Ford AA Truck Engine Pans
- Thread starter Binkss
- Start date
Joe K
Well-known member
In a general sense, YES. The A pan will "fit" a B engine.
From the look of your truck it appears yours is of the 1930-31 AA pattern. I can't really see it but I would expect a four speed transmission and bevel gear rear end. You probably don't have a "dual high" which was available but more common on the three speed earlier trucks.
The B engine oil pan was likely modified to mate up against the flywheel housing. The flywheel housing would have been the "special" housing used with the 4 speed. Most transitions like this end up with the sheet metal "flywheel housing extension" removed which makes the Model B oil pan more like the Model A. As far as bolting, the two oil pans are identical EXCEPT in that sheet metal extension.
You need to read up on successful Model B transitions to be sure reverting to Model A won't mess with something already done. Plus I expect you have to deal with that 4 speed "partial" flywheel housing.
Off the top of my head. More pix of what you have will help.
This is a little bit like me away from home on a business trip and getting a call from my wife.
"The lawnmower won't start. Can you listen and tell me what's wrong with it?"
I hear her pulling on the starter cord and I'm supposed to diagnose what is wrong with the lawnmower at 2200 miles and by the sound?
Like her for you more information will help.
Joe K
From the look of your truck it appears yours is of the 1930-31 AA pattern. I can't really see it but I would expect a four speed transmission and bevel gear rear end. You probably don't have a "dual high" which was available but more common on the three speed earlier trucks.
The B engine oil pan was likely modified to mate up against the flywheel housing. The flywheel housing would have been the "special" housing used with the 4 speed. Most transitions like this end up with the sheet metal "flywheel housing extension" removed which makes the Model B oil pan more like the Model A. As far as bolting, the two oil pans are identical EXCEPT in that sheet metal extension.
You need to read up on successful Model B transitions to be sure reverting to Model A won't mess with something already done. Plus I expect you have to deal with that 4 speed "partial" flywheel housing.
Off the top of my head. More pix of what you have will help.
This is a little bit like me away from home on a business trip and getting a call from my wife.
"The lawnmower won't start. Can you listen and tell me what's wrong with it?"
I hear her pulling on the starter cord and I'm supposed to diagnose what is wrong with the lawnmower at 2200 miles and by the sound?
Like her for you more information will help.
Joe K
Last edited:
Thanks Joe for the follow up.
The AA is a UK Built One ton truck Built 1935. The Uk continued Buildng these untill they ran out of parts, I Understand. Hence the wooden Cab. No more Cabs available at the time of build. I am hoping to go right through her and am at the moment putting together a comprehensive shopping list of parts required. The Engine Pans came up, and she does not have them, seeing as they seem to have an importamt role to play. I needed to know it they were in fact fitted. I appreciate I may have to alter what is now available slightly, but a base shape will help with a starting point
. Yes 4 Speed Box High back end. The front Axle is off of the A car, with Factory add on hubs to the Brake drums , so as to take the AA wheel. The Wheel Hole pattern I understand was made only for the I ton AA in the UK, (Not sure on that one)
Chassis is good, Fenders are good, as are the Cowl and Hood, Tank and other body work no rust to weld up
). Just the normal things that go missing or get worn out over the years, to replace. Thanks again for your help. I will try to make time to post gear box area pictures some time.
Joe K
Well-known member
Good that the issue is more "basic" than what I feared in this.
The "pans" (plural) tend to come and go on A and AA vehicles in regular service. They do tend to aid in the cooling of the engine which is a recommendation - but they tend to be "rattle traps" and just one more source of dissatisfaction with an owner looking to "improve" their Ford. They're easily removed and if you have a good radiator the loss is inconsequential.
The Model A wheels have the bolt centers at 5-1/2 inches. On the AA wheels the bolt centers are 6-1/2, hence the adaptation, done like yours on the US 1 tonnish 28-29AAs usually by a special hub/brake drum/backing plate/brakes.
The "AA upgrade" in October 29 brought the 4 speed, bevel gear axle and a new stronger front axle - at least here in the US.
Its interesting always to find a "truck of parts" which yours kind of qualifies as - even when done by Ford. I've always held that Ford/Detroit had their way, but satellite assembly plants seemed to have more "license" to make things up as they went along.
Good luck with your project.
Joe K
The "pans" (plural) tend to come and go on A and AA vehicles in regular service. They do tend to aid in the cooling of the engine which is a recommendation - but they tend to be "rattle traps" and just one more source of dissatisfaction with an owner looking to "improve" their Ford. They're easily removed and if you have a good radiator the loss is inconsequential.
The Model A wheels have the bolt centers at 5-1/2 inches. On the AA wheels the bolt centers are 6-1/2, hence the adaptation, done like yours on the US 1 tonnish 28-29AAs usually by a special hub/brake drum/backing plate/brakes.
The "AA upgrade" in October 29 brought the 4 speed, bevel gear axle and a new stronger front axle - at least here in the US.
Its interesting always to find a "truck of parts" which yours kind of qualifies as - even when done by Ford. I've always held that Ford/Detroit had their way, but satellite assembly plants seemed to have more "license" to make things up as they went along.
Good luck with your project.
Joe K
katy
Well-known member
Not sure what you mean, does the drive shaft go in near the top? or near the centre? A picture would help.
Keith True
Well-known member
High geared,or high speed rear end.Other parts of the world describe things differently than us.
Good Day Kieth, sorry I meant the rear axle is the higher Geared - Speed version.
It's like Hoods and Bonnets, Gear Boxes and Transmissions. All good fun.
)
You may well laugh, but she can (For about 100 yards) Whilst sat on my lap, steer my Massey 35 Tractor, Both Paws on the steering wheel. Freakes other driver out, especially when I duck down and hide behind her. Alway seem to get a "What the ???? "double look as a driver passes. She will ride on any thing, Quad, Sled, Wheel barrow, Digger, you name it, she will have a go. Even sits on a fork lift pallet to get to the next barn level. Be great to take her flying one day.
Joe K
Well-known member
Very much different from the Model AA "hubs" on my July 28 AA - which except for being a larger diameter, are much as the Model A wheels are.
The October '29 Borg Warner changes brought even larger brake drums/backing plates.
Yours looks almost as if it were "cobbled" together from parts. But you say it left the "factory" like this?
Joe K
Hi Joe
Yes, It was at the end of the AA days, I understand Dagenham was just using up what parts they just to get them out the door. and cover orders. So yes Genuine Ford Factory Truck
The first vehicle constructed at Ford's Dagenham plant – a Model AA truck – rolled off the production line in October 1931. So past the US build end date I understand.
David in San Antonio
Well-known member
I’ve read that the car engine pans also help the ground path (earth circuit) for the engine. I suppose a wire direct from the battery to a transmission bolt would serve as well.
An incidental convenience provided by the pans is that it’s easier to locate any little part you may drop. Also provides a predictable path when you drain coolant. I’ve heard that pans also prevent some of the road dirt and dust from coating the engine and entering the carb.
I’ve experienced the dropped nut and drained coolant benefits, the rest are hearsay.
An incidental convenience provided by the pans is that it’s easier to locate any little part you may drop. Also provides a predictable path when you drain coolant. I’ve heard that pans also prevent some of the road dirt and dust from coating the engine and entering the carb.
I’ve experienced the dropped nut and drained coolant benefits, the rest are hearsay.