Here is the start of my first foray into Model A’s: A banger-powered hot rod jalopy build, using a 1930 slant window cut-down sedan body and pickup bed on a nearly-perfect 1928 chassis. The body is quite unique, as you can see by the hand painted door, custom cut back panel, and of course the welded doors. I’m from Minnesota, and got the body off a guy from Wisconsin, who told me he bought it from a guy who pulled it from a junkyard in Minnesota, so I’m glad it made its way back. The chassis is numbers-matching with the motor, has virtually no rust, runs, drives, shifts and stops great, and has almost all it’s original parts, with some new parts (the rear wheels and tires are nearly brand new). My plans are to build this into a fairly period-correct hot rod/jalopy, with a high compression head, a big single or dual carb and intake setup, better ignition/distributor, better brakes, and a straight-pipe exhaust. In the future I’m considering a bigger or reground cam, a full pressure oil system, and perhaps a T5 or ‘39 transmission swap, or something similar. Being new to Model A’s and the banger power plant, what can you all recommend for hop up parts on a budget? I’m building this in an apartment garage with limited space and tools, and I only have $2500 into the build so far with the body and chassis combined. I’ll post more pictures when I get the body mocked up on the chassis.
Thank you! Still trying to navigate all the threads on here haha. Me too, I’m picking up the chassis this coming weekend, and will definitely post pics here and on Facebook once I get it mocked up.
Thanks! Haha I will do my best, I’m quite new to all this but excited to see how things come together.
Welcome, keep an eye on the monthly banger meets threads, heaps of info there we have a banger rpu in the shed here too
Haha thanks man! Gonna be interesting trying to fit everything in there and work on it but I’ll make it it work!
@Sam K. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/june-2023-season-change-almost-here.1293928/ They get started every month.
Does that require an open drive conversion? I’ve been thinking of swapping in either a 39 trans or T5, but it seems complicated because of the open drive conversion.
I bought the kit from Clings. Running the torque tube, closed drive. I'm using the Model A pedals and hand brake too.The only thing I needed to get that the kit didn't come with kit is the later flathead u joint housing/clam shell.
Thanks for the info, I’ll have to look into that. Did you have to get a custom length driveshaft for that to fit?
Looks like a great start! That body has a ton of character, and the chassis looks clean as can be. I took a very similar approach in my build thread and learned a ton of stuff along the way. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Thank you! Yes, it was a great local find for sure, I love the lettering on the door. Will do! Just out of curiosity, what carb, intake, head, and cam are you running?
I am running one of the new Stromberg 81s (it looks like a 97 from the outside). The intake is an old, homemade one from back in the day. It was made from a stock intake with the updraft cut off, hole plugged with a flathead valve, and a three-bolt flange intake brazed to the top. The head is stock and the cam is unknown. Other highlights include a custom linkage with Secrets of Speed connectors, an old 4-into-2 header, a FSI ignition, and a Model A PowerGen. I converted it to 12V (but kept the 6V starter). It's a ton of fun to drive.
Looks like a great setup! How does it run with the 81? Pretty lively? I’m considering a stromberg of some variety, and also different ignition. How do you like the FSI setup? I was considering buying their 6 volt setup.
Well I just finished up a homemade seat for the RPU build. I cut up some seat foam I got a crafts store and also cut sections of a used memory foam mattress topper, and placed them on some 3’ x 18” plywood. I chose a nice dark red colored marine-grade vinyl, wrapped it around the foam and plywood, and used heavy duty staples to hold it all together. Turned out pretty good! It’s comfy and adjustable. I’ll probably have to raise the bottom portion up with brackets or something, and attach the seat back somehow to the bottom, or to the back panel, but for now, this will work great when I mount the body on the chassis.
If you are going with the FSI, upgrade to 12V. I am running the 12V FSI, that is where most of the upgrade expense is. It's a move you will never regret. Brighter lights, better starting. I am running pretty well the same setup as Joey. Downdraft 97, Red's headers, 6.1 head and FSI distributor. Gonna be a nice project, like your seat. Warren
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