1939 v8 heads

[blackchevy3de]

IM looking at a 39 ford with a v8 what does the letter A in the middle of the heads stand for

 

[deuce_roadster]

Not sure what the A actually stands for but it was on the heads through 41.

 

[rotorwrench]

The Big A heads are 81A variety. They were used a lot in the late 30s early 40s.

 

[v8fordman]

I would also check to see that the engine has both a RH and LH head. They have different part numbers. 81A-6050 and 81A-6049.

 

[Ken/Alabama]

And if you use them on a later block like 59A the valves will not clear.

 

[Mike in Mass]

I always thought that " A " Heads were truck heads ONLY . Meaning they were installed on Ford trucks not cars .

 

[deuce_roadster]

No, not truck heads only.

 

[TerryOH]

There are two versions of the RH head, both with the same markings and part numbers. The early style (39-40) has only one threaded hole at the base of the water neck and the second style has two holes one at the front and one at the rear of the water neck. The two hole version is more for the 41 with a second temperature sending unit.

 

[blackchevy3de]

Thanks guy, and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all