Projects 1931 Ford Model A

Many journeys are just making someone else’s hotrod/streetrod your own. Most cars we hot rod to our tastes were someone else’s ‘vision’ not too long ago (relatively speaking). Not too many minty stockers get hacked up these days. Some, but not many.
Most fresh hot rod builds you’ll find here are from parts and pieces. Some get to start with more complete cars, but not many.

ps: a few of us have tried to start threads based on the idea of un-street rodding something, but the starting point pics are generally forbidden content.

 

I wondered when this was going to get pointed out. Does he get a pass for the R&P steering being it's connected to an Axle, even if it is a tube style?

 

I thought it was the screen play for oh brother where art thou 2

 

He's going to want a panhard bar on the front end too.

I was curiously studying the chassis photos as I have an A project. The more I look at it, the more things I see that I would change on this 31. It's a fine street rod for going back and forth to coffee, I'm sure. Just a bunch of things don't seem to be quite there.

 

@05snopro440 , without being too critical, you could help the rest of us see the items that 'don't seem to be quite there'?

 

Looking at the receipts on BaT, the car was originally set up with a Vega box and then it appears the previous owner ‘upgraded’ to a Unisteer half rack (by Mavel). We’ve had a few discussions on this board about them with numerous testimonials about how they have helped keep some hot rodders in their cars and enjoying the ease of steering. Also lots of gripes about the turning radius. Must admit I’m trying one on my latest sedan build and have quite enjoyed the easy turning, and once you set them up properly, the turning radius is fine. Can go steering stop to steering stop (same ones I use on Vega set ups) with ease.
NOTE: when posting pics of my sedan on here, I strategically angle the shots so it’s hidden (most of the time. Hahaha).

 

I’m new to this type of suspension, what about it could be changed and why. The car will basically be used for regular diving, with perhaps your average road trip now and then?

I’m here to learn.
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You got a real bargain at that price! Excellent!

 

Leave it alone, nothing wrong with that suspension as is.

 

It needs a panhard bar on the front. It should connect to the batwing (the piece that your hairpins are connected to) on the passenger side and to the frame on the driver's side. So-Cal sells batwings that have the mount on the passenger side. Otherwise, your steering is pushing on the axle and can push it sideways. It can create really bad bump steer to the point of being dangerous.

Hairpins with a tube axle are generally considered a bad idea. The easy way to correct this would be to change to a forged I-beam axle instead of the tube axle. This is because the tube axle is more rigid than the I-beam, which can unfortunately cause breakage of the hairpins.

I always find it to be concerning when someone doesn't put a working speedometer on the car. It's such a simple thing that I wonder what else they cut corners on. Personally for your gauges I would get rid of the ones on the column, do water temp and oil pressure in the dash, and do a speedo in a cup on the column.

What looks to be your positive cable draped across the trans is a little bit haphazard. Get that secured out of the way.

 

Yours has a panhard on the front. This one doesn't. Still think it's fine?

 

I think the car looks great..and well done. Love the colors! The only thing that stands out to me is the obligatory late model, primer grey painted Torq Thrust wheels. I'm a mag wheel elitist so maybe that's why they are the first thing I'd change. Even new Torq Thrust Original, TTO, wheels are better. Painted smoothies with chrome caps and rings, vintage mags, Cragars....something...will lessen the street rod vibe of the car. Its a mighty neat car nonetheless. Changing a few things will help you make it your own. Last thought..put some cool, vintage valve covers on it.

 

I like it. Neat little car and congrats on getting her. Yep, agree, change what is needed as the other fellas have suggested. My only gripe is the 4-wheel "skinny brakes", cheers.

 

Thanks everyone for your suggestion and opinions.
Hoping for the car to be delivered tomorrow but have not gotten the day-before delivery call yet.
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On day one of driving, it I downloaded an app to use as a Speedometer that when tested on one of my cars works really well. My phone case is magnetic so it will easily attach to the dash.

Here are some screenshots a depending on the orientation will display a Tachometer with Speed or flip it a just display Speed. It also keeps track of extra details.


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You did well on this one. Good looking Hot Rod. Can't build it for that price.

 

Yes, I find myself looking over my shoulder for the Police, as I feel I stole it at that price.

 

that A is TOO nice! wow, take care of it.

 

why not just make the stock speedo work???

 

I would like to, just need to do some research on how to accomplish that? I will evaluate once the car gets here.

Just tried searching here and didn't find anything that helps understand the pricaples of the 31 speedometer and connecting to a TH400?
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Because he wants to drive it when he gets it.

 

True, but he has a good point, I would like to get the original speedo working.
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There's a lot of post here on how to make the car theirs.. and not yours.... the video show that it's a running driving car.... but... pretty much the reason why I kinda stay away from rod runs.. everyone is so judgmental... the built not bought gets kinda old when you know for fact that the only thing they built on the car was the bank account to write the checks...

that being said, good thing I didn't see this for sale , it would have cost you alot more to win...LOL

So, with all due respect..... the car is fine as is... but to make it mine...here's what I do.... first... the car seems to dip into to many era's... I would change out the peterbuilt/ tractor. key switch panel..and I would get the wiring thats Zip tied to the collum up in the dash.. I'm thinking the red lights are turn signals?? and the amber is oil???... next, I would get matching bezel gauges...with faces that match the era I was building...the dished steering wheel would have to go...the interior.... I absolutely hate tweed...but again...with all due respect...carpet needs to match the drapes....nothing matches... the rumble seat is what I'd leave, and make the rest of the car match...

as others have said..... elect. fan, pretty much a fart in church.. rolling into a rod run and that fan kicking on would be embarrassing to me... as far as the wheels and tires....they had those when i was a kid... so if you like them keep them....but I would pick a group title... and make the car fit...is street rod? traditional? resto... drag race...??

I bought a turn key 32 roadster that was built the same way... they were all over the board with style and era... and I sent it back down the road , not one thing was 32 ford...

 

what does that mean????of coarse, with all due respect

I drive my 31 with the stock speedo and it's right on with the road side radar

 

He has a plan to have a speedo so he can drive it as soon as he gets it. Nothing wrong with that. That way he can use it without having to get the speedo working hanging over his head.

Of course he should get an actual Speedo working on the car, but if that happens a few months later it's of no consequence.

It's funny that you and others are so worried about the electric fan when there are actual safety issues with the suspension design.

 

pretty much just need a cable???there used to be a guy in vegas that had a speedo shop that would build a cable, and all you have to do was tell him the og car/dash, the rear end gear,and the trans, and how long and he would build it... my 31 the speedo works perfect it has a 39 trans..stock rear...

but again, with all due respect, why can't you drive a 31 with the stock speedo.... I don't get it...

I love your new car... and would have bought it givin the chance.... I have a 37 ford postage stamp build, any one that knows old cars can walk up to it and know what year the car is and what year it was rodded...I call it dated, as does others in the know...

 

LOL...Safety issues...??? the gas tank could kill you setting at a stop light... the only time there will be an issue with the suspension is trying to corner on a wash board road...the fix is just bolt on...and mail order parts...I just pray God no one says change to IFS!!!

I like bolt on mods.... even got some for my Wife... quick easy fix is for me...

 

just wanna add.... I owned new cars when the warranty was 12k mile....no one had working speedo's