8BA into 1932 Frame

J

jagalyn

Member
I am new to building.

I just purchased a 1950 8BA Flathead to put into a 32 frame. The motor mounts on this are different and I think I need to change the water pumps to the 8RT type.

If I do this, what other changes do I need to make to fit this into my 32 Frame? Any help would be appreciated as I am pretty green.

Thank you.

jagalyn
 

Attachments

  • Picture 5.jpg
    Picture 5.jpg
    19.5 KB · Views: 60
Last edited:
I think you need to give us more info on your planned engine swap.
You're right, you will need the 8RT water pumps.
What transmission are you planning to use? If you are using an early trans with the original '32 rear mount, that pretty much locates your engine and trans.
Is your frame the V8 or 4 cylinder one? (they have different front cross-members)
Give us a lot more details and I think we Fordbarners can help out.
 
I don't know what the front crossmember is... can you tell from the pictures?

My 32 frame does not have the "K" crossmember... I think someone said it was a modified 36 crossmember (see photo). Can anybody tell what type of transmission the previous builder was intending to use?

The 8BA that I bought has a 3spd transmission attached to it. I know that the 50 ford had "3 on the tree" so I'm not sure if that can be used with a floor shift... I guess that's another question I'd have.

I've been told I should look for a 42-47 open drive 3 speed truck transmission. I guess I'm open to what someone with more experience would recommend for me.

Thank you for your help. I am grateful.
 

Attachments

  • Picture 4.jpg
    Picture 4.jpg
    17.9 KB · Views: 47
  • Picture 5.jpg
    Picture 5.jpg
    19.5 KB · Views: 48
  • Picture 6.jpg
    Picture 6.jpg
    19.4 KB · Views: 45
  • Picture 7.jpg
    Picture 7.jpg
    19.6 KB · Views: 42
  • Picture 8.jpg
    Picture 8.jpg
    18 KB · Views: 49
Last edited:
I put an 8ba in a '32 frame for my roadster. I used a '39 trans with '32 rear bearing retainer/plate/mount and a '32 clutch arm, stamped steel bellhousing (make sure you use the right 8ba starter plate!), 8RT truck pumps with the mounting ears cut off, and fabbed '32 style front mounting brackets (a canted L bracket made from 1/4" strap with a small gusset for support). I also made steel lower hose 'S' tubes to align with the rad outlets with the lower pump inlets and moved the radiator forward about 1" to be able to use a stock mechanical fan.

If you need the rear bearing retainer/plate I think I have a spare around here somewhere I might be willing to part with.

Edit: after examining your pics, it looks like you've got a model A front crossmember which has no provision for engine mounts like a '32 does. Also an aftermarket center X-member for a Chevy trans. You'll probably want to use the mounting ears on the 8RT water pumps with some fabbed brackets and stock rubber biscuit mounts. Another option would be to make some mounting ears that bolt to the bottom of the 8ba water pumps, I've seen this done in several cars. As far as the trans goes, there are floor shift kits for side-shift transmissions, but a '42-'53 truck trans would be a little cleaner install although you'll need to fabricate a rear mount setup on that X-member. Good luck!
 
Last edited:
Is the 39 Transmission and "open driveshaft" transmission? I was told that the car transmissions pre 42 were all closed drive shafts.
 
jagalyn said:
Is the 39 Transmission and "open driveshaft" transmission? I was told that the car transmissions pre 42 were all closed drive shafts.
Click to expand...

No it's closed driveshaft, passenger cars were closed drive until '49. You'll need a '42-'53 pickup trans for an open drive trans.
 
Can anybody tell me what crossmember this is and what type of transmission it might be setup for? Maybe it's not possible to tell from a picture...
 

Attachments

  • Picture 8.jpg
    Picture 8.jpg
    18 KB · Views: 25
Nothing wrong with the truck trans but it looks like a late model trans was intended . If you like to shift, I'd try a T5; you'll love the overdrive.
 
Thank you... it looks to be the CE xmember. What do I need to strap a t-5 to a flathead and do you think this crossmember would work with a t-5?
 
On the front cross member, if there are a couple of indents in the top about 3 inches in diameter out from the center about 6 inches, you may be able to use the original type 32 V8 front motor mounts..Originals are hard to find but there are reproductions and they have cutouts for fan belt clearance.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top