Frame Speader.

R

Ruth

Well-known member
I'm getting ready to help a friend install an engine. But I no longer have my frame spreader. I'm curious, could a rear spring spreader be used in a pinch for a frame spreader? If not, I will have to travel some miles to borrow one.
 
One imagines the "overall length" of a spring spreader would be a problem - unless you have a design which can be "collapsed" on the threaded portion - and the "bend" (normally to clear the differential case) is enough to clear the flywheel housing/transmission "path of application."

In my case the "bent" portion of the spring spreader is such that an equal distance of threaded portion is extended on each side. To wind the nuts and make the thread "closer" to the bend is not a problem UNTIL the threaded portion touches the inside of the bend.

So I say it's possible - IF. Lot of ifs.

Joe K
 
See if you can borrow a Port-A-Power (also spelled Porta-Power) hydraulic spreader locally from a garage or repair shop. This is what we used in the "old days" (1970's and 1980's) before the present Model A frame spreaders became available from vendors. It's actually easier to use to spread the frame rails apart than the dedicated spreaders because you don't have to keep turning the large nut with a plumber's wrench. You just pump the spreader bar like a hydraulic jack, which in fact it is. A MUCH easier and quicker job with a Port-A-Power.
Marshall
 
I have installed many Model "A" & "B" engines and not once did I use a frame spreader. Try installing the engine without it.
 
I have done it minus the transmission - and using a "scissor jack" sideways with a couple of blocks of wood. It doesn't take that much of a push.

Right now Amazon has Vevor (China) 10T porta power for $109.89. The kit has two "feet" you can use to "offset" and reach around the transmission just behind the shift lever tower.

A porta power has MANY uses for a mechanic, the opposed "fingers" and hollow ram especially.

Joe K
 
Of course, the thickness of the rear motor mount rubber pads will affect ease of Model A engine removal and installation. It seems that these pads in repo form have put on weight over the years and have become thicker than in olden days, meaning the 1960's-1980's. I don't recall ever needing mechanical assistance in spreading the frame rails back then just to install an engine. But in the last 20 years or so, it has been a pain with new rear motor mount pads being thicker. Even greasing the engine "ears" and mounts' faces didn't help slide the engine into place. I finally bought a repo frame spreader 30 years ago and have used it religiously when this onerous task was necessary. It has made life easier in this regard.
If re-installing an engine into a Model A chassis that has older or already compressed rear mount pads, the job is easier and perhaps won't require the assistance of a frame spreader of some flavor.
So, I think it all comes down to rear motor mount pad thickness complicating things because the flywheel housings certainly haven't expanded in girth over the years (like we have!). :)
Marshall
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top