Talking with a friend yesterday about patch panels we came to the conclusion at the moment I’d be paying premium because of the Aussie dollar and waiting because of international shipping for parts that would need work any way. So I stopped doubting myself and started seeing what I could produce. I think I’ll use this one.
I think the statement about the Dough is a double edged sword historically... At least is only 1" and not 6"s
I decided to buy subrails rather than make them. I remembered a set for sale locally a while ago. The kit was bought as part of a project that changed hands but never used. A couple of text messages and a week later I had a Steadfast sub rail kit for it. I had to cut the bolt heads off to remove the rear panel since they were all rusted tight. To remove the rest I welded nuts to the left over studs. The heat brakes the rust seal then I used an 18 volt impact driver to reverse them out with a socket.
It’s almost like this coupe was meant to go on a deuce frame. The sub rails from the B Pillar forward are in pretty good shape but the rears are toast.
Looking good mate. Ill to come down and have a gander one day. And take some measurements of your original chassis not the body’s off Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
My workshop has terrible light for taking photos. So what’s happened in the last week. I trimmed the firewall feet to fit the frame. I pie cut the cowl to fit the sweep in the 32 frame. I bolted the body down and started on the sub rails. The second last photo is not great but shows the rake and attitude that is taking shape.
I've done several 30/31 A's for customers with the pie cut cowl although I did mine above the bead and made my own rear sub rail pieces. (pre Steadfast) I ended up using a 2 inch shortened deuce radiator on them. Personally I think the pie cut cowl looks better than a channel. IMO
I’ve been messing around trying to get the A section of the sub rails to fit the frame as best I can. So I’m playing the body on again off again game. I’m also just about over finding body filler.
I cut the ends off the floor brace inside the sub rails at the B pillar. It has allowed the body to sit down properly to meet flush with the Steadfast rails. These photos show the sub rails in position. I also mocked up the grille, looks like I need to drop it a touch.
Ive been working on some tedious jobs like preparing the sub rails so they are in good condition when I splice in the new sections. And repairing cracks and splits in the quarters.
Great running alongside here, Mate. The right stuff, right from bare rails. The initial frame deal was excellent, 'K' member and all... I saw an ad (1965) in the San Jose news (CA.) for a Model A frame, on the East side. $5. Must sell! The frame was a '32, with all crossmembers. Best $5 I spent all day...
One thing that held me up a bit was trying to find the #12/24 bolts to fit the thread inserts in the rear (heavy crossmember) of the body. After the bearing shop telling me I’d have to buy at least 100 bolts if they ordered them in I just took them out to 1/4”. The inserts have enough meat to drill and tap them. I hope this helps someone else not waist the time I did.
The Jalopy Journal
