upgrading 31 Model A to V-8 ??

Pete Fl/Wi said:
I have gotten my best advice on the Barn for flathead rebuilding and modifcation. It also has been my best source for building my 51 f1, 39 pickup, 40 panel and the AV8 I am building now. I lurk and search on the HAMB but avoid posting because of the smart a** responses. I think they have smelled out that I am a senior citizen.
Pete
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I'm probably more senior than you but you need a thick skin to deal with the assholes on the HAMB.
Most of the guys there are very helpful.
 
Pete said:
I'm probably more senior than you but you need a thick skin to deal with the assholes on the HAMB.
Most of the guys there are very helpful.
Click to expand...


Don't make the mistake of advertising your car on the Forum instead of the Classifieds on the HAMB. Not pretty....
 
I am also a sinner in 1973 put a Merc flathead in my model A because the A motor died was not a problem if you have engineering/mechanical skills adapted a MK4 Zephyr 4 speed box mated to a Falcon diff Holden disc brakes on the front after 12 years I sold it because of two kids and mortgages mortgages long gone kids gone where is my car now? Would I modify it if I had my time over mmm maybe not!
 
I have pondered putting my 37 motor in my model A roadster, I have 47 brakes on the car all ready, so that is one thing that is good. I would use the A rear. one thing I have thought about is they make kits that you can put a 39 trans in an A and use the original petals. so why can't you use one for an AV8? and using a 8Ba intake with the oil filler in the front and using a electric fuel pump just a thought...Brendan
 
many thanks to all who gave input. My project model A truck was purchased with a supposedly stitched motor but not tested, turns out it leaked like a seive where the block had frozen and had been repaired by stitching. I may have fixed it myself with a cold weld epoxy because now it will hold water but I dont trust it. I did get a good deal on a flathead out of a 1950 truck in fine shape thats complete with starter, carb, rad , clutch, transmission etc.

Please keep in mind that I am not looking for speed whatsoever, I just like the nostalgia of the flathead 8 and since the body is not on the chassis right now this is the time to make it my custom.

The questions I have are partly due to project cost as well as my sincere desire to keep the truck looking like original expect for the motor and converting to modern hydraulic brakes.

Please keep in mind I do not want it to be or to look like a hot rod, The original complete hood will have to go back on. Other than a few changes, possibly 16 inch wire wheels if necessary to convert brakes. I realize I would have to box in the frame, rework the clutch pedal and most likely have to change the rear end for an open drive shaft.

I have a well equipped heated shop to do the work, I just need advice on what parts I need to consider the cost. Here are some questions I have:

1. Is the Model A (1928-1932) front axle the same up to 1948 ?
2. I have the Speedway Motors catalog, what front disc brake kit and front spindles kit will fit my Model A axle if any ?
3. what year of Ford wire wheels would I have to get ?
4. what type of rear end should I look for at the wreckers ?

I will be in touch with a few of the posters soon, lots more questions to follow but for now I'd like some feedback

Thanks
 
Do a bunch of home work. Model a was 29-31. You don't have to use disc brakes. You don't have to convert to open drive. There are some good books out there and tons of good info.
 
stovepipe said:
that should have been (1928-1931) I know. dont be too hard on me as it was a typo !!!
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Actually model A's were made from 27 to 32.
A little over 2000 in 27 and a little over 400 in 32.
The 32's were assembled from left over parts. They were true A's, not 32's with a 4 banger.
 
X2

"The Bishop tardel book is a pretty goo place to start."

Don't forget to post lots of pics. Every one like pic.
 
1. Is the Model A (1928-1932) front axle the same up to 1948 ?
2. I have the Speedway Motors catalog, what front disc brake kit and front spindles kit will fit my Model A axle if any ?
3. what year of Ford wire wheels would I have to get ?
4. what type of rear end should I look for at the wreckers ?

I will be in touch with a few of the posters soon, lots more questions to follow but for now I'd like some feedback

Thanks[/QUOTE]

Model A axles are unique to the model A. The 32 heavy axle is different but the light 32 axle is similar. The 33/34 axle has a different dimension where the wishbone attaches. The roadster.com site had info on front axles.

You need to be more specific about the term "Truck". Commercial models now known as pickups, are a world different than the bigger AA truck. If it is a pickup, then the frame, & running gear is the same as the model A cars so modifications will follow along with the cars. The AA truck has completely different rear axle & driveline, bigger frame, and heavier wheels & suspension.

I've seen folks modify to put on disk brakes but I'm not sure of a kit. Most of us go with drum brakes like the Bendix types used on the Lincoln, 40 through 48 Ford spindles & Lockheed type brake components (two different sub-types), and finned Buick type drum set ups like they used back in the early 60s

Ford wire wheels are available in several sizes depending on years from 32 through 35 but adapters need to be used on the Ford 12-inch drums from 40 through 48 or the Lincolns. They were all 5 lug on a 5.5-inch circle which were phased out on Ford cars around 1949. Ford pickups used them a way lot longer though. Wheels depend on the rotors, drums, & axles you use.

The old banjo rear from 1937 through 1941 is the best fit but there are some later model rear axles like the 57 & later 9-inch Ford and some lighter duty ones used in Granadas & Monarchs from the later era. Banjos can be converted to open drive if you go that route since the 42 throuogh 47 commercial pickups were all open drive. The lighter duty 35 & 36 axles will work too and have some really solid radius rods if you convert to open drive. The HAMB has a way lot of info on traditional AV8 builds if you go over there and do a search.

The 48 through 53 8BA family of engines need some work & modification if you want to use the model A hood and keep a mechanical fan. They can be converted to the earlier types like the 45 through 48 59A series or the prewar V8s by changing the waterpumps & distributor set ups over to the early types. There can be some fit problems with a long snout crankshaft and the model A front X member but it can be worked out. Cutting the firewall would be the last option for a driver with long legs. It is a tight fit in the model A engine bay. The Bishop/Tardel book will be a good friend to you if you read it through.
 
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Check the H.A.M.B. for the thread titled Teck week A-V8 start to finish A supper artical on installing a flathead and 39 trans in a Model A 30 coupe bolting the trans up to the stock rear axel and frame. Covers the rad , motor mounts , trans mounts and the whole works . :cool::cool:
 
I never thought AV8's were a problem here. I even joined the"AV8 Owners and Builders" / Fordbarn Social Group, managed by the late AV8Paul. I used the Bishop Tardel book also, and then joined the Fordbarn for flathead advise, and help with other early Ford related questions, from guys like Ol' Ron and many others, with no problems! This is the first time I have heard anyone complain about the subject.

Bob
 
Tom in SW VA said:
There goes another Model A. And you call this "upgrading" ? I prefer to restore and preserve, not destroy. IMO
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well IMO, there are thousands of stock model a fords. hundreds of thousands of them, they are virtally undriveable on todays roads and able to keep up with the rest of the world that is in a big *** hury all the time...

everything that is done to my model a can be unbolted and reveresed with a few wrenches. i even used the stock sediment bowl on the firewall.

i see more model a's sitting in garages and sotrage buidings literally just wasting away.... i know this cause my family has 3 of them that way.. restored to mint, so nice that no one wants them out... i drive mine.. 3 times a week.. i take care of it and it gets more attention from more people, young and old, than any other bone stock car. its not like the guy is throwing a fuel inejected 350 chevy and air conditioning...

im a restorer at heart. my grandfather raised me that way... he is 78 years old and is thrilled with how i " updated" my model a... he says "thats how it was back in the 40's.... and now with you always tinkering on it, it will last you a lifetime" to me, that is more historical than what it looked like rolling off the factory line.


this is all just my opinion.
 
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