I am looking for a deuce frame for my 30 coupe. I don't need a full rolling chassis, just the bare bones frame. Im trying to keep the budget as low as i can. Who are some good frame builders? Who has the best quality to cost? Any in particular builders i should stay away from? Any opinions appreciated
Seriously? I don't want to be rude, but this question gets asked a lot. In fact there is a current thread about it. Also, try the search function, then you can compare answers from a dozen other similar threads as well.
There's a guy on here that has a great signature" Good work ain't cheap, and cheap work ain't good". Those frames, set up correctly, are mucho dinero. Get a solid stock, bare frame, plug into the HAMB "Braintrust", and do it yourself; if you're on a budget you'll save thousands. Or if you aren't able to do it yourself, get a local welder to do the work and you formulate the plan ( you can get a lot done with a large combo pizza and a case of beer!) ( after the welding's done) But the repo man can get your repro stuff, that's a fact!
Actually i did search, and looked through alot of threads, and found a few names, and some of those names just lead to dead ends as far as the internet goes. I have came across a few people that build frames, and some of them were not mentioned, so i assume that there are other options out there. Also most of the threads i found were about rails, not complete frames do you by chance have a link to this current thread? i have yet to be able to find it. and have re-searched just now trying to find it. Its always funny to me, you can look at any of my forum profiles and you will see i have few posts, because i will search like mad before asking a question. but you know what i find more often then anything? a search with the same question i had to a T, and the first response is "search, its covered all the time" its ironic how many times i search to be told to search again. usually the thread doesnt go on from there, and i have to search and dig deep, and alot of the time i still dont find what im looking for. ahhhh the helpfulness and friendliness of the internet yeah i agree with you on that quote, i also know alot of what you pay for out there is for the name. brookville frame is about $2500, blackboard has what im looking for for like $1600, also had a local guy quote me $4500 for boxed rails w/ front and rear cross members. all of these i have heard great things about. but blackboard seems to be backed up along time. I was hoping to keep the frame under 2k as i dont need any suspension mounting, no engine or trans mount, dont even really need the k-member, but if it comes down to it i also have no problem spending the cash on the brookville. it will just take me a lot longer then i was hoping(I've already waited a year, and want to get started lol). that 1000 bucks savings could go along way lol.
If all you want is the rails and front and rear crossmember, get a set of rails from ASC in Mississippi (used to be around $700) and buy a front and rear crossmember from many sources and have under a grand in it.
There are threads about 'A' coupes on '32rails and good info on what you'll have to do and the sources for things like the subrail kits to mate the two. Try looking at ASC (American Stamping Co.) rails, they have crisp formed detail lines and reasonable. Expand your search to include 'Rolling Bones style', lots of good info on some advanced techniques. Good luck.
That was my original plan actually, I do have some fabrication experience, but having no frame jig or access to one, id be afraid of it not coming out true. also, the pinch for the model-A cowl intimidates me. ASC was actually one of the first options i looked into, ill look more into the the rolling bones styles for sure Thanks for your input guys
Gary at Blackboard Hot Rods has the most bang for your buck. He makes a lot of the frames & chassis other companies sell too. He's a one-man-show, so it can take quite awhile to get something completed. I got a frame with all the cross members installed and pinched for a Model 'A' from him awhile back. It was prepaid, and took about 9 months. But, the quality and price was worth the wait.
Not gonna get in a pissing match with anyone , just stating facts...but Gary at blackboard worked for kiwi konnection before he went on his own , kiwi konnection/California roadster has the same basic frame I think for 100-200 more , and Duane jones ( current owner) is really easy to deal with also ... He usually delivers to LA area if your local And yes just cause someone thinks their frame is worth 10k cause it has fake rivits and other weirdness doesn't make it worth that either
Here you go: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/32-ford-frame-for-a-30-ford-coupe.977702/#post-11018704
Travis, you don't list a location in your signature. That may be a factor in your decision if you "save" money on a frame but spend more than the savings on having it shipped to you. Hell, you may get a recommendation for a near by Rod shop with a chassis table that can set you up. I'd agree on going with new rails and a basic frame prefitted for an A body. Probably cheaper than buying an original frame and doing the modifications. Prices for original 32 frames are rediculous.
Anything but TCI. Had one which was the worst I've ever owned. TCI knew the frame required a "C" notch but sold the chassis without it. Brakes were also a mess.
Contact Classic Street Rod MFG. in Ontario, CA. 800-393-4770 909-923-3233 They built mine and did a great job. They are easy to work with and they will bend over backwards for you. These are two brothers who own and operate the shop. Great guys! They used to work for TCI and ventured out on their own and are very successful now. Tell them that Dave Reid sent you.
http://clarkehotrods.com/services Try this, he built my frame, he is in Florida and as far as I know ships his frames.
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