some differences in the later engines that might cause some install aggravation.  I doubt the trans out of a P8 would be compatible? Should be others on here who would know. The original gear box in my 39 was not synchronized (which I still have in my attic) I adapted a Borg Warner T5 five speed. I'm not certain, but perhaps the later trucks by 47 were synchronized?  If that's the case, and you need one, try to get a synchronized box. Much easier to drive.

[Los_Control]

First you need to check what year engine you are working with, then also transmission.

 

Years ago I had a 1949 pilothouse ..... Uncle gave it to me.

The truck lived on a farm in the past .... It was a 3/4 ton truck with a 1/2 ton front end and had a 1937 218 engine in it .... Farmers used what they had.

 

This prompted me to do more research on these engines .... I read that somewhere around 1935 they changed the starter location moving it outward.

This would mean if you had a 1934 engine you would need a earlier bell housing for it to fit. .... Probably correct flywheel also?

 

As far as I know, this would be the only major change that would cause a problem .... I know very little in this universe though.

 

So having a 1939 truck, is possible either the engine or transmission is pre 1935? ...... Just wondering what your actual issues with getting things to fit?

Sure the 1939 will work fine either way.

 

 

[Young Ed]

We need to know what you currently have. The engine from the 39 will fit but as the others said you need a proper truck bell housing and transmission