The Ford Barn

Vanspeed · 01-22-2020, 10:01 PM

Been converting my beloved 1929 coupe to V-8 power this winter. The 4 developed a noise after 10 good years of driving and I had this 1936 LB Flathead so I decided to do the swap. I have not modified the body in any way, no cutting of the firewall, using only original Ford parts. I have had a ‘39 V-8 trans behind the 4 for the last 9 years so nothing drivetrain wise needed to be cut or anything. Concept is as if a kid bought a new wrecked 1935 ford and swapped everything over a Model A.

Tim Ayers · 01-22-2020, 10:04 PM

Very cool!

Bored&Stroked · 01-22-2020, 11:26 PM

Betcha can't wait to go down the road with the new engine! Looks like a nicely done car - have some fun!

Russ/40 · 01-23-2020, 12:34 AM

I'd be interested in hearing more about how you tackled the problems along the way. Exhaust, engine mounts, radiator to firewall space, steering box, fan, etc, etc.

Brian · 01-23-2020, 04:58 AM

Excellent upgrade!!

mfirth · 01-23-2020, 07:40 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Absolutly love it ! All FORD too!

corvette8n · 01-23-2020, 07:57 AM

Looking good, keep the pics coming.

Charlie ny · 01-23-2020, 08:08 AM

Keep us updated by all means...some guys fantasize about what you are doing...you're
living it....brakes ?
Charlie ny

rotorwrench · 01-23-2020, 09:40 AM

The 32 Ford and Bonus Built F1 cross members have been used to beef up the frame. What did you use on your AV8? I can't quite tell from the photos.

Vanspeed · 01-23-2020, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rotorwrench

The 32 Ford and Bonus Built F1 cross members have been used to beef up the frame. What did you use on your AV8? I can't quite tell from the photos.

32 wishbone. Handmade trans crossmember.

Step-down · 01-23-2020, 02:52 PM

Nice looking job .

5851a · 01-23-2020, 06:22 PM

The reason I quit subscribing to Street Rodder, Hot Rod, etc. is they stopped showing builds like yours. Looks great, day dreamed a lot about a AV8 in elementary school. Looks nice.

Vanspeed · 01-23-2020, 09:12 PM

Thanks guys! I have a lot of pictures so I will post as many as I can. This car has not had one piece of sheetmetal cut. ‘36 engine. ‘39 trans. ‘29 A stock rear end. Stock pedals. Lots of fab work to make it all look like nothing was changed.

ct1932ford · 01-24-2020, 09:18 AM

Looks Great!

chiefdave · 01-24-2020, 09:30 AM

Looks like it is going to be a very nice and period correct build. Any plans to warm up the engine with period correct parts?

TomT/Williamsburg · 01-24-2020, 08:47 PM

Looks good!

Vanspeed · 01-24-2020, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefdave

Looks like it is going to be a very nice and period correct build. Any plans to warm up the engine with period correct parts?

Yes down the road I would like to do that. Just doing the swap is eating up my budget. I bought a new stromberg 97, a rebuilt crab distributor from bubba, rebuilt ‘36 generator and the radiator changes are up more than $1400! The early speed heads are hard to find and expensive.

Vanspeed · 01-24-2020, 10:59 PM

More pics. Have a set of single grove waterpumps and this set of double groove. Mechanical fan is the last thing I need to fab/make and it is proving a little difficult. Stock gen mounted fan is too high, 40 style is too low. Need a clever way to put it in the middle of the radiator and make it look factory but I have not come up with it just yet.

V8COOPMAN · 01-25-2020, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vanspeed

More pics. Have a set of single grove waterpumps and this set of double groove. Mechanical fan is the last thing I need to fab/make and it is proving a little difficult. Stock gen mounted fan is too high, 40 style is too low. Need a clever way to put it in the middle of the radiator and make it look factory but I have not come up with it just yet.

Below is a link to a mechanical fan project that FordBarner Heard and myself came-up with to solve a space problem on his '36 3-window with an 8BA engine. The radiator leans rearward on a '36 and the upper gen mount was too high. We needed something about MID-Engine in height. We designed and built this assembly that mounts to the intake manifold generator mount. Works really well to cool his engine in the Florida heat. If you think something similar MIGHT work in your situation, I'll be happy to elaborate and show more pictures. You would POSSIBLY need to convert to an 8BA-type distributor for clearance. Click the link and read Post #12. DD

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...mechanical+fan

…..

john in illinois · 01-25-2020, 01:54 PM

Is the fan too high on the generator because of radiator hoses? You can lower the front mounts or trim the fan blades shorter.
My fan is close, but it is a stock ‘39.

Mine is a ‘30 ,so the radiator may be taller.

Ed Pitts · 01-25-2020, 02:59 PM

I moved my radiator out 1 inch to use the 1946 fan. This is on a 1928 coupe. Ed

Russ/40 · 01-25-2020, 09:55 PM

Like to see a better photo of your original photo 4 that shows the crossmember. Too dark to see anything.

