How To Install A Ford Flathead V8 Into A Ford Model A Chassis

Now that the 1926/27 Roadster is a rolling chassis its time to mock up the power plant, a 8BA Flathead V8. Matt and Spencer work through the mock up and desired look of the Flathead in the engine bay. The crew also adds leaves to the front spring pack to obtain the right ride height and spring travel with the engine weight. Next time Matt and Spencer will be pulling the body off to center the engine in the chassis and tack in the front engine mounts! Thanks for watching and be sure to subscribe to keep up to date on our builds and adventures!!
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[@davidmellott5049]

One thing I appreciate about how you work is that you use wrenches and sockets with ratchets and not those annoying battery operated impacts, which is the way I always worked. And I do know that it takes longer, but I also know I don't cross-thread anything or over-torque anything which is so important when your working with very valuable or rare parts.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you we appreciate it!

[@donames6941]

@@IronTrapGarage he just havent got around to buying any yet

[@rolandhirst4140]

Nice job gentlemen, remember, old skool is the only rule. Doesn't really matter what anyone else likes, not their money,not their build. Keep up the great work!!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks Ronald!

[@OldIronRC]

I like the look of this. The stance is good. Classic.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you!

[@studioalbertidesign]

Thank you for this video! This almost exactly what I need to do shortly. 1927 T body on top of a '31 Model A frame and 8RT Flathead. This is a wealth of insight. Y'all ROCK.

[@keithhaycraft3765]

I like the look & stance as the yellow T is now. Thanks for sharing.

[@bricehatch1943]

Love it !! Nice and simple. My kind of build!!! Great job!.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks Brice we’re having fun with this one! -Matt/ITG

[@neaveiisaac2816]

I really like that ride height. Too many times nice cares are wrecked by over lowering.

[@garycamara9955]

Its stock height. Lowering a few inches won't hurt. It made mine handle much better, I have no problems, but then I have a skid plate under my engine.

[@robbieautrey3158]

Looks great sitting at that height guys. I think you are spot on with the engine height to. Going to be a nice simple little Hot Rod....

[@IronTrapGarage]

Yea this one will be a neat little driver!

[@oldtimesmatthew]

Perfect look and style for something you'd find in the late 40s early 50s. Well done! Now I just need to get going on a V8 60 powered 27 T roadster for myself.....

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you!!

[@mattsbidnuz11]

The Stance is perfect. Looks good

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks Matt, we dig it! -Matt/ITG

[@NeverMetTheGuy]

This is exactly what I needed this morning.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@nealpurdy1202]

Looking awesome matt and spencer lets get this jalopy together love the stance would love to hear it run and see it drive multi colored is cool like a teen in the 50s would build it.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks Neal!

[@oldmancrow6676]

Love the yellow T. I too am a bit of a period correct nut. Keep up the amazing videos y’all.

[@scottm.franklinnc7942]

I have pics of mom and dad back in the 50's racing an all black body just like that.. .. mom said they started with a flathead 6 ..later they had a flathead v8 with a six pac ..the pipes came along side the body ..you can't see the bottom door seams...I asked her what kind of speeds did you get...reply.. on the 6 90-95. on the 8 ..110-120.. in the 60's I thought all kids grew up on the tracks that's where we were on the weekends...those were the days...great memories.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Id love to see those pictures if you'd ever want to scan and email us copies! I love those old photos! -Matt/ITG

[@usmclee65]

Great build !

[@andrewdaniels7763]

Thank you for sharing.you keep people like me on the move!

[@bensonsspeedshop1191]

It sits Perfect, Guys!👍👍👍

[@JohnSmith-sf8gj]

Matt, this so helpful for my build of the same. Thank you, and keep them coming!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching John, we love hearing that this stuff is helping others! -Matt/ITG

[@paulmeade7532]

Ok

[@paulmeade7532]

@@IronTrapGarage 0

[@bladerunner6282]

i can see Jan and Dean in it with a surfboard strapped on the back.:)

[@tombot007]

Love the stance...very driveable. My dream.

[@tompalcie6284]

Sits sweet. Looks like it came straight out of a Felden hot rod book. Going to be a bitchin little ride.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks Tom!

