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?
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.