im putting a 59A in my 32 ford roaster project. im trying to determine the best mechanical fan choice based on distance from the radiator (stock) as well as up/down positioning for optimal cooling. Is there clearance to run the 4 blade fan from the 1947 59a or do i need to run a generator mounted fan like in 32? im open to either option, just want to make sure the fan has clearance to the rad while not being too far away. Does the 1947 fan put it down to far on the radiator to cool most efficiently? any advice on one way or the other is appreciated. im running a powergen alternator disguised as a generator (you know the one they offer). ive heard mounting a fan on this "generator" can wear out the bearing pretty quick so was leaning towards the 47 fan. thanks for the advice, -Steve
The best setup is to use a generator mounted fan - and make sure it is a 32 Fan. The 32 fan is specific to the year and should be about 3/4" or so from the radiator. Also, use the stock 32 front motor mounts - they bolt right up to ALL flathead blocks through 1953. Given the water pumps are different from 37 - 53, you'll have to notch/clearance the stock 32 motor mounts for fan belt clearance. The BEST option for the generator is to have a 1934 or so unit retrofitted by E.J. Whitney - they update the units with a special alternator core and the result looks just like an original early v8 generator. I've had one for about 7 years and it works perfectly. I know a LOT of folks using them and while they are not cheap, they built a heck of a good product for what you're about to do. Classic Automotive - Converting Vintage Automotive Generators to Alternators: E.J. Whitney Company, Inc. - Fullerton California
I can’t use the 32 engine mounts as I’m running a model A front cross member but I’ll make sure the engine position is the right distance from the rad and use a 32 fan. Good to know about the generator rebuilding service. Do you have contact details for that company? thanks!
Another bit of trivia that might be useful is that the fans got shorter over the years, '37 being the shortest. I wonder, does anyone make a Model A crossmember that uses the '32 mount pads? Be sure to check the fans carefully, people used to like to turn the engine over with the fan when working on it, it is amazing any of them survived. Charlie Stephens
I've never seen aftermarket crossmembers like that. When I built my sedan I cut the center out of the 32 crossmember and built a jig to use a model A center. while keeping the 32 motor mount pads.
There’s a few pics in my build thread. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/1932-ford-sedan-build.1192478/
I am beginning to think that I just dreamed I saw a repro front crossmember that was designed for the stock '32 motor mounts. Getting old will cause that. I sold the last V8 flathead powered Model A I owned in about 1965. Having said that, I believe most of the guys are using a mount that attaches to the frame (I think using the shock mount bolt holes) like in the attached photos. These should work with your 59A water pumps. The ones I show are from Vern Tardel but I believe there are a lot of choices out there. Charlie Stephens
something like these were the plan. I saw on another thread that they should be also supported/welded to the front crossmember to distribute the weight and lessen any flex on the frame.
Here is mine, FWIW. 59AB, frame motor mounts because of PO’s repro front crossmember, stock pumps, stock fan with adapter, but PowerGen faux generator. Stock, but boiled out 32 radiator. Runs cool.
Mine looks basically like that ^^^, but I didn’t have a 32 fan so I needed to make a spacer to get it closer to the radiator.
These look exactly like the '28-'34 "Frame Adapters" sold by Hurst in the fifties and sixties. Also, there is a member over on "The Ford Barn" who goes by "ndnchf" who is an expert on these generator/fan systems and also rebuilds them. He does very high quality work.
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