i picked up a 322 nailhead a couple of weeks ago for my model a.first question is can i run the nailhead without having to recess the firewall?it seems that all the model a's with nailheads have to recess the firewall.my coupes got an old checkerboard firewall that was done in the early 60's and i really wanted to leave it as is(rust spots and all) Second question is what tranny are you guys with nailheads running?i want to run a 5speed but am starting to think i may just go with an automatic so i can get it on the road sooner.what auto tranny should i use?350,400,what about the stock tranny?i hear the stock tranny sucks for a hot rod,size, weight and performance are not up to hot rod specs. thanks in advance for any help
If your running fenders and a stock Model A frame you will probly have to recess the fire wall if your going to cut up a Model A frame and run it fender less then you can make it fit with out a recess... you also have to remember that the starter on a nailhead is on the driver side.. it makes it a bitch to get the steering box in the right place...so cross steering is a good solution... again if your running fenders it will be OK.. As for trannys the T-5 is a good set up with an s10 tail shaft,,, Check out Rolf Tech article..in the tech section ...it has allot of good things..
If you go with an automatic like a TH350 or TH400, you'll need an adaptor kit. Bendsten's and Wilcap's sells them: http://www.wilcap.com/webdoc8.html http://www.transmissionadapters.com/ I'm using a nailhead in my '33 3-window, but it's fenderless with an open engine bay. If I ran the former I'd probably need to recess the firewall. As you can see from the photo, things get tight with the starter being on the driver's side: I went the 4-speed route and mated it to a Super T-10. -Lee Atomic Radio www.atomicpinup.com
it does have fenders and original frame.im trying to change the least amount possible.(its and old 50's hot rod)but im open to maybe taking off the fenders.hey lee martin what did you have to do to use the t-10?ill post some pics as soon as i get a chance.not on my own computer
The Super T-10 conversion was pretty easy. I went with an EELCO bellhousing adaptor and flywheel combination (if I had to do it again, I'd go with Bendsten's.....long story, but the parts themselves worked fine). The only trouble was trying to fit a slave cylinder behind the motor. Things are tight on the drivers side due to the starter, so I used a RAM hydraulic throwout bearing. -Lee Atomic Radio www.atomicpinup.com
Setting up a 30 coupe with a nailhead, running a stock hood and fenders. This is a side shot with the engine in place. The firewall has been reversed and recessed approximately 4" in the centre to clear the distributor. The engine is offset about 1/2" to the passenger side and clears the steering but is snug. Steering is transverse using a Saginaw box from a 70 Malibu, a interm shaft and U joints from a Astro van and a 74 GM van column. The engine has a short waterpump which helps some. Has adequate clearance to run a mechanical fan behind a 4 core rad. Canuck
its so tight onthe drivers side when you use A raills, i got a starter from tom telvo(spell?) he is on teambuick web site a SMART buick man,it allows so much room for a ford box!
Andy, It will suck to loose that firewall but you all ready know it won't last for shit. Cut out the firewall, save it as an art piece in your garage and make a new firewall. I'll lay new checks on it.
I had a 364 NH in my old 29 PU. When I bought it, it already had a Turbo 400 bolted to it with no adaptor. It boggled me and some of the old timers but I had one old timer tell me they were availible one or twor years. The 364 was a 1959 according to the ID #rs, but not sure on the trans. I did have work done on the started in order for it to engage the flex plate properly. Sorry I would pull some measurments and numbers for you if I still had it. I dont think my pic will help much. I agree with Chis, make a new FW if needed and dress you garage with the old.
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