I'm getting ready to mount my engine a 322 Nailhead into my Model A coupe on 32 rails, Using a 39 Ford 3 speed behind it. Nailheads are quite sizable and I'm having some issues, please show me what you guys did. Thanks PS I've been looking at Rolfs coupe but would like to see some more stuff.
I just finished putting a 401 in 32 rails. I'll try to post some pictures. But I can tell you that since the motor is so long I moved the radiator forward about 1.5 inches to give myself a little extra room in the back. I'm still going to need to recess the firewall for the distributor. Jerry
Dreadman is fully aware of Rolf's post. I think we all are. Every time I need inspiration I know I go to it, and I am building a '31 Chevy with a Hemi. Great car and great build thread. I wonder if you PM ROLF though he may have some pics of other cars that gave him inspiration. Just a thought.
ahhh my experience with nailheads is 'dont put them in front of a ford trans' unless its a 4 SPEED RUG TOPLOADER, or similar. An old 36-38 buick floorshift will work, and will adapt to ford torq tube.
Any pictures. This is about mounting the engine, only If people would only read before they post. I clearly stated that I looked at Rolfs coupe. Give a good reason why not, if the 39 Ford 3 speed does not work, you should make a better case and explain why.
Don't have any pics here at work but I moved the rad forward 1 inch, used short 401 water pump and pulleys Also recessed the firewall 2 inches with a cutout for dist. I've got a Bendtsen adapter with a Tremec TKO 600 not a lot of room If I did it again I'd use hanging pedals not underfloor I also went with a electric fan out of neccesity Jeff
A couple of shots that may be of some help. This is my 30 coupe on a custom frame. Frame profile side view is 32, view from above is Model A. The rad and body are in stock location to allow running a original hood and a mechanical fan. Engine compartment is a little shorter than a 32. The engine is a 425 with short waterpump. The steering box is from a 70 Malibu connected to a GM Astro van intermediate shaft and a 70 GM column with outer tubes trimmed about 4 inches and the column shift retained. Trans is a SP400, don't know where I would put a clutch pedal. Using a modified F1 mount and pedal for the brake. Not sure where the exhaust will run. Headers are Sanderson block huggers. The firewall has been reversed and recessed about 4 inches to clear the engine.
Those engine mounts and firewall recess looks like they are taken straight from Rolf's build. Is that just a '32 outer frame plate grafted on a model a frame. Sort of like faux deuce rail? You crazy HAMBER's are always coming up with something new huh?
These are old pictures. This install was done about the same time that Rolf was doing his. The frame mounts are hammer formed 3/16 steel. The recessed part of the firewall is the section cut out and moved back to retain the beads. The sides of the recess were hammer formed to give a nice roll at the firewall and the recess. The frame is 2 x 5 tube cut to the same profile as a 32.
sorry I didnt explain about the 39 ford trans. Simply they are just not strong enough to withstand the torq of A nailhead. I've always thought that mounting, an engine was inclusive with the transmission. Goodluck with your build.
Got '31 Ford with 364 as a project. Model A frame with kick-up in both ends. Non-chopped pick-up body, and she'll get shortened bed. Been thinkin' this same issue, because nailheads are such long engines. Didn't weld big recess to firewall... only moved whole body rear two inches, and lengthened frame from the front end. Now I only had to make recess for distributor. Engine is very close to firewall and radiator, tolerances are small. Bad thing is that 'cause I've got 5 inch kick-up in frame and 4" drop I-beam, I'll have to mount engine quite high. I mean it's high when iyou compare it to height of cowl. But gotta do that, 'cause I want to drive with my car also... But how this movement of body and small lengthening of frame affects on proportions and stance is interesting, because those things are important for me. Maybe not at all... or maybe too much? We'll see...
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