Bored&Stroked · 01-26-2020, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

Below is a link to a mechanical fan project that FordBarner Heard and myself came-up with to solve a space problem on his '36 3-window with an 8BA engine. The radiator leans rearward on a '36 and the upper gen mount was too high. We needed something about MID-Engine in height. We designed and built this assembly that mounts to the intake manifold generator mount. Works really well to cool his engine in the Florida heat. If you think something similar MIGHT work in your situation, I'll be happy to elaborate and show more pictures. You would POSSIBLY need to convert to an 8BA-type distributor for clearance. Click the link and read Post #12. DD

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...mechanical+fan

…..

Nicely done! I ordered some of those Corvair parts - just to have in my stock of crap that I "might use some day". Could be really useful for all sorts of 'idlers' that us hotrodders have to fabricate. Question, did you guys add a snap-ring or anything to ensure that the hub never comes off the bearing? It appeared that it is only a press fit????

V8COOPMAN · 01-26-2020, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bored&Stroked

Nicely done! I ordered some of those Corvair parts - just to have in my stock of crap that I "might use some day". Could be really useful for all sorts of 'idlers' that us hotrodders have to fabricate. Question, did you guys add a snap-ring or anything to ensure that the hub never comes off the bearing? It appeared that it is only a press fit????

B&S.....Thank you for the compliment. To answer your question....NO, we did not add a snap ring, although not a bad idea I suppose. I don't believe I ever heard of that being a huge problem with the Corvairs in service, though. I just happened across this tidy, compact hub while snooping-around once I determined that the '42-'48 Ford hub was just too large for the space constraints. And yes, the Corvair hubs could be real handy for a couple of different "hot rod" ideas. They're starting to become few and far between as NOS. Hope you left a few out there for future tinkerers. DD

Bored&Stroked · 01-26-2020, 10:23 PM

Thank you Sir . . . I'm going to squirrel away a few of them . . . but I may have to add a damn snap-ring (not because it has ever been needed, but because I'm the guy that a problem MIGHT happen to the only time!). Thanks for a great info post!

Vanspeed · 03-29-2020, 07:17 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Been awhile but I have gotten a lot done. Being at home now due to the work shutdown has let me focus in on it. Steering is done. ‘48 F-1 box with a worn ‘39 tapered end spliced in to allow my ‘35-6 banjo wheel and headlight/horn switch to be retained. My fan was a headache. Ended up going with ‘46-‘48 crank pulley and fan. Crank pulley was shortened 3/8 of an inch and fan pulley the same. Then I took out 3/8 of the fan hub to suck it in closer. It all fits and looks like ford did it. I am on final assembly and wiring is next!

V8COOPMAN · 03-29-2020, 08:01 PM

That is coming-out pretty slick, and that banjo looks particularly cool inside an A-bone. DD

Bored&Stroked · 03-30-2020, 05:53 AM

Yo Vanspeed - coming along really nicely . . . glad you're taking the time to figure each little thing out and making everything look like it came in the car. Nice job!

petehoovie · 03-30-2020, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by john in illinois

Is the fan too high on the generator because of radiator hoses? You can lower the front mounts or trim the fan blades shorter.
My fan is close, but it is a stock ‘39.

Mine is a ‘30 ,so the radiator may be taller.

JoesJunkGarage · 03-30-2020, 03:20 PM

Looking forward to seeing the progress on this project!

aussie merc · 03-31-2020, 03:26 AM

ford on ford keep on rockin on, keep posting up dates should be more of this; hit a snag bet someone here can come up with a answer cant wait to see end result

Vanspeed · 04-02-2020, 07:51 PM

A lot more done today that is not noticeable. Engine anti chatter rods in, headers finished and on, floorboards in (stock A), all final welding that may have been missed is done. All brackets made, everything installed for the last time. Just waiting on some spark plug tubes, and a fuel pump pushrod to button up the engine. Wiring and hoses is all that is on my list.

RobR'35 · 04-02-2020, 08:39 PM

This is really enjoyable to watch and read.
Thanks for posting.

petehoovie · 04-02-2020, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vanspeed

A lot more done today that is not noticeable. Engine anti chatter rods in, headers finished and on, floorboards in (stock A), all final welding that may have been missed is done. All brackets made, everything installed for the last time. Just waiting on some spark plug tubes, and a fuel pump pushrod to button up the engine. Wiring and hoses is all that is on my list.

01-22-2020, 10:04 PM	#2
Tim Ayers Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: NJ Posts: 6,177	Re: My ‘29 V-8 Very cool!

01-22-2020, 11:26 PM	#3
Bored&Stroked Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 5,064	Re: My ‘29 V-8 Betcha can't wait to go down the road with the new engine! Looks like a nicely done car - have some fun!

