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I have a super solid 29 model A that I have yet to begin but plan to make a rod out of it....also a 1973 Ford Econoline Van that Im thinking of using as a donor vehicle...my question is before I kill my van for parts (still a good daily driver for me) how much from the van can I use & how good of a fit will things be? Van has a 302, 9in rear & front straight axel w drum brakes. ...Figure I can save some $ by using what I already own. Anyone used these vans as a donor before?
Never heard of anyone using the front axle on anything but a gasser. The longitudinal front springs would be a little clunky looking on a A, I would think.
Measure between the insides of the rear tires on the van, then measure the same place on the A. If they're close to the same, the diff may work ok. don't know if you are going to run fenders, but on the fenderless cars, a space of 1" to 1 1/2" between the body and the tire is about all you want in order to look right.
Slide up under the van with a socket. If you can get a socket on all the third member nuts all the way around, then it's an 8", not a 9". A 9" will require a box end wrench on a couple of the nuts. Forgot which ones.
You can use most of the Van stuff you mentioned. The front axle is an easy swap, ditch the twin parallel springs and mount the axle using a transverse spring just like on any hot Rod set-up. All of the mounts and brackets are very easy to fab yourself or if need be they are available from at least half a dozen suppliers. The Van rear 9" is probably to wide for a model A. My Model A uses a Jag rear suspension and I had to narrow it when I replaced the narrowed 9" that was in there for years. Thats no big deal either, narrowing is no big deal, but if you look around there are some narrow enough fpr your A. The 302 is a no brainer, simply to swap into a Model A and provide plenty of power stock for such a light little car. They dress up OK as well if you are into Ford motors.
So of the three things you mention Front Axle--- Rear Axle----and engine choice, all can be made to wpork pretty easy and all will provide good service in your little Hot Rod Project. Get to cutting!!
Roland