The Ford Barn

KiWinUS · 06-21-2024, 10:20 AM

Guys I have just purchased a Float A Motor kit from Snyders. It is for a model B engine in a 28 roadster with B transmission. Snyder told me it will fit. Well there are several differences I now find. I’m a Flathead v8 guy so not real familiar with these. I really want to use this kit. Has anyone else used this combination? Thanks. I can fab anything I need.
Cheers
Tony

rotorwrench · 06-21-2024, 10:52 AM

The real early 1928 cars had a different motor mount set up than later cars. The front was a solid bolt up to the front cross member and the rear mounts were different than the boxy types that came later. We could use a photo of what you have in your 28 frame to engine mounting to give you better information about how to proceed.

Once Ford had settled on basic mounting, it changed very little through to the end of production. A late 1928 would likely be at the point where it's more interchangeable. Float-A Motor set ups work OK when new and properly set up but they get funky as the rubber deteriorates. I stick with the OEM set up since good replacement rubber cushions are now available for the rear mount and I would hesitate to ever use the FAM front mount.

With a model B set up a person has to consider the differences between the two frames. A lot of folks run the model B engines in model A cars so maybe they can give a better idea for your project.

KiWinUS · 06-21-2024, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rotorwrench

The real early 1928 cars had a different motor mount set up than later cars. The front was a solid bolt up to the front cross member and the rear mounts were different than the boxy types that came later. We could use a photo of what you have in your 28 frame to engine mounting to give you better information about how to proceed.

Once Ford had settled on basic mounting, it changed very little through to the end of production. A late 1928 would likely be at the point where it's more interchangeable. Float-A Motor set ups work OK when new and properly set up but they get funky as the rubber deteriorates. I stick with the OEM set up since good replacement rubber cushions are now available for the rear mount and I would hesitate to ever use the FAM front mount.

With a model B set up a person has to consider the differences between the two frames. A lot of folks run the model B engines in model A cars so maybe they can give a better idea for your project.

Thanks RR. This is a very old hotrod. B engine is already in it but everything is wore out junk. I can get pics later tonight. I thought this would be a good upgrade.

Will Kimble · 06-21-2024, 01:10 PM

Hey Tony, I ran a B engine with trimmed oil pan, Model A flywheel housing and Clings adapter to early V8 transmission. I considered a B transmission but this approach made it a lot easier and gave me more choices. Other factors were the wishbone adapter and Model A pedal bracket. I believe there used to be an adapter kit for the Model B transmission - seems like I had at least a pedal bracket years ago? Maybe give Bert's a call? I think they used to carry it.

Will Kimble · 06-21-2024, 01:13 PM

Also I think there are 2 upper flywheel housings for Model Bs - a '32 version and a '33-34 version. '32 version would be more appropriate for the float-a-motor setup. Maybe part of your problem? Gotta pic of the side of the engine/trans?

Bob Bidonde · 06-22-2024, 08:02 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Hi Tony! My comment may be redundant, but I will share it anyhow.
The Float-A-Motor engine mounts are a set, not just the rear engine mounts as many Model A'ers solely use. In the Float-A-Motor setup, the front engine mount (see picture) is very important because it reacts most of the engine's forces. The front Float-A-Motor mount is a duplicate of the Model "B" Ford engine mount,and it is an vast improvement of the 1928 Model "A" front engine mount.
The front Float-A-Motor mount reacts the engine's vertical, horizontal and twisting forces, and it also partially dampens the engine's vibrations.

The rear Float-A-Motor mounts primarily react the engine's twisting torque.

Benson · 06-22-2024, 02:28 PM

AC&R used to manufacture the B Adapters.

1. About 10 or 12 years ago Berts acquired AC&R and now makes the Model B adapter.

https://modelastore.com/index.php?ro...roduct_id=3655

2. Now that Clings recently stopped making the V8 adapters, the last that I heard is that Berts is in the process of tooling up to make that adapter also.

Will Kimble · 06-22-2024, 02:50 PM

Just took a look at the kit - it seems to say float-a-motors will work.

Hopefully this is a link to show the different B flywheel housings:

https://www.fordgarage.com/pages/flywheelhousings.htm

Wondering if this might not be your problem?

Bob C · 06-23-2024, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Will Kimble

Just took a look at the kit - it seems to say float-a-motors will work.

Hopefully this is a link to show the different B flywheel housings:

https://www.fordgarage.com/pages/flywheelhousings.htm

Wondering if this might not be your problem?

Says "Must also use A-5089-B rear float a motor rear motor mounts" but if you search that number nothing comes up.

