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Low budget model a roadster build questions

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by olds vroom, Aug 23, 2014.

  1. olds vroom
    Joined: Jan 29, 2010
    Posts: 982

    olds vroom
    Member

    I'm building a low budget 31 model a roadster . My first model a .So I started this thread to ask questions as I go. So far I have taken what there was of the body off to verify the serial no. And box the frame. Front and rear axles are stock for now my first question is what do I need to find to convert the front axle to juice brakes using the stock spindle?
     
  2. timwhit
    Joined: Jan 30, 2012
    Posts: 5,188

    timwhit
    Member

    You need a ring, looks like a piston ring to adapt 40--48 backing plates to your spindles, ***uming that is what you are planning on using. The reason of course is the hole in the backing plate is a little bigger than the spindle. They're offered by Speedway I think as well as a couple other places. Then you will need all the other stuff: drums,shoes,cylinders etc. etc. Tim
     
  3. olds vroom
    Joined: Jan 29, 2010
    Posts: 982

    olds vroom
    Member

    Thanks. Also as I'm building most of my body by had can anybody tell me how wide a roadster door is?
     
  4. olds vroom
    Joined: Jan 29, 2010
    Posts: 982

    olds vroom
    Member

    Bump


    They told me it couldn't be done... So I'll try it.
     
  5. kb cookout
    Joined: Dec 17, 2004
    Posts: 5,862

    kb cookout
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    HI what year are you going to build ?? 1928-29 or 1930-31 style ??

    later kb
     
  6. olds vroom
    Joined: Jan 29, 2010
    Posts: 982

    olds vroom
    Member

    It's a 31


    They told me it couldn't be done... So I'll try it.
     
  7. olds vroom
    Joined: Jan 29, 2010
    Posts: 982

    olds vroom
    Member

    Bump


    They told me it couldn't be done... So I'll try it.
     
  8. olds vroom
    Joined: Jan 29, 2010
    Posts: 982

    olds vroom
    Member

    Bump again


    They told me it couldn't be done... So I'll try it.
     
  9. olds vroom
    Joined: Jan 29, 2010
    Posts: 982

    olds vroom
    Member

    I'm looking to run a 305sbc and wonder what would be my best choice for transmission th350,700r4,? I've never used a 700r4 so is there any electric hookups to be concerned with?


    They told me it couldn't be done... So I'll try it.
     
  10. 55chevr
    Joined: Jul 12, 2008
    Posts: 985

    55chevr
    Member

    305 SBC is not a high performance engine. If you use one I would suggest a TH350. They are a good match and bang for the buck. If you upgrade engine later it will still be a good trans

    Joe
     
  11. olds vroom
    Joined: Jan 29, 2010
    Posts: 982

    olds vroom
    Member

    No but I don't need a high performance setup just a real nice runner on a low budget so I think a 305 with a th350 and 3:42 gears should do it . If I can find them cheap. What do you think?


    They told me it couldn't be done... So I'll try it.
     
  12. missysdad1
    Joined: Dec 9, 2008
    Posts: 3,307

    missysdad1
    Member

    Any small block Chevy will scoot your lightweight Model A along just fine. The TH350 is a good choice, but you might want to look into a 700R4 to get the extra overdrive gear...especially if you have your heart set on a 3.48:1 final drive.

    If you've never built a Model A hot rod before I'd suggest you do not deviate very far from a very conventional ch***is using transverse leaf springs front and rear and radius rods on both ends and a Ford F100 steering box with drag link. The powertrain you've already selected will go with these parts just fine.

    You won't be on the cutting edge of technology with this setup, but you'll be right in the heart of traditional hot rod territory. Good luck!
     
  13. olds vroom
    Joined: Jan 29, 2010
    Posts: 982

    olds vroom
    Member

    Anybody know of a way to do disc brakes with my stock spindles?


    They told me it couldn't be done... So I'll try it.
     
  14. olds vroom
    Joined: Jan 29, 2010
    Posts: 982

    olds vroom
    Member

    Bump


    They told me it couldn't be done... So I'll try it.
     
  15. olds vroom
    Joined: Jan 29, 2010
    Posts: 982

    olds vroom
    Member

    Bump again


    They told me it couldn't be done... So I'll try it.
     
