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Technical model a truck vs car frame

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by Swiss50chevy, Sep 9, 2013.

  1. Swiss50chevy
    Joined: Apr 30, 2009
    Posts: 561

    Swiss50chevy
    Member

    Is there any difference between a model a pickup frame compared to a model a car frame???:confused:
     
  2. carmuts
    Joined: Jun 17, 2009
    Posts: 858

    carmuts
    Member

    No real differnce, maybe a stamp change on the rear crossmember indicating the amount of springs it is supposed to have. Some pickups had 12 leaf springs, but most had 10 like the sedans. Rod
     
  3. carmuts
    Joined: Jun 17, 2009
    Posts: 858

    carmuts
    Member

    Late 31 car frames with slant windshield would be the exception as the cowl mount holes were moved and for the fordor there was an added runningboard bracket. I have never had one of those to study the differences up close and personal so to speak. Rod
     
  4. Don't know where you are going with this but remember that the '28-'29 frames had a slightly different height for the radiator mount when compared with a '30-'31.

    Charlie Stephens
     
  5. Would this also include '31 Vicky?
     
  6. Swiss50chevy
    Joined: Apr 30, 2009
    Posts: 561

    Swiss50chevy
    Member

    Found a couple 30-31 frames. Thought about picking them up for future model a build. One of them is truck frame.


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  7. jkeesey
    Joined: Oct 12, 2011
    Posts: 652

    jkeesey
    Member

    Unless its a AA truck frame there is really no difference unless your doing a fine point restoration.
     
  8. Can't go wrong with a couple of free model a frames. If they are decent they go for around $300 a piece!
     
  9. Swiss50chevy
    Joined: Apr 30, 2009
    Posts: 561

    Swiss50chevy
    Member

    They aren't free


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  10. sorry, thought they were.. well, if you can get them for under $300 a piece you money ahead!
     
  11. b-bob
    Joined: Nov 4, 2008
    Posts: 1,097

    b-bob
    Member

    The only difference I found for a hot rod, was the hood hold down holes at the front were different. The 28/9's had the one set and 30/1's had the two sets because 30/1's were off by a half inch or so. Not a big deal. Of course these would be Canadian made frames.
     
  12. F-6Garagerat
    Joined: Apr 12, 2008
    Posts: 2,652

    F-6Garagerat
    Member

    I can't believe Bruce Lancaster hasn't poked his head in on this and schooled everyone. :)
     
  13. He's gathering a team as we speak i'm sure...:)
     
  14. Swiss50chevy
    Joined: Apr 30, 2009
    Posts: 561

    Swiss50chevy
    Member

    Asking price is $1200 for one rolling frame w/banger and 1500 for another w/o motor, but has new wheels and front grille


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  15. Vicky frame has some unique body mounts but the basic frame is the same for 28-31
     
  16. jkeesey
    Joined: Oct 12, 2011
    Posts: 652

    jkeesey
    Member

    Sounds like average prices. Not really a good deal just fair market value.
     
  17. yeah, average prices..
     
  18. Bruce Lancaster
    Joined: Oct 9, 2001
    Posts: 21,681

    Bruce Lancaster
    Member Emeritus

    All are functionally very similar, and the differences probably won't scare anyone.
    Some holes differ...since '30-31 frames became the parts counter replacement they had extra holes for the parts that differ. Some of the forward body holes are the same for all years so you can use those and drill anything that doesn't line up.
    Radiator holes are something like 1/4 inch lower on late frames, so a simple shim fits that to early. Ford actually did this itself on the early 1930 trucks that used '29 bodies. Going the other way you'll need some creativity. Late '31 frames got an extra riveted-on bracket on each side that supported some late intro bodies like slant window Fordors and Victorias...don't remember details but there are pics and endless discussion on Fordbarn. This frame eventually became the replacement frame just so Henry would not have to worry about this. This is very simple for hotrod purposes, a short piece of angle iron would functionally replace that piece.
    Most of the other variations, things like solid-mount engine in early '28 and several generations of E-brake and brake cross shaft, are seldom of much interest to rodders.
     
  19. Bruce Lancaster
    Joined: Oct 9, 2001
    Posts: 21,681

    Bruce Lancaster
    Member Emeritus

    Now...here's what happens to people who stand too close to discussions like this; this guy is somewhere well beyond expert on this, and has devoted years and years and billions of electrons to describing every change he can do***ent. Besides all the Ford paperwork, he is continually tracking datable or unusually well preserved Model A's and recording details of all sorts:

    http://www.plucks329s.org/frame.htm
     
  20. gardon
    Joined: Dec 17, 2009
    Posts: 37

    gardon
    Member
    from kansas

    ModelAA is heavier than model A
     
  21. gardon
    Joined: Dec 17, 2009
    Posts: 37

    gardon
    Member
    from kansas

    Model A car and pickup frames are the same but AA truck frames are heavier. All mounting holes ate basically the same.
     
  22. fortynut
    Joined: Jul 16, 2008
    Posts: 1,038

    fortynut
    Member

    I always love it when Bruce chimes in. He's on my bucket list to meet before I kick it. Of course no one mentioned rust, wallowed holes or warp and twist. The last can be checked with a tape by measuring similar landmarks in an 'x' from front to rear on both sides and noting the difference. Hot Rodders can have them freshly minted out of rectangular tubing from various vendors. I'm scrounging parts is how come I mention all this, as I am thinking of it obsessively. A couple of decent ones flew off before I could raise the blunderbuss. I'm getting up, now, when the dew is still on the gr***. If nothing else, the HAMB proves without argument that 'no one can know everything'. Well almost. I forgot about Bruce.
     
  23. Bruce Lancaster
    Joined: Oct 9, 2001
    Posts: 21,681

    Bruce Lancaster
    Member Emeritus

    Search out Brent in Tennessee (Fordbarn A) on straightening tech...he has some good skills on that!
     
  24. Swiss50chevy
    Joined: Apr 30, 2009
    Posts: 561

    Swiss50chevy
    Member

    Thanks for the info guys ;)


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  25. F-6Garagerat
    Joined: Apr 12, 2008
    Posts: 2,652

    F-6Garagerat
    Member

    I knew Bruce would get in on this!!
     
  26. Yeah Pluck is King when it comes to do***enting changes in the A!!! His site is one I reference frequently!!!


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  27. Swiss50chevy
    Joined: Apr 30, 2009
    Posts: 561

    Swiss50chevy
    Member

    Next question: is there difference in frames from 28-31?


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  28. Bruce Lancaster
    Joined: Oct 9, 2001
    Posts: 21,681

    Bruce Lancaster
    Member Emeritus

  29. 55 dude
    Joined: Jun 19, 2006
    Posts: 9,357

    55 dude
    Member

    Not to hijack this thread but what you guys are saying is the big trucks (AA) frames are the same just heavier? Does that carry into the 32-34 big trucks? Thanks.
     

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