Projects Drdave accidentally buys a Model A. Now what?

I definitely like the black walls better, plus they are easier to keep clean. There are several posts on using the deuce grill shell on a 1930/31 Model A. Main thing is you have to relocate the filler neck on the radiator if you want to use the stock cap. On my AVATAR the cap was removed and replaced by a pressure cap under the hood. I attached an original cap to the shell for looks using a metal strap, and bolt. I would keep the tire in the fender and use the trunk to carry stuff. I just noticed the eyebrow fenders in your first post, nice touch. Car is looking good.

Charlie Stephens

 

Thanks for the tips Charlie. I had done some quick reading on the 32 grille swap and it seemed like it might be a pretty easy deal all things considered. I dunno about the spare tire and trunk tho. LOL I've kinda kept my eye out for a decent 30 fender without a spare hole for half reasonable to swap it out and plan on removing the trunk. For just putting around town or a few shows, I don't figure the trunk will get any use. LOL

Pardon my ignorance, but what are eyebrow fenders?

 

Eyebrow fenders have the fender bead running across the front of the fender. They were used only in VERY early 1930 vehicles. They are neat but may be a problem for you. You would be lucky to find any eyebrow fender but to find one without a fender well could be a problem. You might have to replace both fenders or patch up the hole for the well in yours (bad idea on a fender that rare). Running one with and one without an eyebrow would look funny. Keep your fender with the well and use the trunk. Drive it a while and you will find the trunk to be useful, otherwise there is no place to put stuff.

Charlie Stephens

 

My friend used to say : Just Clean the windshield and Wax the hood, that's all your gonna see anyway !!!

 

Thanks Charlie, now I have learned something. Guess I can stop my hunt for a plain fender...good thing I didn't spend money on one only to find out it didn't match. LOL I don't see me buying two fenders, so guess the spare stays right where it is. LOL

 

How about dialing back a tad on the yellow?

 

Oh yeah, the “straw” that’s on the car now is much more subdued than the yellow in the photoshop. I will certainly be sticking with the lighter straw color rather than an out right yellow.


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Here is my '31 Coupe in the same colors. Chicle and Copra Drab with Tacoma Cream wheels.



Dave

 

Excellent! I would have never thought in a million years I'd consider any sort of "drab" paint job pretty, but I really like this color combo. The cream wheels are perfect!

 

Better???

 

Wow! Thanks Moose! Right on the money! I wasn't worried about the shade when you did the first set, I could see where I was going with that, my problem was choosing the white walls vs the black walls, which your pics helps solve perfectly. Cool to have one with the lighter wheels tho, thanks!!!

edit: and I must apologize to everyone, and especially @themoose....I should have named him and gave him credit in my post above with his photoshops. He is the one that took the time and put the pics together for me most graciously giving of his time and talents so I could see how the car would look with either set of tires. Thanks man!!!!

 

Moose is THE MAN!

 

DrDave, personally I dislike most shades of green but for some reason the colors on my coupe don't bother me too much... Although thoughts have gone through my mind about changing the Copra Drab to a brown or something and leaving the Chicle.

Dave

 

Not much to report, just mostly been driving it here and there and gathering up parts. Picked up the wheels from the powder coater today and dropped them off at the tire shop to mount up the new Firestones...700’s for the back and 550’s for the front.

 

Sweeeeeet!!!!

 

Try to get them to mount them using tire irons. Maybe try a shop that is old and works on truck tires. If they insist on using a machine be sure they know what they are doing, they bend easily. This is one thing I usually do myself since I don't know anyone I trust.

Charlie Stephens

 

I've seen some shops use a slip on cover the tire thing , plastic or something...ask around...

 

My avatar is Chicle drab and black fenders.

 

Doc!! What the heck are you doing over here in the "Hot Rod" section?? Kidding****-ide, I like your plans for the coach and thought you might like a '50s inspirational pic.. It's a two door of course and without many of the changes you are planning, but it's a true mid fifties rod:


Dave

 

That’s not far from the kinda look I think I’m going for Dave, thanks for the pic!!

B-Bob, funny, I just saw a pic the other day of one that had black in the Chicle like yours and I thought “hmmm, that looks pretty sharp!” Something to consider if I ever repaint it.


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Step 1 of hot rod poser Town Sedan complete....put the new wheels and tires on last night. Dropped the front end about an inch and raised the rear about an inch. Next up, dropped axle and reversed spring up front and T spring in the rear.

 

Looking gooder!

Lynn

 

Well hello there !!! Hi, Beauty.

 

Step I is an unqualified success!
Will the present spare be staying?

 

Dave,

Looking good. Get a 600-16 for the spare. You will need to let a little air out to get to fit the well. Carry a tire pump and you are in business. Having that trunk will come in handy for carrying stuff.

Charlie Stephens

 

Lookin' good my friend!

 

Yes, for now the spare/a spare will be staying. I've been keeping my eye out for a decent fender without the well, but no luck yet. Earlier in this thread, Charlie mentioned using a '32 rim and appropriate tire for a spare instead of the 18 incher and I've kept that idea tucked back in my brain. Funny thing is, when I was sorting wheels to take to the powder coater (oh, 4 wheels blasted and coated was $200...someone asked way back what the quote was but I hadn't had one at that point), I discovered 2 of the wheels I had are actually 16 inch '32 wheels. Unfortunately, they are pretty heavily rusted on the inside, and it has yet to be determined if either one will hold a tire/air yet or not. Maybe I'll get lucky...

...and yes, Charlie, the trunk is growing on me. My original thought was to ditch the trunk and put the spare on the back, but I have since discovered the trunk is some real deal 30's trunk and apparently brings some pretty good money for ones in half decent shape....mine is in fantastic shape. Learning that made me think, hmmm, it fits the resto rod theme so maybe it will stay. That and it has been real handy if I have to stop off somewhere after work since it provides the only secure spot to put my stuff. LOL

 

Dave,

I think you misread what I said, don't worry about it but I wanted to get it correct. I meant use a 16 inch 1935 wheel like your others and a 600-16 tire. Before you get the tire try one of your 550-16 front tires in the well. It might fit without letting any air out and look good. Your car is sure coming together nice.

Charlie Stephens

 

Oooooohhhhhh! Lol. Gotcha. I can do that easy enough. Thanks for setting me straight!! [emoji16]


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Dave,

I mentioned this before but wanted to repeat it as things are settled down and you are into the final stretch. If you run wire wheels on later ('40-'48) Ford brake drums you need spacers. For the reason see: https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/40-ford-wheels-on-a-model-a.750368/#post-8330045

Charlie Stephens