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Technical Fitting a V8 Flathead into a model A

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Fordson kro, Apr 17, 2019.

  1. Fordson kro
    Joined: Mar 5, 2018
    Posts: 14

    Fordson kro
    Member
    from Surrey UK

    Hi, Can anyone give me some idea of what would be involved in fitting a V8 flathead engine into a standard model A (be it a coupe / roadster or sedan etc.)...would the standard chassis be sufficient to take the V8 or would it need boxing / strengthening.....is the 4 banger transmission the same fitting as the V8 or would this also need upgrading also would you need to alter the rear end....is it simple to upgrade to juice brakes.... Just curious as to me this would make a real nice sleeper as it were.
    sorry for the dumb questions, but i'm sure there will many of you who have done similar upgrades.
    Many thanks in advance for any feedback / advice..

    cheers keith
     
    1930BeachRat likes this.
  2. drtrcrV-8
    Joined: Jan 6, 2013
    Posts: 1,707

    drtrcrV-8
    Member

    You can get almost all the answers by buying Vern Tardel's book : Hot rod your model "A", as it is an instruction manual for just the question(s) you've asked.
     
    1930BeachRat and patmanta like this.
  3. flatford39
    Joined: Dec 3, 2006
    Posts: 2,799

    flatford39
    Member

    You need to get Vern Tardell's book that describes this in great detail. It will show you how to do it.
     
  4. patmanta
    Joined: May 10, 2011
    Posts: 3,872

    patmanta
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Woburn, MA
    1. MASSACHUSETTS HAMB

    Probably near close to half ( or, just A LOT) of the build threads here on the HAMB are AV8's. Search for "AV8" and you will find more than you can read in a month.
     
    Pist-n-Broke likes this.

  5. B Bay Barn
    Joined: Dec 27, 2009
    Posts: 468

    B Bay Barn
    Member

    1930BeachRat likes this.
  6. rusty rocket
    Joined: Oct 30, 2011
    Posts: 5,053

    rusty rocket
    Member

    Vern is the Man!! Met him at the grand national a few years ago, he's a no nonsense blue collar guy!
     
  7. You don't need Tardel's Book. Just go to the Top of this page and on the left side of the header is a magnifying glass icon. Click on it and put in A-V8 then just start reading. You will be shocked at how much Good info is on here with photos along with every combination out there. I bet there is at least 20 builds going on right now on just that.
     
  8. Fordson kro
    Joined: Mar 5, 2018
    Posts: 14

    Fordson kro
    Member
    from Surrey UK

    Fantastic guy's....many thanks for all the prompt replies.....i just knew this would be the place to get this info...what an amazing website !!

    cheers keith
     
  9. Dago 88
    Joined: Mar 4, 2006
    Posts: 2,310

    Dago 88
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    I have had my pick on the road 18 years with an unboxed chassis and a stock Model A rear end which bolts strait up to a V8 closed drive gear box. I broke an axle about ten years ago, other than that no problems. It is a strait forward swap. Good luck , & be sure to post pic's. :) 11752565_880708115317810_554346474359318128_n.jpg
     
    LSGUN, IronFord, alchemy and 4 others like this.
  10. belair
    Joined: Jul 10, 2006
    Posts: 9,013

    belair
    Member

    You radical visionary, you.
     
  11. patmanta
    Joined: May 10, 2011
    Posts: 3,872

    patmanta
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Woburn, MA
    1. MASSACHUSETTS HAMB

    If you dig around enough, you will likely find some UK AV8 builds too, which may have some specifics that are relevant.
     
  12. patmanta
    Joined: May 10, 2011
    Posts: 3,872

    patmanta
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Woburn, MA
    1. MASSACHUSETTS HAMB

    Come to think of it, if you change the title of this thread to FITTING A V8 FLATHEAD INTO A MODEL A (in the UK), you might draw out some of the UK HAMBers to give you some insight, fellowship, and local resources.
     
    1930BeachRat and Texas Webb like this.
  13. Tin Lizzie
    Joined: Oct 19, 2010
    Posts: 1,663

    Tin Lizzie
    Member
    from Ohio

    Killer truck! How did you get it to sit like that?
     
    Dago 88 and Pist-n-Broke like this.
  14. He knew what he was doing! Excellent stance.
     
    Dago 88 likes this.
  15. weemark
    Joined: Sep 1, 2002
    Posts: 830

    weemark
    Member
    from scotland

    no you don't need to box an A chassis if you are using a flathead. they are plenty strong enough for a flattie.

    you could fit the banger gearbox to the flattie but better to go with the 3spd or change to another gearbox like a volvo 4spd or a T5.

    The std A rear end wont be the most reliable with a flattie, better to change it to a v8 banjo axle.

    you can get a bolt on juice brake kit from MT car products http://www.mtcarproducts.com/MODEL-A-KIT.html but if you go to a V8 axle that will have juice brakes on it so you don't need a kit as such, you could just buy front juice brakes.
     
  16. Dago 88
    Joined: Mar 4, 2006
    Posts: 2,310

    Dago 88
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Thanks "Tin Lizzie", I used a 4" axle with reversed eyes on the springs . the rest is tyre rake. 7.50 x 16 rears & 5.50 x 16 front. :)
     
  17. If you go to a V8 banjo it will be wider and the wheels may hang out a little from the fenders. You could have it narrowed ($). You are also going to need to shorten the torque tube ($). If you keep your foot out of it the Model A rear end should not be a problem.

    Charlie Stephens
     
  18. Fordson kro
    Joined: Mar 5, 2018
    Posts: 14

    Fordson kro
    Member
    from Surrey UK

    Thanks again for all the replies guy's...
     
  19. Using your Foot isn't the issue that causes broken axles, it's the Tire patch on the ground, the dia. of said Tire and how well it stays connected to the Asphalt.
     

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