[@19fortynine10]

That's the fuel pump port there in the rear. The oil fill is on the driver's side front of the engine. That's a truck flathead. Going to be a sweet little hotrod.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Whoops my bad, I misspoke so used to messing with 32-48 flatheads I had a brain fart. Thanks for the keeping me straight! -Matt/ITG

[@bobwoodhams7242]

Matt and Mike great job looks real nice...every time you post a video like this you don't know what you are doing to me I want to build one just so I can go back to the good old days. lol can't wait for your next video take care my friends

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks Bob we definitely have a lot going on and try and keep everyone on their toes! -Matt/ITG

[@steveanderson5888]

Awesome ride height it's looking like it wants to fight in a race

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks Steve! -Matt/ITG

[@johnapel2856]

Hey, I've been watching some of your videos for a while now, but the Yellow T got me to subscribe. I love it! I like your explanation of why and how also. Very helpful. Looking forward to the next video. Thanks.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for subscribing John! I thought the discussion behind it would be helpful to others. -Matt/ITG

[@johnapel2856]

IronTrap Garage definitely. You explain things in a simple way. You don't try to be flashy or have a lot of fake drama or play the part of the cool guy. You're a car guy talking to other car guys, and one doesn't find that very often these days. Thanks for responding.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks John that's the approach I've always stood by. No fake persona or "character". We want to make videos we'd want to watch ourselves! -Matt/ITG

[@scottlemons8191]

Stance is just rite love your channel looking at the yellow T happy days come to mind HAHA its coming together nicely

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks Scott!

[@stoveboltlvr3798]

Perfect stance!

[@barnyardgarage]

Looks awesome, Looking forward to seeing more!!👍👍

[@chuckstith838]

" Ol Yeller" it should be called.

[@punkinsgarageandpaint8299]

Going to be a cool ride

[@genefoster7238]

I love everything about this car

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks Gene! -Matt/ITG

[@freddiebates5539]

I like it, now get the duck tape and glue out and get to work.

[@shanewright6958]

The car is coming along nicely. Another great video 👍

[@MrJeep75]

I think it looks good, rear tires are sitting about right in wheel wells

[@Hagbergscorner]

Yes! You are back. I hit subscribe faster than one can say haba haba zot zot.

[@donalbers6426]

This Is What I've been Waiting For Thank You.

[@morgansword]

I usually put a level on top the carb throat, just a six inch long one s all I try to do is get carb float somewhat flat so no fuel issues hit me later. I don't do steelies well but it ain't mine. I like patina as well as the next but lean on the ford thing of any color you like as long as you like black. A bit of rust showing is always nice as it isn't supposed to look new. Always tell one of mine cause I hand painted the moon eyes in the corner, just my tradition. Looks good to me if it was what you want

[@studioalbertidesign]

Good idea with the level! I had serious issues with float needle not seating after I dropped my front axle prior to dropping rear, even after readjusting the float. Some of these old carbs really want to be level!

[@donalbers6426]

Waiting For More , Looks Good.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks Don!

[@836dmar]

Perfect!

[@shawnlauderdale6502]

Love it, simple!

[@garycamara9955]

Are you going to channel it? It needs to be channeled about 4".

[@garycamara9955]

Are you going to channel it? It needs to be channeled about 4".

[@garycamara9955]

Are you going to channel it? It needs to be channeled about 4".

[@garycamara9955]

Are you going to channel it? It needs to be channeled about 4".

[@12121149]

Real old school hot rod Builders ,don't wear gloves,just sayin'

[@IronTrapGarage]

Ah give him a break we don't want to hurt his lily white hands (as Winfield would say). Haha! -Matt/ITG

[@ericargo9157]

Love the TROG flavor! I must have one...or 2.

[@rogermiller8262]

Did you use the new hole punch to make the motor mounts? Very dramatic change to the overall look of the car with the engine and grill. I learn the most from these videos. Thanks Matt...

[@IronTrapGarage]

Haha if only! The hole is so large we had to use a hole saw for the mount. I’m glad everyone enjoys these. They’re my favorite to make honestly! -Matt/ITG

[@Dave_Boyer]

Looks amazing !

