I'm new to early Fords and want to know more about this car. Is this a stock front axle on this '31 that has disc brakes added?
tough to see Abe, but it doesnt look like a "A" axle to me. looks more like '40- maybe 48. yes the disk were added. Get us a better picture and get some measurements
Unfortunately that's the only pic I have. It's a car I may be doing a trade for but want to know more about the front end. It sits real high and wide.....not to mention the radiator doesnt fit the shell,lol.
I am almost certain that is a 47-8 axle and wishbone. The spindles are either 37-41 or 42-8 (most likely). It appears to have a cross steer box of some type. I'd guess the radiator was not meant for that shell either.
Don't know what it IS, but know what it isn't. Not a '31 as they didn't have tube shocks, or mounting provisions like that for them.
Looks like a 46- 48 axle to me as well. If you are asking if you could put in an original Model A axle to make the track width right yes you can & I suspect that you could use all the disc brake parts and spindles from the 46 48 axle and make it work. Radiator looks like one of those aftermarket chinese aluminum ones that are being sold on ebay pretty cheap. Maybe if it was painted radiator black it would look better. I would get a dropped A axle and redo it correctly. 3.5" drop with reversed eye spring A spring would get it looking right. What kind of drive train does that thing have??
The only info Ive got so far is 355 with TH350 and "3 link" rear suspension. I just don't know much about early Ford A's so Im trying to educate myself a bit before taking the 100 mile trek to check it out.
Shitcanning the disc setup will pull the wheels way in. Look at the scrub radius the way it is... If you are Ok with the height and If the tires don't hit the bones on tight turns, and if it has a good turning radius,.... I'd keep that axle, and go to drums.
That axle in the Model A is not what is causing the front end to be that high. A 48 axle has more drop than a Model A axle. As others have said, drums will make it narrower. Neal
Thanks for everyone's input. If I do get this A it will need to sit lower all around and the wheels pulled in. Even in the back they stick out too far.
I guess it really just depends on what you want in a model A. If you like the way it looks and it's safe and functional, then go for it. If you'd want to change much more than the front axle, tires, wheels, you may want to find something else to start with unless the price is stupid cheap. I'd take a good look at the three link rear suspension to make sure it's not cobbled together, binding, non functional crap. I've seen lots of multilink suspensions that looked ok, but were neither safe nor functional. Sent from my DROID device using the TJJ mobile app
The deep dish wheel make it wider, The headlights look in trouble bolted directly to the shell. The left headlight is banging on the fender,
That side view; the car looks like it was in nice condition before it was built. The lower body edge looks good as well as the door gaps. They even got the rear axle centered Nice car to upgrade or change to suit yourself.
Reversing the front spring will give it some drop. Part of the problem may be the small diameter of the wheel which make the wheelwell look empty. Neal
It needs a light bar and a grill screen to look right, It would look 100% better with bumpers. Those front tires look like old fashion SNOW tires,
The wishbone is 46-48 with the front perches cut off. You could get a model A axle and have it dropped an use it with the wishbones and spindles/brakes. You would have to use the correct front spring for the axle.
A stocker:Can you believe it? , The first one I see is the same color !!!!! Henry Ford said he was good with any color as long as it was black,,,, Are we havin fun yet ?
It does look like a real good start and if I do get it, upgrading it and improving it to my tastes is exactly what I'd do. Interior and trunk are real nice!
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