  16. olds vroom
    Joined: Jan 29, 2010
    Posts: 982

    olds vroom
    Member

    Guess not


    They told me it couldn't be done... So I'll try it.
     
  17. mike bowling
    Joined: Jan 1, 2013
    Posts: 3,559

    mike bowling
    Member

    There's a post on "parts for sale" by "Verminator" in N.Y.- '51 dressed and re-built six cylinder with a 3 spd ****** and rear end for a thousand bucks. Neat motor with dual Fenton headers, dual carb intake , a Wayne aluminum valve cover.Trick set up for an "A"; plug and play. I've been eye-balling it for awhile, but it's a long haul and I don't really need it.Sounds like a good fit for your project- Check it out. Good luck with it
     
    volvobrynk likes this.
  18. olds vroom
    Joined: Jan 29, 2010
    Posts: 982

    olds vroom
    Member

    Can anybody tell me how to separate the torc tube and shaft from the rear end ?


    They told me it couldn't be done... So I'll try it.
     
  19. olds vroom
    Joined: Jan 29, 2010
    Posts: 982

    olds vroom
    Member

    Bump


    They told me it couldn't be done... So I'll try it.
     
  20. olds vroom
    Joined: Jan 29, 2010
    Posts: 982

    olds vroom
    Member

    I've just discovered the front axle is bent . What is the best way to straighten it or do I have to get a new one?


    They told me it couldn't be done... So I'll try it.
     
  21. rottenleonard
    Joined: Nov 7, 2008
    Posts: 1,993

    rottenleonard
    Member

    Can you post pictures of the bent axle?
     
  22. Kensey
    Joined: Sep 25, 2006
    Posts: 737

    Kensey
    Member
    from Pittsburgh

    You need the Les Andrews books!!! Step by step "how to" on converting to 40's Ford juice. You need two of his books, stock and modifying.
     
  23. TBone69
    Joined: Aug 21, 2007
    Posts: 881

    TBone69
    Member
    from NJ

    Check out my build thread for pics of the puller you will need. Got mine of EBay but all the parts suppliers have them.

    Basically on the A rear the drive shaft and pinion ***embly are pressed in to the center section, you will need a puller for this. The drive shaft tube can be unbolted at the pinion flange and should slide off. At least mine did. I think there is supposed to be a c clip in there that holds the drive shaft gear
     
  24. olds vroom
    Joined: Jan 29, 2010
    Posts: 982

    olds vroom
    Member

    Thanks guys but I found a good straight axle locally cheap so it seemed like a no brainier to me


    They told me it couldn't be done... So I'll try it.
     
  25. olds vroom
    Joined: Jan 29, 2010
    Posts: 982

    olds vroom
    Member

    Just checked my gas tank in the cowl today and I can't believe it holds. I do want to replace the fuel gauge with a sending unit . Does anybody sell one for this?


    They told me it couldn't be done... So I'll try it.
     
  26. missysdad1
    Joined: Dec 9, 2008
    Posts: 3,307

    missysdad1
    Member

    Here's a tip: You'll get much better respnse to your questions if you accompany them with photos. The new format makes them very simple to post. Start with a few photos of your project...even if it's still in pieces.
     
  27. olds vroom
    Joined: Jan 29, 2010
    Posts: 982

    olds vroom
    Member

    OK here is the start ImageUploadedByH.A.M.B.1411947877.850921.jpg


    They told me it couldn't be done... So I'll try it.
     
  28. olds vroom
    Joined: Jan 29, 2010
    Posts: 982

    olds vroom
    Member

    Ok time for my next question what are you guys finding that fits for a seat in a roadster ? I don't have a stock seat and would prefer a bench seat of some sort.


    They told me it couldn't be done... So I'll try it.
     
  29. 1931fordtruck
    Joined: Jul 6, 2013
    Posts: 347

    1931fordtruck
    Member

    Im pretty sure that the 3rd row seat out of a early 90s dodge caravan will fit.
     
  30. Youch! she probably was a sedan in a former life, turned into a "roadster". If it were me, I'd blow it all apart to see what I have to work with, then go from there. That windshield is definitely not "A", The second row seat out of an early 90's dodge caravan works for a seat, but I think that is the last thing you need to look into for now..any updated pics of how it looks now?
     
    fine29 likes this.

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