removing 8ba in '53 Ford car

richard rink

richard rink

Member
I could use some advise about getting the 8ba out. I have tried searching for answers but so far haven't been successful. Here's what I am wondering:

1) Do I need to remove the toe pans and center panel to access the bolts connecting the bell housing to the transmission? (Previous owner has glued insulating material across the area.)
2) What do I need to do regarding the apparatus for the components of the clutch mechanism? There's a lot of grease/dirt. It's not clear to me.

Anything else at the rear of the engine? I will have a jack supporting the trans. I've got the front taken care of.

Thanks in advance. Richard
 
On a 51 you can take the engine and trans as unit. The trans mount I think is removable. If standard remove trans mount then engine or as unit.
 
When pulling an engine like this it is helpful to plan ahead. It makes life easier if you can adjust the balance point forward & aft. Something like a load leveler.

This allows you to tip the front of the motor up as you bring it forward to clear the oilpan and such over the frame and steering. Then it allows it to be leveled when needed. There are various ways to do this, but a lever is handy.
 
Cover the area under the car and spray some degreaser {Simple Green works good )and use a pressure washer to clean off the rest. Again if you are doing this in the driveway cover the areas around and under the Car!!!
 
Chris, thanks. My experience is with pre-'49 Fords. I see that the toe pan and trans cover are a whole, seamless unit. Looks like I can disconnect the block from the bell housing via the engine bay. Richard
 
richard rink said:
Chris, thanks. Looks like I can disconnect the block from the bell housing via the engine bay. Richard
Click to expand...
I don't think this is the right way to go. I've pulled a few 8BA's in my day. I think you would be wise to follow "JSeery's" advxce.
 
If you have a digital camera, it might be a good idea to take pictures of the components, like the clutch linkage, so you can put them back together correctly.
 
i have two 53s and have done motor removal and replacement on both. i would recommend pulling the trans with the motor attached. just remove the air dam and radiator and the transmission mounting from the "K" member and it should slide forward and come right out. it will be difficult to replace the motor and get the trans realigned.

also if you choose to leave the trans in, on the toe pan there are two holes to access the top two bolts on the motor, or you can remove the bell housing with the motor by removing the clutch linkage and the 4 trans to bell housing bolts....
 
You can get to all four transmission bolts from under the car. Its tight but you can. Leave the trans in and pull the engine itself. Its easier to finagle the engine out without the trans. Then you can get in the engine bay and clean everything up well with easy access to all the clutch apparatus and you can see how it all goes together. I have done this in 8BA cars all by myself numerous times.
 
Take plenty of photos for reference purposes AND don't forget to reinstall the throw out bearing. I learned by doing.
 
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