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks Dave!

[@chuckstith838]

With some big dirt track tires on the rear

[@slvrktman7824]

Like the stance with a flat tire...add air, and the rake will disappear!

[@studioalbertidesign]

I thought the same thing but he mentions that he flattened the fonts deliberately to stimulate a smaller diameter wheel/tire.

[@garycamara9955]

Wheres the center bolt on the front spring?

[@caryevans8598]

Looks great 🙂

[@xozindustries7451]

Coming together nice, that’s what I would build, except with a blown big block chevy

[@MrJeep75]

Looks good

[@buckeyejim2989]

Goin to be a cool ride. Lucky kid. Lol.

[@hotrodbob.]

Sweet little project, looks like it needs a drop axle though

[@davelowell3008]

Excellent.....

[@studioalbertidesign]

Did you guys alter the rear-end at all or it stock Model-A rear leaf with the T-body resting on it? I just swapped rear leaf with a reverse-eye spring (hoping to drop 2.5" as advertised) and was disappointed that it's sitting about .5" taller than prior. Guessing it's not settled-in yet and/or old spring had sag from all it's years. Feel like I'm sitting too high in the rear, though I haven't dropped an engine in yet, hoping that helps.

[@studioalbertidesign]

How did you establish engine's front- to- back location? Would you install drive shaft or do you create a custom length shaft? Thanks.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Determine it by where it fits best. Make custom driveshaft

[@studioalbertidesign]

@@IronTrapGarage Thanks for the advice! Any recommendation going with open shaft vs. original torque tube? I'm not so concerned with 100% period correct if it's not in plain sight and might save me money?!?

[@mikewinkelman7015]

Nice looking stance sweet

[@tacticalgenie8383]

Hey Matt does the frame need to be boxed? I have a bone stock model a and just got a 59ab for it ready to go

[@IronTrapGarage]

Not really that necessary for a stock Flathead.

[@tacticalgenie8383]

IronTrap Garage thank you for the reply, it’s just going to have a mild cam and two deuce set up

[@nzsaltflatsracer8054]

The body line from the top of the cowl needs to continue to the top of the grill shell to make it easy on the eyes, right now it's higher & gives it that broken back look.

[@IronTrapGarage]

We had the grill sitting with wood blocks lol. We’ll get a tape line on it and set it right don’t worry this isn’t my first rodeo haha. -Matt/ITG

[@nzsaltflatsracer8054]

@@IronTrapGarage As I'm sure you know, there's a lot of people that have been "rodeo-ing" a long time that still get that wrong & it kills the look.

[@luvstruck2733]

Stock ride height looks good but the grill shell seems to high because the hood slopes downward from the cowl. He says he doesn't want a hood so.............

[@IowaMercMan]

Maybe Spencer can find a loaner 28-29 grille shell before he buys his radiator (?), maybe mock it up to see which he likes better. Unless his heart is set on the 32 grill. I dig the 28-29 with a T.

[@IronTrapGarage]

We considered that actually! I think he really wants a 32 grill shell though!

[@jongolliher3806]

@@IronTrapGarage Good choice Spencer, gotta be a deuce grille for anything but a 33/34 hotrod. The 33/34 is such a beautiful uniquely designed car and the body and grille just go together. A deuce grille or a competition nose just screamed hotrod back then. Just my opinions. :)

[@RichieCat4223]

How are these cars you build registered ? Are they considered home built ? Thanks

[@IronTrapGarage]

Antique cars.

[@jeffryblackmon4846]

What grade of bolt were you using to clamp the spring to its mount? #8?

[@childsupportf1503]

Leave ride just like it is.

[@mcheles3301]

What ever became of this car? It had a great look.

[@patrickseals5746]

Are you going to ad frame horns in the front or just smooth? Mine are tweaked on mine and I go back and fourth on replacing them or just smoothing out the front of the frame.

[@IronTrapGarage]

No horns with the suicide front type suspension. That's the style Spencer wanted to go with. -Matt/ITG

[@ericmartin923]

Hello !! i love your youtube channel but you have a lot of projects going on, but do not often see your cars roll for real it's too bad eric from France

[@IronTrapGarage]

I drive my cars that run regularly and we post shots in videos from time to time. We’ll try and get more driving shots soon. Stay tuned!