01-23-2020, 12:34 AM	#4
Russ/40 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Santee, California Posts: 3,505	Re: My ‘29 V-8 I'd be interested in hearing more about how you tackled the problems along the way. Exhaust, engine mounts, radiator to firewall space, steering box, fan, etc, etc.

01-23-2020, 04:58 AM	#5
Brian Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Masterton, New Zealand Posts: 3,832	Re: My ‘29 V-8 Excellent upgrade!! __________________ Unfortunately, two half wits don't make a whole wit!

01-23-2020, 07:40 AM	#6
mfirth Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: ohio Posts: 986	Re: My ‘29 V-8 Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Absolutly love it ! All FORD too!

01-23-2020, 07:57 AM	#7
corvette8n Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: 36 miles north of Albany NY Posts: 2,949	Re: My ‘29 V-8 Looking good, keep the pics coming.

01-23-2020, 08:08 AM	#8
Charlie ny BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 3,019	Re: My ‘29 V-8 Keep us updated by all means...some guys fantasize about what you are doing...you're living it....brakes ? Charlie ny

01-23-2020, 09:40 AM	#9
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,426	Re: My ‘29 V-8 The 32 Ford and Bonus Built F1 cross members have been used to beef up the frame. What did you use on your AV8? I can't quite tell from the photos.

01-23-2020, 02:52 PM	#11
Step-down Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Hat City (Danbury CT) Posts: 647	Re: My ‘29 V-8 Nice looking job . __________________ "I can't cry as long as I know the Lord has risen "

01-23-2020, 06:22 PM	#12
5851a Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: NE Iowa Posts: 1,664	Re: My ‘29 V-8 The reason I quit subscribing to Street Rodder, Hot Rod, etc. is they stopped showing builds like yours. Looks great, day dreamed a lot about a AV8 in elementary school. Looks nice.

01-23-2020, 09:12 PM	#13
Vanspeed Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Suttons Bay, Mich. Posts: 3,384	Re: My ‘29 V-8 Thanks guys! I have a lot of pictures so I will post as many as I can. This car has not had one piece of sheetmetal cut. ‘36 engine. ‘39 trans. ‘29 A stock rear end. Stock pedals. Lots of fab work to make it all look like nothing was changed. __________________ *Respecting and Resurrecting Ford Model A's.*

01-24-2020, 09:18 AM	#14
ct1932ford Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: CT. Posts: 596	Re: My ‘29 V-8 Looks Great! __________________ A man should do what he thinks best! "The Duke"

01-24-2020, 09:30 AM	#15
chiefdave Member Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Warsaw, MO Posts: 52	Re: My ‘29 V-8 Looks like it is going to be a very nice and period correct build. Any plans to warm up the engine with period correct parts?

01-24-2020, 08:47 PM	#16
TomT/Williamsburg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Williamsburg, Virginia Posts: 2,654	Re: My ‘29 V-8 Looks good! __________________ Run to the LA Roadster Show - 2016 My Run to Bonneville - 2013 My 32 5-Window Build My Run to the LSRU

01-25-2020, 09:55 PM	#22
Russ/40 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Santee, California Posts: 3,505	Re: My ‘29 V-8 Like to see a better photo of your original photo 4 that shows the crossmember. Too dark to see anything.

01-26-2020, 10:23 PM	#25
Bored&Stroked Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 5,064	Re: My ‘29 V-8 Thank you Sir . . . I'm going to squirrel away a few of them . . . but I may have to add a damn snap-ring (not because it has ever been needed, but because I'm the guy that a problem MIGHT happen to the only time!). Thanks for a great info post!

03-29-2020, 08:01 PM	#27
V8COOPMAN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: East Shore of LAKE HOUSTON Posts: 11,107	Re: My ‘29 V-8 That is coming-out pretty slick, and that banjo looks particularly cool inside an A-bone. DD __________________ *Click Links Below* __ ▼ *'35-'36 W/8BA & MECHANICAL FAN* *T5 W/TORQUE TUBE*

03-30-2020, 05:53 AM	#28
Bored&Stroked Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 5,064	Re: My ‘29 V-8 Yo Vanspeed - coming along really nicely . . . glad you're taking the time to figure each little thing out and making everything look like it came in the car. Nice job!

03-30-2020, 03:20 PM	#30
JoesJunkGarage Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Lowell, IN. Posts: 3	Re: My ‘29 V-8 Looking forward to seeing the progress on this project!

03-31-2020, 03:26 AM	#31
aussie merc Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: sydney australia Posts: 1,033	Re: My ‘29 V-8 ford on ford keep on rockin on, keep posting up dates should be more of this; hit a snag bet someone here can come up with a answer cant wait to see end result

04-02-2020, 08:39 PM	#33
RobR'35 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Upper Peninsula, Michigan Posts: 604	Re: My ‘29 V-8 This is really enjoyable to watch and read. Thanks for posting.