KiWinUS · 06-23-2024, 11:26 AM

Thanks for all the advice so far guys. Much appreciated. As stated I’m a V8 guy and not familiar with the A-B engines and cars. I will attach a couple of pictures of what I’m working with. I have yet to receive the front float A motor mount. I appears I have a challenge ahead of me. The rear side mounts are approximately.500 narrow each side so will require a spacer. The current butchered up mounts also are about .500 forward at bell housing than the new mounts. The 2 holes in bell housing are also about.500 further apart. The lower is possibly in same location as an A with upper hole moved up .500.
I have the ability to modify everything needed but looking for all knowledgeable help I can get. Thanks again. I also believe I will add strut rods like a V8 to handle all fire and aft movement.

KiWinUS · 06-23-2024, 11:30 AM

Missed this pic

Lawrie · 06-23-2024, 03:41 PM

You want to fab up a rear mount using the V8 mount, this will be a better option, I made a set for my A, it will be no prob for you to do.
I will shoot you a pic.later today
Lawrie

jeepguy1948 · 06-23-2024, 05:29 PM

I would be interested to see a picture of that too Laurie. This may or may not be true but I have heard that the problem with the front FAM mount is the the holes in the crossmember are a bit small and result in the FAM not fitting correctly. The holes in the cross member need to be reamed a bit. Also, per Ford the stock front mount is a form of harmonic balancer/dampener.

06-21-2024, 10:20 AM	#1
KiWinUS Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Charlotte NC KiWi-L100 available here Posts: 3,264	Model A-B Float A motor fit. Guys I have just purchased a Float A Motor kit from Snyders. It is for a model B engine in a 28 roadster with B transmission. Snyder told me it will fit. Well there are several differences I now find. I’m a Flathead v8 guy so not real familiar with these. I really want to use this kit. Has anyone else used this combination? Thanks. I can fab anything I need. Cheers Tony

06-21-2024, 10:52 AM	#2
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 17,410	Re: Model A-B Float A motor fit. The real early 1928 cars had a different motor mount set up than later cars. The front was a solid bolt up to the front cross member and the rear mounts were different than the boxy types that came later. We could use a photo of what you have in your 28 frame to engine mounting to give you better information about how to proceed. Once Ford had settled on basic mounting, it changed very little through to the end of production. A late 1928 would likely be at the point where it's more interchangeable. Float-A Motor set ups work OK when new and properly set up but they get funky as the rubber deteriorates. I stick with the OEM set up since good replacement rubber cushions are now available for the rear mount and I would hesitate to ever use the FAM front mount. With a model B set up a person has to consider the differences between the two frames. A lot of folks run the model B engines in model A cars so maybe they can give a better idea for your project.

06-21-2024, 01:10 PM	#4
Will Kimble Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 179	Re: Model A-B Float A motor fit. Hey Tony, I ran a B engine with trimmed oil pan, Model A flywheel housing and Clings adapter to early V8 transmission. I considered a B transmission but this approach made it a lot easier and gave me more choices. Other factors were the wishbone adapter and Model A pedal bracket. I believe there used to be an adapter kit for the Model B transmission - seems like I had at least a pedal bracket years ago? Maybe give Bert's a call? I think they used to carry it.

06-21-2024, 01:13 PM	#5
Will Kimble Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 179	Re: Model A-B Float A motor fit. Also I think there are 2 upper flywheel housings for Model Bs - a '32 version and a '33-34 version. '32 version would be more appropriate for the float-a-motor setup. Maybe part of your problem? Gotta pic of the side of the engine/trans?

06-22-2024, 02:28 PM	#7
Benson Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Cen~Col - Central Highlands Posts: 2,757	Re: Model A-B Float A motor fit. AC&R used to manufacture the B Adapters. 1. About 10 or 12 years ago Berts acquired AC&R and now makes the Model B adapter. https://modelastore.com/index.php?ro...roduct_id=3655 2. Now that Clings recently stopped making the V8 adapters, the last that I heard is that Berts is in the process of tooling up to make that adapter also. Last edited by Benson; 06-22-2024 at 08:20 PM.

06-22-2024, 02:50 PM	#8
Will Kimble Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 179	Re: Model A-B Float A motor fit. Just took a look at the kit - it seems to say float-a-motors will work. Hopefully this is a link to show the different B flywheel housings: https://www.fordgarage.com/pages/flywheelhousings.htm Wondering if this might not be your problem?

06-23-2024, 03:41 PM	#12
Lawrie Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Qld, Australia Posts: 4,529	Re: Model A-B Float A motor fit. You want to fab up a rear mount using the V8 mount, this will be a better option, I made a set for my A, it will be no prob for you to do. I will shoot you a pic.later today Lawrie

06-23-2024, 05:29 PM	#13
jeepguy1948 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2022 Posts: 889	Re: Model A-B Float A motor fit. I would be interested to see a picture of that too Laurie. This may or may not be true but I have heard that the problem with the front FAM mount is the the holes in the crossmember are a bit small and result in the FAM not fitting correctly. The holes in the cross member need to be reamed a bit. Also, per Ford the stock front mount is a form of harmonic balancer/dampener.