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Question - dimensions between firewall and radiator

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Boones, Jul 25, 2004.

  1. Boones
    Joined: Mar 4, 2001
    Posts: 9,691

    Boones
    Member
    from Kent, Wa
    1. Northwest HAMBers

    I need to know what the dimensions isfrom the firewall (of a 28/29 Model A sedan) to the radiator sitting on 32 rails. I know it more then stock Model A but do I still need to sink the firewall to fit a SBC in it. I am thinking of moving the front crossmember forward from 1 to 2" inches (like Brizio does) if I can prevent cutting the firewall
     
  2. Boones
    Joined: Mar 4, 2001
    Posts: 9,691

    Boones
    Member
    from Kent, Wa
    1. Northwest HAMBers

    I can not believe no one on here has a 28/29 on 32 rails...

    bttt
     
  3. Deuce Roadster
    Joined: Sep 8, 2002
    Posts: 9,519

    Deuce Roadster
    Member Emeritus

    [​IMG]









    I have a 32 on 32 rails...........if that helps....... [​IMG]




    BTTT for ya.....

    [​IMG]
     
  4. Boons; I don't have the magic number. When faced with this kind of question I would measure the motor I'm going to use then move things acordingly.
    The Wizzard
     
  5. Boones
    Joined: Mar 4, 2001
    Posts: 9,691

    Boones
    Member
    from Kent, Wa
    1. Northwest HAMBers

    good idea if I was welding up the frame up myself. I am going to order a preweld perimeter set up so I have to know in advance...

    Still looking for info
     
  6. Boons; How about getting the measuerments of a banger motor and a S.B.C. and just adding the additional length of the chev motor to the frame. I can't belive no body has responded that has a S.B. A-Bone. The total lengh of a small block from back of block to tip of short waterpump is 27 1/2" tight. I don't have a banger motor around here. Sorry I can't be more help.
    The Wizzard
     
  7. AnimalAin
    Joined: Jul 20, 2002
    Posts: 3,416

    AnimalAin
    Member

    The hood top on my car ('29 on Deuce rails, '29 shell) is about 30 1/8 inches, plus a little gap at each end.
     
  8. aussiesteve
    Joined: Jan 6, 2004
    Posts: 808

    aussiesteve
    BANNED

    Hey Boones
    I just measured the hiboy and from the front edge of the f/wall to the radiator centerline is 31 1/8 inches.
    Hope this helps.Let me know if you need other measurements.
     
  9. 3bytheknee
    Joined: Nov 1, 2003
    Posts: 307

    3bytheknee
    Member
    from Sonora, CA

    [ QUOTE ]
    I need to know what the dimensions isfrom the firewall (of a 28/29 Model A sedan) to the radiator sitting on 32 rails. I know it more then stock Model A but do I still need to sink the firewall to fit a SBC in it. I am thinking of moving the front crossmember forward from 1 to 2" inches (like Brizio does) if I can prevent cutting the firewall

    [/ QUOTE ]

    Boones,

    The stock 28/29 hood is 28" long. I moved the radiator 1-1/2" forward, have a recessed firewall, and still have to cut a little more upward around the distributor on a SBC to get the distributor in and out. I have the engine mounted fairly high to assure ground clearance. I used a short water pump and a standard pump-mounted fan. The clearance turned out just right with the 5-row shortened radiator. With the upward curve of the 32 rails I had to shorten the radiator 2" to get the hood line right.

    There are some project photos at http://img57.photobucket.com/albums/v174/Threebytheknee/

    Have fun,
     
  10. burger
    Joined: Sep 19, 2002
    Posts: 2,374

    burger
    Member


    Boones-

    My radiator sits 28" away from my firewall. That's in a '31 Chevy with an uncut firewall. I have an advantage though -- the Chevy firewall has a small built-in recess. Without it, I think you're looking at 30" MINIMUM from flat firewall to radiator (with a short waterpump and mechanical fan).


    Ed
     
  11. 3bytheknee
    Joined: Nov 1, 2003
    Posts: 307

    3bytheknee
    Member
    from Sonora, CA

    Just went back to the shop and measured. The rear of the extra thick radiator is 29" from the firewall. The firewall is located exactly on line with the split between the block and bell housing. There is an additional 4" recess (actually just a little less than the advertized 4") in the firewall as provided by the metal body maker.

    Hope this helps with your planning.
     
  12. Deuce Rails
    Joined: Feb 1, 2002
    Posts: 2,016

    Deuce Rails
    Member

    Can you (or have you) gained any extra clearance by reversing the firewall?
     
  13. Reversing a 30-31 firewall is very challanging! First off the taper around the perimeter is an issue. The radius in the top corners take some work then the ribbs and the coil mount are facing the wrong direction. I have done it but wouldn't recomend it for the novis. It did gain me about 4 1/2" in the motor compartment but then I lost it in the foot aeria. The other issue was the floor board lip was facing the wrong direction and the steering column notch was on the other side. I did work through all of these problems and metal finished the firewall but like I said, "Not for the Novis"
    The Wizzard
     
  14. Deuce Roadster
    Joined: Sep 8, 2002
    Posts: 9,519

    Deuce Roadster
    Member Emeritus

    [ QUOTE ]
    I need to know what the dimensions isfrom the firewall (of a 28/29 Model A sedan) to the radiator sitting on 32 rails.

    [/ QUOTE ]


    A 1932 Ford frame is 2 and 1/2 inches longer than a Model A (wheelbase)..............most of it is in the engine area. I would get Buster to rough in he frame. To fit the 29 body. He has built more Deuce frames than anyone else in 500 mile radius (or more).

    [​IMG]
     
  15. Boones
    Joined: Mar 4, 2001
    Posts: 9,691

    Boones
    Member
    from Kent, Wa
    1. Northwest HAMBers

    Thanks for the info so far. I can get stock 32 meausurements and now compare to what you guys have come up with.. I do not want to cut or recess the firewall on my 29 as with no hood it looks so much better uncut in my opinion.

    Randy, I had not thought about Buster but he might be a good choice..
     

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