Could I adapt F1 steering and brakes to '35 Ford front-end?

[Rand Man]

I am starting a ’28 model A project. I think I have a '35 or '36 Ford front-end assembly. It has the "wide five" hubs. I also have a '49 F1 to rob parts from. I think I could use the '35 axle and wishbones (split) on the A. I've heard of using the F1 box. What about using the old '35 spindles? The ‘35 is a cross steer set up. All you see in the catalogs are '37 to '41 or sometimes '48 ford spindles. What steering arms should I use? Could I adapt the F1 spindles, steering arms,and brakes to the early axle?

[Deuce Rails]

The reason you always see '37 to '41 or sometimes '48 spindles in the catalogs is because this is when Ford switched to hydraulic brakes. 35-36 originally used mechanical brakes, but can be converted by an inexpensive kit available at Mac's or Speedway.

Are you planning on cross-steer or side-steer?

--Matt

[Rand Man]

I'm considering mounting the F1 (side steer) steering box in the cowl and extending the shaft out. The car will be channeled, but I dont know how much.

[krooser]

The wide five's were used from '36 to '39...use the '36 axle and split the 'bones and use the F-1 box with an aftermarket steering arm that mounts to the left side spindle giving you parallel steering. You can adapt the F-! brakes to the early ('36) by using a Model A hydraulic brake adaptor available from ant Model A vendor... you won't need it for a later ('37 to '39) spindle.

[SamIyam]

I've never seen poictures of someone who put F-1 brakes on early Ford spindles... F-100, sure... but F-1?

So, does anyone have pics? If so, what bearings are used and what modifications to the spindles and backing plates are required?
Sam.

[manyolcars]

I used 53-56 Ford pickup brakes on my 35/36 spindles---because I knew it would work--The Ford pickup brake shoes are the same 48 to 66 so it sounds like your brakes should also work. Try it and let us know. All Fords used mechanical brakes until 1939. The center hole of the pre 37 backing plates is smaller, requiring a spacer for the later backing plate to fit. You will need the spacer. Cross steering is better, no bumpsteer.

[rodrelic]

Also to note, a Street Rodder magazine article once stressed the leingth had to be the same on the split bones as the drag link. Was explained in the article, but with the end of the drag link centered over the axle and perches over the axle, the steering arm would have to be lined up with the pivot point of the wishbone. Therefore with cowl steering the wishbone should also go back that far. The stock F2 box and collumn I have wasn't going to work out according to this theory. I retained the cross steer, after '36 they were improved, use '37 and up box for this application. Since the model A frame is narrower the steering link will need to be threaded more and cut off a couple of inches to center the steering.

[The Harpoon]

C.W. Moss has the kits to adapt hydraulic to mechanical spindles.

www.cwmoss.com (http://www.cwmoss.com)

[Rand Man]

Thanks a lot guys! This is just the type of help I needed. I'm going to try and drag out the old parts soon.