My '31 Model A Coupe Build Begins!!!!

Well, the car that I have been talking and dreaming about for the past 3 years is finally becoming a reality. I have been collecting parts for the past few years but college has put a bit of a damper on my free time. I graduated in May from Point Loma Nazarene University and got a job with Meguiars car care products in their special events department traveling to car shows all over the country. Since I am mostly working on weekends I have finally found some time during the week to spend in the garage.

A few weeks ago I found a virgin '31 Model A Coupe on Craigslist and the fun has begun, here is the plan:

-1931 Model A Coupe (4 inch chop, 4 inch channel eventually)
-Model A frame, 5" Z, Model A crossmembers front and rear
-4 inch drop axle, 1940 Ford front brakes, spindles and wishbones
-Ford 8 inch rear, model A buggy spring, latter bars
-1940 Ford Wheels all around, Firestone bias ply blackwalls (6.00X16 fronts, 7.50x16 rears)
-Early 283, 202 heads, mild cam
-T5 5 speed

 

Suite , I likey ! that's cool ! Look out for the El MOCO Coupe !

 

Go with an early hemi - every one use SBC's. Nice car by the way.

 

Great start. Beautiful body. Good luck with the new job..........Woody

 

Hate to incredibly nosey, but how much does a nice body like that cost in your area??

 

Very nice start, stick with the SBC after going to Goodguys last week and seeing so many Hemis, and Flatheads stick with the SBC you cant go wrong. Good Start

 

I did pay a decent amount but I got what I want. It has NO rust, not even a dent. It has all the gl***, all the garnish moldings, windows roll up and down, door latches work, everything is perfect. To me at least, that is worth and extra grand or so.

 

I agree. I already had the little 283, its reliable, I know how to work on it, I can buy parts anywhere when I break down in God knows where and with 3x2's, my cal custom valve covers and a few bits of chrome, I think I can make a reliable running, decent looking little motor.

 

Good buy. That body is Clean. Good luck bro!

 

What a fantastic start for a project....Man am I jealous. Post pics as you build it.

 

with a start like that you'll be riding in no time...I like the sbc idea too, if you don't already have engine/****** how about an early 327 and a Muncie?,

ahh, I see you already had the 283, didnt type fast enough

 

It's gonna be a great hot rod. That chevy will make it fun and won't break the bank. You will still be smiling when the odometer p***es 100,000 miles.
chuck

 

Good luck bro!! Im building a 31 too!!

 

For sure! I will be sure and post pics frequently throughout the build.

 

Good Lawd that body is clean!!! Back here in Michigan somebody with an A that solid might be accused of stealing it from a museum

 

Not in Michigan only... in Finland also!
Waiting for more pics as project continues!

 

Nice score on that body....!!! I, too am building a '30 coupe.....with the exception of the 8" rear, our cars are identical..4" chop, 4 1/2" channel...mines going to wear '35 wires. Good luck on your build!

 

good luck with your build,cant wait to see the end result!

 

Awe Man, that is a great start... Bet you can't wait to start rolling that thing around... Good luck

 

Best of Luck, I would like to do a coupe someday. I am still workin' on my sedan though.

A 283 should make a fine choice for motorvation.

What are your plans for the top (the roof, cloth, steel, something else)?

 

What a fantastic starting point.......the xtra coin was well worth it. I'd give every bit that & maybe more for a straight, rust/rot free body......anyone got one???

Paco

 

I couldn't agree more a good start like that will keep you smiling the whole time your building, well worth the extra coin. i would definately buy one like that if somebody wants to sell one.

 

It's what I shot for with my Tudor Sedan. Definetly the only way to fly if you can come up with the coin.

 

What a great start!That body looks KIller!cant wait to see the build pics as you go ...

 

I think we should have a national fenderless model A coupe gathering, must be a million of them ! Love 'um, great start 31Abomb , 265's, 283's ,327 are just flat *** cool! Keep us posted.

 

that body is great.. good find.. i'm gonna have to start lookin round san diego!
-Anthony

 

Damn good start!