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Old 03-26-2021, 10:02 PM   #1
Oldford59
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Default Frame spreader

Hi,
Replacing rear and front motor mounts on 1930 model A keeping original concept that rolled off the line.
I may have to slightly spread frame to move rear mounts to replace .
Need a suggestion for a frame spreader something old school setup.
I really don’t want to spend $150 for a frame spreader, l will most likely use once.
Any help would be appreciated.
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Old 03-26-2021, 10:34 PM   #2
vern hodgson
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Default Re: Frame spreader

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Originally Posted by Oldford59 View Post
Hi,
Replacing rear and front motor mounts on 1930 model A keeping original concept that rolled off the line.
I may have to slightly spread frame to move rear mounts to replace .
Need a suggestion for a frame spreader something old school setup.
I really don’t want to spend $150 for a frame spreader, l will most likely use once.
Any help would be appreciated.
Cupla PCs of 3/4” pipe and a coupling, all you need is bout 1/4 to 1/2 inch movement, one side at a time.
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Old 03-27-2021, 06:11 AM   #3
Cookiemonster
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Default Re: Frame spreader

Oldford,
Where are you located? Maybe there is someone nearby that can lone you one.
Jason
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Old 03-27-2021, 07:59 AM   #4
Bob Bidonde
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Default Re: Frame spreader

In Model "A" production movies, a worker with a long and stout pry bar guides the engine into the frame.
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Old 03-27-2021, 08:30 AM   #5
denis4x4
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Default Re: Frame spreader

Hi-Lift jack works fine. Also useful for pulling posts.
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Old 03-27-2021, 08:46 AM   #6
Conaway2
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Default Re: Frame spreader

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I recently replaced the passenger side rear motor mount with the engine in the car. Also replaced rubber pads at the same time.

I used a couple of blocks of wood inserted between bell housing and frame; I tapped these in gently with a hammer until I had enough clearance to replace the mount. It’s not hard to do, go slow and easy.

Good luck - Jim
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Old 03-27-2021, 05:31 PM   #7
Chuck Sea/Tac
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Default Re: Frame spreader

When I changed rear motor mounts, I ended up on bolting the cowl bolts, as I t seemed they were stopping the frame from spreading.
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Old 03-27-2021, 06:21 PM   #8
Gene F
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Default Re: Frame spreader

I always use some 2 x 4s, and my spring spreader. Usually someone in the local club has one. If changing in the car, do one side at a time, starting with the drivers side (way harder). Use some scrap wood, and a bottle jack sourced from Harbour Frieight. It's cheap.
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Old 03-27-2021, 11:15 PM   #9
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Default Re: Frame spreader

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I always use some 2 x 4s, and my spring spreader. Usually someone in the local club has one. If changing in the car, do one side at a time, starting with the drivers side (way harder). Use some scrap wood, and a bottle jack sourced from Harbour Frieight. It's cheap.
I was wondering if a spring spreader would work. I have the F150 OD transmission and the "stock" frame spreader doesn't work very well. But I do have a spring spreader, I'll have to try that next time. Thanks for the tip.
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Old 03-28-2021, 11:10 AM   #10
Russ/40
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Default Re: Frame spreader

Several possibilities above, many other clever ways, but don't be so sure you need one. My truck went together easily without one. A bit of prying by a helper should do it.
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Old 03-28-2021, 03:20 PM   #11
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I was wondering if a spring spreader would work. I have the F150 OD transmission and the "stock" frame spreader doesn't work very well. But I do have a spring spreader, I'll have to try that next time. Thanks for the tip.
It works, but you do have to really crank on that wrench...
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Old 03-29-2021, 06:37 PM   #12
ford31
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Default Re: Frame spreader

i always used a portapower than u have it for other things
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Old 03-29-2021, 06:40 PM   #13
40-A Twins
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Default Re: Frame spreader

I used a port-power for removing/installing the motor. It would be nice if it could be moved a little closer to the motor mounts.
Kevin
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Old 03-30-2021, 08:43 PM   #14
abachman3
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Default Re: Frame spreader

A hydraulic jack placed sideways and some 2 x 4's
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Old 04-02-2021, 10:18 PM   #15
ericr
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Default Re: Frame spreader

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Originally Posted by Bob Bidonde View Post
In Model "A" production movies, a worker with a long and stout pry bar guides the engine into the frame.
quite so but there was no body on the frame at that point.....block seems to drop in easily.
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Old 04-05-2021, 01:28 PM   #16
rocket1
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Default Re: Frame spreader

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Originally Posted by oldford59 View Post
hi,
replacing rear and front motor mounts on 1930 model a keeping original concept that rolled off the line.
I may have to slightly spread frame to move rear mounts to replace .
Need a suggestion for a frame spreader something old school setup.
I really don’t want to spend $150 for a frame spreader, l will most likely use once.
Any help would be appreciated.
easy to make if you have a welder,check the pic.in one of the catalogs.
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