Technical AV8 crossmember

So from sound advice from y'all I've decided to bail on a frame I was looking at and start collecting parts for a AV8 project. Is this a good crossmember to use?

 

Yes

 

Help, I am confused. Are all of those pictures of the same crossmember? The last picture looks like the hole in the center has been enlarged, if so I would pass or plan on doing some repair work. FYI here is the way I mounted the master cylinder in my '32 using the stock brake pedal.

Charlie Stephens

 

It certainly is. That's a 1932 Ford K member. Very desirable and worth a decent buck.

 

Oh that's awesome news.

 

Yes it's the same one just different angles. I don't see any repair work done to it.

 

You're being sarcastic, right?

 

No this is my first model A. I want to put a flathead in it read a couple books the good people on here told me to check out. Then found a frame they told me to stay away from so now collecting parts.

 

Must be the camera angle.

Charlie Stephens

 

I definitely see what your talking about but yes it must be the angle.

 

Cross member looks cool,dont kknow how much fab and welding that plywood floor is going to take though

 

Lmao yes it could get ugly fast.

 

It appears to be a deuce crossmember but the pedal mounting situation has me concerned.

I am using an F-1 crossmember and I can tell you it is a lot easier to adapt to the Model A frame than the deuce one.

 

Thanks for that info. I have a lot of collecting to do before I get started so will definitely keep that in mind.

 

What years should I be looking for?

 

I imagine you've been directed to the Bishop/Tardel book.

 

Yes a few have told me to start there.

 

If you want too use an F1 crossmember, get one from a 48-52 pickup. They don't use the forward legs like that 32 crossmember, and are a little easier to install. A LOT cheaper too. If you use an F1 crossmember you can use a late 40's rear mount on the toploader transmission, which is also easier to find and cheaper than a 32 trans mount.

A few guys have shown how they installed them here in the HAMB, but I don't where those threads are in particular. Try a search for F1 crossmember?

 

Awesome thanks for your info. I'll start looking for one of them. I like easier and love cheaper lol

 

Ive used a 32 K member in my AV8. LOTS of work cutting, welding, heating, bending etc. Everything incl the pedals has been significantly cut down to fit the A frame. However for a guy without much engineering smarts it's a great opportunity to resolve many issues while creating a few more.

 

This is very good advice

 

I'm defiantly likening the f1 plan more and more. Wonder why the 32 cost so much more then?

 

maybe because it fits in a 32 frame

 

Everything "32" costs more. But your A doesn't need 32 parts, so there are alternatives.

When you find an F1 crossmember and pedal assembly, also get the clutch cross shaft and ball mount that goes to the frame rail. If you can get the whole transmission for a reasonable price, that would be good too. If you want an open driveshaft, make sure to get the F1 shaft for the yoke. If you want a closed torquetube, you can convert the rear of the toploader trans to closed drive with cheap 48 Ford passenger car parts.

 

Awesome thanks for the info.

 

Here's a thread with good pics of how it's done: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/elrod-model-a-coupe-thrash-flathead-v8-time.671975/page-4

 

Thank you very much I put it on my watch list I'll definitely be checking it out when I get to the building part. I'm parts collecting now. I found a frame on here but it's all the way in Oklahoma. Oops I mean Missouri.

 

I generally use low-oak rod for all my plywood welding. Much tougher than pine

 

Now thats funny! Lmao!