Hot Rods A/v8 question

Im building a frame for a friends A/V8, and i need a quick measurement. He's running a 59ab flatty, and i was wondering how far back does the motor go from the front cross member? Body is a 31' 5 window. Frame is 31' as well

I dont have access to the body to check the fit.

Thanks!

Marty

 

bump

 

You're gonna think I'm being a smart**** when I say "far enough forward to clear the firewall and far enough back for the fan to clear the radiator", but that's the truth. Fact is, everyone comes up with something different because of the many variables. Don't finalize your mount location until you have the body on the frame and radiator in place.

Bob

 

i think the plan now is just tack the mounts in, and go from there.

REALLY wish i had the body to work with.

 

heres a couple of pics from my old 29 with a 59AB

 

I bought my 29 already done, I had to make a long fan spacer, it could have come up more for sure.The firewall was also notched to clear.

 

After giving a a somewhat smart**** answer in my first response, I felt guilty. So, I went and did some measuring. I have a '29 RPU AV8 in progress. I'm using a '42 Merc that has had the water pumps and gen pulley setup converted to the earlier single belt set up. I put the body on the frame and slid the engine back until the fuel pump stand / breather tube just touched the firewall. From the center of the radiator mounting hole to the center of the hole in the mounting bracket is currently 6 3/4", but I'm going to move the engine forward about a 1/2" to gain some firewall clearance. So, 6 1/4" will probably work for my set up.

Bob

 

And if those numbers are meaningful to you then take out another 2" for the difference in firewalls between a '29 and the '30/31.

If it would be of any help, and you want to trek up the hill here to Maple Valley, you're welcome to come take some measurements from my '30 coupe body. I don't have an A frame anymore, but we could do some measurements from the mounting holes to get you in the ballpark. Your call.

 

Ill try to check Sun. afternoon, but I think you will have to do some work on the firewall no mater what.

 

on a side note....I know this might seem like a stupid question...but everyones gotta learn sometime...what does a/v8 mean? Just a v8 powered model a? I figured that, but wasn't sure why people make sure they describe their car as that. I'm putting on my nomex right now...ready to be flamed hahaha

 

A-V8 is a v8 flathead powered model a on a model a frame..

 

There is no fixed measurement because 59As came in many variations. It depends on the pulleys you've got, and whether you're going to run the stock fan, also the distributor.
The crab dissy cap is shorter than the later one with inner and outer caps, and ditching the stock fan should gain a bit of space. It's very tight and Bobscogin was right when he posted his first post.

 

According to page 27 in the Bishop/Tardel book,"How To Build A Traditional Ford Hot Rod", the distance from the forward edge of a motor mount fabricated from 2"X3" rectangular tubing should be 3" back from the radiator mounting hole. That would make the distance from the radiator mounting hole to the center of the rubber biscuit 4 1/2". They used a 59A series block...

 

4.5-5 inches center rad hole to engine hole

you need a 32-39 generator mounted fan

 

Buy the Bishop Tardel Book.. Its a great source if your buliding a AV8

I read it last night and it has a ton of info for flathead/Av8 guys.. I gives a ton of traditional ideas/facts old school hard work solutions..

Lots better than a speedway catalogue!!