engine

I now use the frame spreader from Brattons . Most model A vendors sell this tool that is made for the job. In the past I used a porta power jack . Before I knew what A porta power was I used an old bumper jack. In nearly all cased the rubber pads are too thick and make a tough job even harder.
 
If you have a welder and square tubing or heavy walled pipe you can make one in an afternoon,I copied mine from Brattons catalog.I don't know what state you are in but somebody near you might be able to lend it to you,I'm in north Jersey.
 
I made my own, but you might want to buy one like Purdy did. :)
 

Attachments

  • frame spreader 4.JPG
    frame spreader 4.JPG
    74.4 KB · Views: 122
  • frame spreader 2.JPG
    frame spreader 2.JPG
    65.7 KB · Views: 111
  • frame spreader 3.JPG
    frame spreader 3.JPG
    62.1 KB · Views: 103
I only had to spread the frame on a Model A one time, It was a straight frame, but i suspect it was because the rubber mounts were to thick. In any case it didnt take much movement, maybe .060. Brattons says they have the right thickness although i haven't tried them.
 
I've also had to spread the frame only one time, and I used my porta-power for that. This was also with new rubbers in the mounts, which may have been a hair too thick. As Dave said, it didn't take much to make it fit.
 
Is the frame spreader used before the engine is installed to get the frame spread to a mindset or does this stay in place while the engine is being put in? Afordman31
 
I agree with Dave. It also helps to loosen the body mount bolts a little bit at the cowl so you won't have the extra strain of spreading the lower cowl.
 
The frame spreader stays in place over the transmission and as has been said, loosen the cowl mounting bolts a little. I removed only one bolt and had great success in installing a motor mount after the engine was in the car. They are a wonderful tool, easy to use and all the venders have them. A bottle jack and block of wood also works and is more trouble, but cheaper if that is a problem.
 
What I did ( had to think long and hard) with trans out,cut 2x4 to length
with jack compressed cut to size.I was able to get a couple of strokes from
jack before it quit working.Bottle jacks will not jack full length laying down.
I did this when I had little $& more time:-) now I have less time and a little
more $
 
My wife and daughter gave me a lot of the special model A tools as Christmas and birthday presents over the years. They both knew that model A parts or tools was all that I wanted for gifts .
 
I pulled my motor in to the motor mounts with a pair of turnbuckles bolted to the top hole in the bell housing mounts on one end and hooks on the cross member behind the battery box. Greased the mounts and pulled.
I have pictures but they won't download.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top