The Ford Barn

Juergen · 06-17-2025, 07:09 AM

A friend wants to put a Model B engine with a 39 Ford trans in a Model A. He wants to know if he also has to modify the driveshaft. I searched this forum and was not quite sure if a Cling adapter and 39 trans was a drop in fit (that is no driveshaft changes). Also i read of some comments requring Model B clamshells.

So, does the existing driveshaft fit? And does he need model B clamshells or will Model A or V8 clamshells work?

Zax40 · 06-17-2025, 09:56 AM

I haven't done a Model B into an A, but I have done a 39 trans swap using a Cling's kit. On mine I did not need to modify the driveshaft or tube. You do need the later V8 style clamshell, the bolt count is different. I also needed a V8 style throwout bearing collar.

alexiskai · 06-17-2025, 10:09 AM

The Cling’s adapter is designed to be used with a complete V8 transmission - case, shift tower, and bell housing.

Chris Haynes · 06-19-2025, 11:48 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Nothing needs to be done to the driveshaft.

06-17-2025, 07:09 AM	#1
Juergen Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 527	39 V8 trans in a Model A A friend wants to put a Model B engine with a 39 Ford trans in a Model A. He wants to know if he also has to modify the driveshaft. I searched this forum and was not quite sure if a Cling adapter and 39 trans was a drop in fit (that is no driveshaft changes). Also i read of some comments requring Model B clamshells. So, does the existing driveshaft fit? And does he need model B clamshells or will Model A or V8 clamshells work?

06-17-2025, 09:56 AM	#2
Zax40 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 433	Re: 39 V8 trans in a Model A I haven't done a Model B into an A, but I have done a 39 trans swap using a Cling's kit. On mine I did not need to modify the driveshaft or tube. You do need the later V8 style clamshell, the bolt count is different. I also needed a V8 style throwout bearing collar.

06-17-2025, 10:09 AM	#3
alexiskai Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Mebane NC Posts: 2,848	Re: 39 V8 trans in a Model A The Cling’s adapter is designed to be used with a complete V8 transmission - case, shift tower, and bell housing.

06-19-2025, 11:48 PM	#4
Chris Haynes Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Camarillo, CA and Pine Grove, CA Posts: 2,962	Re: 39 V8 trans in a Model A Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Nothing needs to be done to the driveshaft. __________________ 1921 Runabout 1930 Tudor Early 1930 AA Speed costs money. How fast do you want to go?