[@kgooch69]

Is that much clearance to the oil pan enough when you figure in the average size of a Pa. pothole ?

[@IronTrapGarage]

No clearance is enough for the roads here after winter, but this should be ok if he's cautious! -Matt/ITG

[@chriswhitesell8079]

Tell buddy to pull his pants up, its a shop not a rap video. Ha HA

[@IronTrapGarage]

We give him hell all the time. He’s tall and needs to buy some long shirts. Kids these days! -Matt/ITG

[@studioalbertidesign]

😅😅😅

[@MrPetrvershinin]

In a leaf spring - the first sheet should be much thicker - EVEN VISUALLY seen how this base sheet bends .... its thickness does not correspond to the weight of the engine ...

[@johnmakin4337]

I realize it’s the look. And a flat head sounds good. But there is not a better looking engine than a 392 hemi Old style

[@kbtube8125]

are you going to have to cut the firewall to clear the fuel pump/ breather?

[@IronTrapGarage]

Good chance. That or run an electric fuel pump

[@gerrymilidantri6457]

Good morning Matt. the T is looking good. are you going to run a chopped windshield like the free T

[@IronTrapGarage]

Hi Gerry the plan is to run a chopped and leaned 26-27 windshield. Thanks for watching!

[@celticdude4686]

Matt why do you leave the garage door landings dirt and gravel ?

[@IronTrapGarage]

The way the garage doors were added when it was converted to a garage from a plane hanger the garage doors don't go all the way down and let a breeze/rain under. I added some packed gravel for a "speed bump" coming into the shop and also allows the garage doors to seal when down. Temporary, quick, and cheap fix. Someday I'll get new garage doors put on, but these work just fine for now! -Matt/ITG

[@celticdude4686]

@@IronTrapGarage Cool. I feel on the make do and save $.

[@celticdude4686]

@daniel bean Triggered Yet ? T R U M P 🚂🇺🇸20🇺🇸20🇺🇸! KAG!

[@micregil]

Are there any automatic transmissions you can put on a flathead?

[@IronTrapGarage]

There is plenty of adapters to run an auto behind a flattie

[@micregil]

@@IronTrapGarage I wasn't sure, a friend of mine used to have a flathead in an old Ford, we sure had a lot of fun with that car.

[@EnfieldJoe]

Looking good. What year/size are the steel rims?

[@IronTrapGarage]

Hi Joe the wheels are 1940 Ford wheels. Thanks for watching! -Matt/ITG

[@mwilliamshs]

14, 15, 16?

[@IronTrapGarage]

1940 ford wheels only came in 16". Sorry I left that out. Hope it helps. -Matt/ITG

[@sergueiothonucci1638]

😃😃

[@jlyle51]

O that is a T body. So get a T shell on it.

[@kz4506]

Isn’t this a model t body

[@jlyle51]

Wrong radiator shell. Trick is a period correct grill shell with a radiator for a flathead! Just my opinion ,is a A model should have a A model radiator shell. Mine does!

[@chuckstith838]

Coker tires of course!

[@minbannister3625]

The stance is dead on! You could take a picture in B/W and call it 1949.

[@IronTrapGarage]

That’s the look we want! Thanks! -Matt/ITG

[@MrJeep75]

What happened to this build

[@switch625.]

Leave it yellow please

[@IronTrapGarage]

That's the plan! -Matt/ITG

[@4STEVEJOY34]

At 4:07 you asked "What he thought?" 7 sec. later at 4:14 you ran all over him. He barley got in 4 1/2 words.

[@josephtaverna1287]

At least it ain't no f****** junk Chevrolet motor being put into a Ford vehicle

[@biffedya]

or how to ruin a classic car

[@MrJeep75]

Looks bitching the way it is

[@13Clicks]

That shit looks proper. I’m doing my A Roadster this winter with 32 rails and a 40 X-member.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Awesome can't wait to see what you build! Thanks for watching! -Matt/ITG

[@13Clicks]

IronTrap Garage I’ve got a few videos of my roadster on my YT Channel here.