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Old 11-06-2010, 02:57 PM   #1
John LaVoy
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Default Open driveline on Model A

One time at the North West regional I saw a fellow selling kits to convert the Model A to an open driveline. Does anyone know his name?

Thanks,

John
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Old 11-06-2010, 03:00 PM   #2
Chris Haynes
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Default Re: Open driveline on Model A

More importantly why?
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Old 11-06-2010, 03:31 PM   #3
John LaVoy
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Default Re: Open driveline on Model A

Why not? I plan on using an automatic transmission and it will make the installation easier.
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Old 11-06-2010, 03:45 PM   #4
Chris Haynes
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Default Re: Open driveline on Model A

Perhaps a question that should be asked in the Hot Rod section.
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Old 11-06-2010, 04:05 PM   #5
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Default Re: Open driveline on Model A

Speedway has one.

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Ford-O...-Kit,3770.html

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Old 11-06-2010, 04:05 PM   #6
john in illinois
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Default Re: Open driveline on Model A

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The conversion to a 5 speed Muncie transmission requires an open driveline.

The people that build the kits might be able to help with just the drive line.

LINKS http://munciekokomo.citysearch.com/p...torations.html


http://lainefamily.com/ModelAFiles/ModelAT5.htm
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Old 11-06-2010, 04:39 PM   #7
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Default Re: Open driveline on Model A

John, Hi from NZ, Hotrod works & speedway motors do one, Some smaller tractors use a 6 spline PTO coupler for drive to to impliments, seen them used , In order to create a cheap seal on orig rear bango you can cut the end of orig torque tube & fit seal inside, , Hope this helps, Cheers Derek.
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Old 11-06-2010, 05:21 PM   #8
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Default Re: Open driveline on Model A

I have not tried it, but I have heard that the F-1 pickup pinion shaft will interchange. With that you
can put on an external U-Joint. And I don't care why you are doing it.
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Old 11-06-2010, 05:25 PM   #9
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Default Re: Open driveline on Model A

John, i dont know if this will help but here is another site. Mark.
http://www.flat-o.com/carproducts/flatomatic.htm
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Old 11-06-2010, 06:54 PM   #10
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Default Re: Open driveline on Model A

Steve Becker just completed an open drive line A rear end for me. Bert's Model A in Denver 800/321-1931
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Old 11-06-2010, 10:02 PM   #11
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Default Re: Open driveline on Model A

John;
Remember you can contact Art Moore down in Upland, I believe he has 5 "A"'s with open drive lines, auto trans adaptors also, call him at 909-982-7790, you can tell him I sent you!
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Old 11-07-2010, 07:02 AM   #12
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Default Re: Open driveline on Model A

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Haynes View Post
Perhaps a question that should be asked in the Hot Rod section.
I have seen this many times before. Someone asks a question about a mod that many are interested in and another poster tries to direct him/her to the hot rod board like they are in the wrong place. I wonder why this is when not a soul even mentioned the hot rod board when this string came up, http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16638 .

Kind of a one sided way of looking at things. I don't know why some are singled out to be berated and pushed toward the hot rod board and some are ignored when they are doing something that is obviously hot rod related.

Comments?
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Old 11-07-2010, 07:33 AM   #13
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Default Re: Open driveline on Model A

The torque tube is an important part of the rear....If its removed another form of locating the rear end is needed to keep the rear end from twisting....
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Old 11-07-2010, 08:07 AM   #14
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Default Re: Open driveline on Model A

Most of this was over my head. I hadn't heard this kind of Model A "modification" discussed before. What are the advantages of removing the torque tube? And like brokenspoke says, aren't you now allowing the whole rear end to "float" more and sending thrust and rear axle twisting/torque loads into areas where they weren't intended by design to go?

How do the benefits outway the risks?

Forgive the time-worn cliche, but Henry designed it that way - with a torque tube - for a reason! (in MOST cases, anyway... - when he wasn't doing things just to save a penny). He could have saved a lot of time and pennies by eliminating the torque tube! - but he didn't!

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Old 11-07-2010, 09:21 AM   #15
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Default Re: Open driveline on Model A

The speedway motors looks like a good way to go. Thanks everyone for the input. Just for the record I have some subscribers that have requested we look into installing an automatic transmission because of health reasons they can not drive a manual transmission car and want to continue in the Model A hobby.
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Old 11-07-2010, 10:38 AM   #16
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Default Re: Open driveline on Model A

John

I'm working on my second A without a torque tube. The wish bones are easily modified with a 1/4" by 1" strap welded on both edges to the bottom seam of the wishbones. This was necessary to install a T-5 transmission. There is another piece that bolts to the crossmember where the shifter tower is located. Note the master cylinder location using the stock cross piece.

I often wonder if Edsel got a ration from the old man when made modifications to his Fords?
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Old 11-07-2010, 10:41 AM   #17
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Default Re: Open driveline on Model A

Earle: Many people have(or are) converting to open drive when replacing original transmission with 3 spd synchro out of late model ford trucks (w? o/drive) and many have gone to 5 speeds out of chevys. Yes you need to stabilize the rear end, either with a 3 or 4 pt connection to frame or "splitting" the rear wishbones and mount to frame. Actually the orig A wishbones are a little week so modifications are necessary.
Paul in CT
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Old 11-07-2010, 11:06 AM   #18
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Default Re: Open driveline on Model A

Quote:
Originally Posted by John LaVoy View Post
The speedway motors looks like a good way to go. Thanks everyone for the input. Just for the record I have some subscribers that have requested we look into installing an automatic transmission because of health reasons they can not drive a manual transmission car and want to continue in the Model A hobby.
Check with Steve at Bert's in Denver. I seem to remember he mentioned doing a couple of automatic changes for customers that could no longer shift. They used MoPar automatic transmisions. I don't remember that they had to have an open driveshaft, but don't know about that for sure.
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Old 11-07-2010, 12:06 PM   #19
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Default Re: Open driveline on Model A

Quote:
Originally Posted by John LaVoy View Post
The speedway motors looks like a good way to go. Thanks everyone for the input. Just for the record I have some subscribers that have requested we look into installing an automatic transmission because of health reasons they can not drive a manual transmission car and want to continue in the Model A hobby.

are you going to use a stock engine? or hopped up model a flathead? Ive wondered if any one was running automatics, but had never seen one with a model a engine before.
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Old 11-07-2010, 11:43 PM   #20
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Default Re: Open driveline on Model A

Sometimes we say things without knowing all the facts. I have been supplying product and service to individuals with disabilities for close to 30 years. Thru my shop thousands of people can now get around, report to work, cruise/tour with their friends and etc. And for those that are able to drive, an auto trans is their salvation. Previously I covered hand controls and manual transmissions so I wont bore you with those details.

My wife and I have had personal "mechanical" problems that has required modifications to our yet to be completed Panel Delivery. Without these non-standard additions we will not be out there with our friends. The addition of a automatic transmission may make it possible for one of ours to continue to drive and enjoy their Model A. Lets encourage them to do what ever they need to continue to be with us!
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