Swapping Front Ends on a Model A

[DScott]

I have two late model A's, one has a narrow front and the other has a wide front end. I am going to swap these and wonder if it can be done without taking the hood, fuel tank, radiator and etc off. Just looking at it, it looks like I may be able to remove the grills, steering wheel shaft and then sneak in there and remove the four bolts holding the front pedestal on. Anybody "been there, done that"?

 

[wilamayb]

If it's a late A it has more than 4 bolts.

I've done the swap. I ended up removing the radiator but perhaps you have more patience than I.

 

[DScott]

Yea, according to the parts book it has 6 studs attaching the front end.

 

[Mike Stockwell]

what other front ends will fit the late A's as i have one that where the steering gear is located the housing is broken and it looks like a one piece front end?

 

[MarbargerFarms]

Yes it should be possiable to remove the front end with out removing the hood and radiator. Have done it on a "B" its fairly simple. Just remove the grill peices, the nose piece and the steering shaft. Also there are six bolts holding the pedistal on. The other two are hard to see and are the ones that will test your patience.

 

[gurneejoe]

To Mike Stockwell: I have a good one piece pedestal casting for a 1950 A if you are interested. I don't know where you are but it is yours if you want it. I am in Northeast Illinois.

 

[DScott]

Well, it's been awhile but I found out that you can swap the front ends without removing the hood, radiator, fuel tank and etc. I was able to reach in between the radiator and the front support with a crows foot wrench and get the nuts off of the studs. Then I lifted the pedestal off with a front end loader and made the switch. It took me awhile to figure it out but it sure saved me a lot of work and time.
So, mission accomplished.

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