Ford Flathead 4 vs V-8 Frames?
 

Hello All!

I am new to the site & to the Model A. I am wondering what the diffrences are in the 27' - 31, chassis & what is required to switch from a Flathead 4 to a Flathead V-8?

Also, is the 32' considered a Model A? I only ask because, when I Google " What years was the Ford Model A produced?" the answer I get is "27'-31' "?

Thank you in advance!

Chris

Re: Ford Flathead 4 vs V-8 Frames?
 

32 with a 4cyl is a Model B. 32 with a V8 is known as a V8.

The Model A run was 28-31

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Re: Ford Flathead 4 vs V-8 Frames?
 

Google flathead ford v8 in model a.Much info will come up.Do lots of reading,books by Vern Tardel and Mike Bishop are a good start.

Re: Ford Flathead 4 vs V-8 Frames?
 

I would assume that the '32 V-8 frame is a lot different than the '32 Model B frame.

Re: Ford Flathead 4 vs V-8 Frames?
 

the best that I recall , the 32 s with V8s were sometimes called the model 18 .

Re: Ford Flathead 4 vs V-8 Frames?
 

its called an AV8,pretty common build,flathead V8 in a model A. Flathead V8's run hot and are prone to cracking.In 1932 Ford had a 96% casting rejection rate with the V8. The earlier V8s fit best in an A,the 221 cu in models..thats a whopping 21 more cubic inches than a stock A. Model A engine torque rise is quicker and with some performance modifications will match the torque of the 85 hp V8.So it may be sexy to have the V8 you better put the money out to hop it up or some guy with a hot A 4 cylinder will eat your lunch..

'32 Ford 4 cyl a model B,'32 Ford 8cyl a model 018.

stay with the 85 hp models.. the 60hp V8 wont pull you're hat off.

Re: Ford Flathead 4 vs V-8 Frames?
 

Katy: both frames the same I believe.
Paul in CT

Re: Ford Flathead 4 vs V-8 Frames?
 

HAMB will have lots of info.

Re: Ford Flathead 4 vs V-8 Frames?
 

I may be wrong , but I agree with Paul in post #7

Re: Ford Flathead 4 vs V-8 Frames?
 

The '32 frame was totally different from the Model A. The '32 frames were identical between the two engines. There were a couple of holes that were unused depending upon the engine installed.

Charlie Stephens

Re: Ford Flathead 4 vs V-8 Frames?
 

That makes sense, thanks.

Re: Ford Flathead 4 vs V-8 Frames?
 

If you want to know more about the AV8 conversions, get a copy of "How to Build a Traditional Ford Hot Rod" by Bishop & Tardel. This will explain most thinigs about the way these cars were set up back in the day.

The only major change in the model A frames was the change to the 1930 model for the different radiator but there were a lot little changes during the production years from late 1927 to late 1931.

Re: Ford Flathead 4 vs V-8 Frames?
 

They are identical.

Re: Ford Flathead 4 vs V-8 Frames?
 

32 info is the domain of David Rehor [ DavidG] over on Early V8 '32-'53 site. He literally 'wrote the book" on '32's [The 1932 Ford Book, Early V8 Club]. Cheers.

Re: Ford Flathead 4 vs V-8 Frames?
 

The 1932 V8 Model 18. 18 = first V8.

Re: Ford Flathead 4 vs V-8 Frames?
 

Also click on the Hotrods and customs forum. Tons of builds of this style over there. This side deals with restorations.

Re: Ford Flathead 4 vs V-8 Frames?
 

Katy, actually the 1932 B frame and 18 frame are almost identical ...

Re: Ford Flathead 4 vs V-8 Frames?
 

Chris, I recommend going to the Jalopy Journal or the HAMB. They play with hotrods more then this wonderful site for the restoration of the great model A Ford.
So the answer to your question Model a 1928 to 1931 and Model B -18 would be 1932 and 32 has a stronger frame .
A ford flathead fits very nicely in a model a frame 1928 29 body or 1930 31 with the same model a frame just different front crossmember .

Re: Ford Flathead 4 vs V-8 Frames?
 

Almost? Other than the serial number and some holes used or left open depending on the engine installed what is the difference?

Charlie Stephens

Re: Ford Flathead 4 vs V-8 Frames?
 

Front cross member was different between 18 & B4. The centre cross member had attached engine radius rods /support rods which were also different. These differences were both part of the frame but there were also some other ones that were attachments. [ info from 1932 Ford Book by David Rehor].
There were many minor changes for the frame throughout 1932. Ford did not have time to trial the new car & the first cars off the line were effectively trialled by the first owners & recalled if necessary by the Dealers. It must have been a frustrating introduction & somewhat typical of Henrys methods.