rearend

Hey guys gonna run a 53 olds motor in a model a.....should I run the 53 olds rear...or Ford rear?

 

Do you want carry 1 or 2 spares?

 

Gears may be easier to find for the ford.

 

I think (you need me to check to be sure) if you run the olds rear end you can run the Cadillac wire wheels (see photos, you can get adapters to run early Ford hubcaps) in the back and bent spoke Kelsey's in the front. Different wheels but with the same hub caps they look good together. You need to carry a wheel adapter to be able to use one spare with two stud patterns.

Charlie Stephens

 

If you mean the Model A rear end then by all means use the Olds. If you mean a Ford 8" or 9" then go with the Ford.

The Model A rear will grenade itself as soon as you put the pedal down.

 

A couple of more thoughts. What transmission are you running? The Olds probably had a 4 speed hydro (a good transmission but probably expensive to rebuild today) with a low first gear. The rear end ratio is probably high (3.08 or higher?). Makes for a quiet running car. Have you checked the width of the rear end? Are you running fenders? If by Ford rear end you mean the Model A, definitely don't do it.

Charlie Stephens

 

Come on Olds guys .... Olds motor needs the Olds rear because it just looks right....BUT, they are 60" axle flange to axle flange.

I'd measure your car to see what is the best width first..fenders or no fenders, and if you plan on a deep dish wheel or skinny steelies. Maybe you need a narrower rear that I did on my 32. Mine has 324 with 55 Olds rear. My rear 1939 16" Studebaker steelies are widened one inch on the inside.

 

haha....no spares

 

thanks for the info cool wheels

 

ya ford 9in.....didnt think model a could handle the power...thanks

 

the plan is a t5 trans....no fenders.....ford 9in

 

thanks f&j gonna run no fenders....thinkin the olds rear maybe too wide