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Technical Model a with a donor

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by 49 fordge, Jan 5, 2019.

  1. 49 fordge
    Joined: Nov 28, 2011
    Posts: 27

    49 fordge
    Member
    from Floral, Ar

    Hi guys it’s been a while.
    I recently purchased a 29 model a Tudor. The body’s pretty nice but the engine was crap. So I have decided to buil a sort of period hot rod. I have purchased a touring long block with a bigger cam from Antique Engine Rebuilders. A high compression head and a lightened flywheel. A set of Reds headers, and a Weber carb and intake setup. Also a electronic, centrifugal advanced distributor.
    I’m gonna try to get it lower to the ground and I have talked to Okie Joe about a drop axel. On the rear I understand that you can use a model t spring to get it lower. Is that a standard height or a lowered model t spring?
    I have been considering running the mechanical brakes, and upgrading to cast iron drums, with Flat Head Teds kits.
    I also have the physical remains of a 46 f100. It was a v8 truck. The engine is long gone but the transmission, rear end and all the brake components are still there.
    So here is where we began.
    I know the model a trans are unsychronized. I have one that has just been rebuilt. The f100 transmission, if I’m not mistaken is sychronized. So would I be better with the model a transmission or should I use the transmission from the f100? The f100 is open driveshaft. But uses standard leaf springs and I hadn’t planed on getting away from the transverse spring. I know I would have to have an adapter kit for the pedals. Anything else I would have to have? Are there any other benefits to changing to the f100 trans and rear end?
    Next I know there is a lot of debate between early juice brakes and mechanical brakes. But the f100 has all of its components there and as I understand these are a fairly easy swap.
    WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?
     
  2. dirt t
    Joined: Mar 20, 2007
    Posts: 5,364

    dirt t
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    1. HAMB Old Farts' Club

    Check the tread width as the F1 is wider.
    F100 is 1953-1956
     
  3. alchemy
    Joined: Sep 27, 2002
    Posts: 22,275

    alchemy
    Member

    A 46 is an F-1. The brakes from an F-1 pickup will almost bolt on with a simple adapter kit (very cheap) and a little drilling and filing. Then the pedal adapter kit to mount the master cylinder would also be required.

    Adapting the open drive transmission is a whole nother can of worms though. Lots of fab or much more complicated kits, if they are even available. I don't advise using that trans if you aren't up for major work.

    You could use the trans as a start for a good closed drive conversion though. Adapting a later closed drive trans to an A is a common operation and I'm sure someone will post a link to threads showing the work required. Finding the closed drive output shaft and rear mount parts is probably as close as the HAMB classifieds.
     

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