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Projects Where to begin

Discussion in 'Traditional Customs' started by Flatrateloser, Jul 27, 2025 at 8:45 AM.

  1. I’m here trying to educate myself and welcome any insight
    Presently looking at a 31 five window that original driveline is four cylinder but this one includes a flat head v8
    My question is if I pull the trigger on the conversion is that going to require any frame rail work to increase integrity or am I better off to find a car that was originally v8 heavy
    Thanks
     
    Sharpone likes this.
  2. RodStRace
    Joined: Dec 7, 2007
    Posts: 7,604

    RodStRace
    Member

    A 1931 Model A would only have a 4 cylinder. The V8 Ford was introduced in 1932.
    It was and is a common thing to swap in a flathead V8 or even later a OHV V8.
    The frame rails were often reinforced to handle the extra weight and power.
    I'd suggest looking through this site for "AV8" to learn more. There are also many books on the subject, the most highly recommended being Vern Tardel's How To.
    https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/av8-how-to-build-book.855313/
     
    Sharpone likes this.
  3. Probably should check with Bluebear on this.
     
    Squablow and Just Gary like this.
  4. RodStRace thank you
     
    Sharpone likes this.
  5. RodStRace
    Joined: Dec 7, 2007
    Posts: 7,604

    RodStRace
    Member

    You are welcome. As with any car purchase, I'd suggest a friend and/or knowledgeable person as a second pair of eyes and ears to check over the thing, especially if you aren't very familiar with the nuances of the model and mods.
     
    Flatrateloser and Sharpone like this.
  6. I just added a 1932 style K-member that I got from Vern Tardel that is sized to fit A's. Seems to be pretty adequate for a mild V8 and has been since 2007.

    506051515_23941327798820468_5501714473110572745_n.jpg 506051277_23941327632153818_4725768166865334108_n.jpg
     
    Just Gary and Flatrateloser like this.
  7. Well unfortunately I don’t have anyone close to me let alone someone with that kind of experience with vehicles of this kind of vintage so I’ll probably step back and continue educating myself while hunting for the right machine
     

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