Technical flat head in a model a

putting a 59ab flathead in a model a do i have to trim the front cross member for crank pully clearance

 

What a purist from the Ford Barn has to say:

 

I'm also putting a flathead into a Model A. I was told I should expect to trim the front cross member for pulley clearance.

 

Here you go!

 

Thanks for that picture, @j ripper. Can't speak for the original poster, but it was just what I needed to see.

 

Richard:

If you use the single belt pulley set up for the larger crank snout (I know what the pulley looks like, just forget the year) and a fan mounted generator, you shouldn't have to or very slightly. Most folks do since the rear of the crossmember is a bit bulky when not using the Model A motor mounts any longer.

Any other set up will cause the pulley to hit that rearward lip of a Model A crossmember.

If you don't have it already, this Tardell book is an excellent resource. Walks you through every step with clear pictures and explanations.

https://www.verntardel.com/store/p397/Vern_Tardel_-_Hot_Rod_Your_Model_A_-_Second_Edition.html

 

Not sure what your end goal is for car appearance, but what I did for fitting 8ba into model a was I knocked out all the bolts holding front crossmember in, and pushed it forward 1.5" existing holes lined up, just had to drill a few new ones. I did this because I wanted to keep original crossmember and I wanted to use stock mechanical fan from 48-52 f1 truck.

The extra 1.5" isn't noticeable, the only thing it messes with is hood, fender length. All depends what direction you're heading. Can get you some pictures if needed.

 

Since you have a 59AB type engine - you only need a single sheeve pulley to drive the water pumps and the fan. I tend to use a 40 pulley that was designed for a crank-mount fan and then put the pulley in a lathe and cut the front flange off and also trim the length to just past the end of the crank snout. This is a compact as you can get it.

Here is the one you want to start with - then cut the end off and trim to length:

 

This is the pulley you need for a one belt set up.

 

The pulley above is exactly what you want to end up with. If you can find one like that - buy it, or buy the one that I show and cut the end off. There pulleys are designed for 37 - 48 type water pumps and a front-mount distributor.

 

Here's what I did.....