I've got a shot at a cheap 49-53 Ford sideloader, I'm ***uming out of a shoebox, for cheap money. I'm wondering what, other than a Shoebox/Merc, these are good for or can be used for. For instance, I've got a couple Model A bangers sitting around and I'm picking up an 8BA out of a truck this weekend (with a 4spd). I couldn't really find much info on these by searching, so I figure they're either boat anchors or obscura due to being open drive and side-loading.
they're not very strong. even a stock flathead will knock 2d gear out of one. plus you'll have to use gl-1 oil because of all the br*** internals. good for parts or a restoration project.
Good to know, that explains why the guy wants $50. But is the bolt pattern the same as tje earlier toploaders? Would the process of applying one to a banger be the same?
regarding the toploaders, many of them had dual bolt patterns, so back when they were $100 a pop, it was an easy replacement for the 8ba.
Plus you will have to come up with an after-market floor shift conversion of some sort which is liable to place the shift lever too far to the rear for a Model A. Depends on your seating arrangement.
Well I went and took a look at it. He had it out with a model A engine and trans behind his shed. We looked at them sitting together and came to the conclusion that mating the two would probably be quite a bit of trouble, so I p***ed on it and only took the LaSalle sideloaders that I was really there for.
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