Was wondering if i have to reverse the fire wall or cut it if installing a 53 flathead in a model a frame? Trying to stay traditional as i can
If you put it in just the right spot your radiator can stay in the stock location, and so can your firewall. no cutting required. It tight, but it fits! Steering box.... not so much. Im using an F1 box on mine.
It would depend on whether you are using a '28 '29 body or a '30 '31. The earlier stuff has a flater firewall and a bit more space because of it. The later firewall bumped out into the engine compartment by a couple of inches and most of the time you have to cut at least the center "v" of the firewall a bit.
i picked up a project model a with the 8ba flathead and driveline already installed. The engine is too far forward so the fan will hit the radiator. I just want to get on the road so I am pushing the radiator forward and not running a hood. Easiest way to gain a few inches (at least in my situation). If I slid the motor back, I would have to cut the firewall not to mention cut the torque tube and drive shaft. you can convert the front to 59ab style to save room, but that can be pricey if you don't have the parts laying around. ________ Hand Vaporizer
I got my motor mount dimesions from the Bishop & Tardel book, How to build a traditional hot rod. If you follow there directions it tells you exactly where to put the engine. I don't remember the exact # right now though... Im using an earlier 59ab style block on mine, but if you use truck pumps and the truck/merc bellhousing you can use a '39 trans and it should all fit! No cutting! Not even a "V".... Mine is a '30 coupe, Im running a long '46-'48 style distributor, and I even have room for a Generator mounted fan! Its tight, but it does fit!
You have ab 8BA like mine. You won't get it in there if you use the stock fan location with the double belt setup like it had originally. My fan is in the original location even though I used an alternator. Radiator and cowl are in stock model A location and a Model A hood fits perfectly. I had to recess that firewall about 3.5 to 4 inches. Car is a 31 Coupe.
Nice! Yeah, you wont get it in there with the stock fan setup with dual belts. Im running a single belt setup on mine with a '36 Generator/Fan mount. It fits great!
You need a short abbreviated intermediate bellhousing off either a pickup truck, or a mercury. It will have the correct bolt pattern for the '39 style toploader. Make sure you get a complete one! They have a front piece where the starter bolts on. There are several styles, stamped and cast. All will work fine for you. Not all the fronts and backs will work together though....
Heres a link for you to the tech archives on here. Its about bellhousings. Click on the pdf file. Its got pics. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=195957
Tank is right. Bellhousing from 49-53 ford truck or 49-50 Merc. Here is a pic of the engine and tranny plus a few of the car that you asked for.