Projects 1931 Roadster AV8 Build

I have always liked this site with so cool stuff. I never considered building nothing like I see here. I was always stuck in the 50's nothing wrong with either until I went to a SEMCO show here in WI. I enjoyed to old hot rods and caught the fever in Bonneville. So I bought a model a frame from a fellow hamber here. Thank you guys although my wife has a different opinion......

 

Nice looking frame....what is the plan?

 

I am not 100% sure. It will be a 1931 roadster. But I saw one channeled with fenders and it was different, low to the ground made a nice stance.

 

Oh a flatty for sure!

 

I'm in the middle of my own AV8 build myself - also a "first timer". I've found the Vern Tardel big book to be very helpful.

~ Carl

 

Welcome! Be sure to start a build thread...... Nothing like the first time you take the rattle-trap down the road the first time....

 

sounds good to me........

 

or Studiebaker power...........

 

Oh I get it! Since I don't have any sheet metal to play with just yet. I put the gauge package together today. Not going with the cowl gas tank.

 

First thing I bought.
Thanks.

 

I have not posted in a while too busy in the garage. 1931 roadster all steel with fenders. Going a little different than most. 3" kickup in the rear frame and a 4" drop axle up front. 8BA flathead with 3 Strombergs. Just tacked up some lake headers. Barely fit the cowl and fender but it does. The other side has the F1 steering box. That one will be a challenge.

 

The look of full fenders, lowered is always impressive. Enjoy.

 

Looks like you are well on your way, keep it up and keep us posted

 

I was able to get one header built and still not hit the cowl or the front fender.
I could have gone higher in the vertical as the fender pulls away but i didn't like the look so we split hairs here. No paint to worry about either.
I purchased parts from Speedway and some tight radius starters. Very easy to build really. Note to self. Put the bad welds on the bottom....

 

Here is the fixture I used to make sure the cone was in the same place and cleared the F1 steering box. View attachment 4899282 View attachment 4899282

 

Really nice work!

 

Took the 40 banjo apart and welded up over the top spring perches. I guess I found a pretty good deal. Complete with brakes bones and torque tube for $100.
Check out the bearing surfaces and if it couldnt get any better a nice set of 3.54 gears!

 

Looking good so far!

 

That's a great deal. All that stuff is usable in an AV8.

 

Banjo all cleaned inside and inspected for wear. None! Clean leaves of rust and apply anti seize compound. Mount model a spring with main leaf first and C clamped the rest. Always kept a treaded rod engaged in the center hole just in case. Ended up going from 7 leaves to 4 for a lowered look as well as a softer ride. We will see....at least the shackles ended up at a 45 degree like they are supposed to. View attachment 4917493 View attachment 4917493

 

Some one at your place does real nice work on a really neat project....tell em to keep it up.....

 

Little more work done on the roadster. Found a Dodge Caravan second row seat for $20. It was like it was made for the car. Fits right on the seat riser. It will help locate the steering wheel and pedals for a comfortable position. Yes I will be recovering the upholstery at a later date.

 

Here is a Caravan seat recovered. It will need some foam work to lose the butt and backrest impressions. It looks beautiful!

 

Nice..............

 

Its a roller!
4" dropped axle. Round back spindles and 40 drums. Posie spring and split wishbones with Speedway mount kit. Not welded just yet. But the chassis with 29.0 rear tire and a 25.0 front I get a nice three deg rake.

 

Do you mind sending photos of how your sub rails are attached to your cowl?

 

Mine are not attached just yet but are positioned where they go. I noticed the sub rail could have extended a little farther to give the top two holes to bolt/rivet to.

 

Hope this helps.

 

I have a 4" kickup in the rear for the rear spring. I did a little sheet metal work today in the shop. Can you tell I have done HVAC work in the past? Don't have a beading tool but it does the job. Small little trunk now. Hope to fit a gas tank in there somewhere. View attachment 4974012 View attachment 4974012

 

Finished mocking up the rest of the floor.
The toe boards. I used a F1 trans cover to clear the 32 crossmember and trans tower. Again trying to use old ford parts.
I was almost going to use plywood but I just couldn't bring self to doing it. Shifter tower is a little off from the F1 location in the cover. A little patching will fix that. Next clearance the steering column and pedals and we can start hanging the body.