Projects 1931 Ford Truck Hot Rod build

I've had this project for quite a while. I am learning a lot of stuff and having a great time doing it.

 

Pete and Jakes front end parts getting mocked in place. My Nephew Sam is looking over the stuff and starting assembly.

 

Time for welding. My Buddy Andy is the welder.

 

Front end parts welded in...Back home to the Garage. Sam holding the Grill. Yep, set the cab on to make sure I could sit in it comfortably...being 6'2 ish...It should be fine. I'm on the floor but it's plenty of room.

 

Got some rear end parts in the mail. Drove to Rhode Island and got a Bed. These pics are old...I need to catch you guys up.

 

As a model a truck owner I dig it. I am very concerned about that deep transmission crossmember, I think you will get high centered on speed bumps, it looks to be below the bottom of the front axle or close to it.

 

Nick, I'll check it out this weekend. I have a lot more pics to post that might show the angle better. Thanks for pointing that out.

 

Rear end parts getting welded. Andy back on the welder.

 

Time to prime and paint some stuff.

 

I think that axle may be cast, if so you may want to find a Ford axle that's been dropped.

 

Nothing wrong with a well made cast axle....

 

You’ve got a late 31 cab, august 31 or later, same as I have. It will be a tight fit, once you get your pedals positioned and seat in place. I’m 6’-1”, I can drive mine fine it is cramped and don’t drive mine as much as I used to when I was much younger.

 

This is quite relaxing priming and painting.

 

...and more painting and dry fitting. .

 

Sam and I putting more things together.

 

Wheels and tires!

 

Nothing right about it either. If cast was "good enough" Henry would have done it.

 

Not saying theyre as good as a forged axle, thatd be foolish.... but safe? Of course they are.... if an okie adams is safe theeeeen why would a modern cast axle thats well made not be?
I mean since this is a traditional hot rodding forum not a henry made em perfect so leave em stock forum lol .....now that point made and aside, if you get in an accident that cast axle should get tossed and a replacement installed because they dont bend and bounce back like a forged axle, cant be repaired like a forged axle, shouldnt be heated like a forged axle but they do work just fine and are safe! I do say all of the above with respect hitchiker, no disrespect intended at all, due to my build parameters i ended up needing to use a cast axle which caused me to do a LOT of research on the pros and cons so at the moment its all fairly fresh in my head

 

You're not wrong there. My stance is....if there is better available...why not? I also drive my cars a lot farther and harder than most people around...So that extra insurance is worth it to me. I sure would rather have a super Bell than a magnum! that is for sure.

My whole thing is with this. With a forged axle... I know its good. No matter what cast axle it is...I HOPE it's good.
My final point is..."If" the worst should happen, I'd rather my wheel,tire, and spindle combo becomes pretzels with the axle, than have it break and become a missile.

And I think we can both agree, no matter what straight axle you have...it's still better than Mustang II

 

Amen, for my application, finding a dropped 39 axle is dang hard, especially a 4" dropped 39 axle. Theres only one on the market and it wasnt cheap. I do however agree wholeheartedly, IF I had two axles side by side and one was forged, I would pay an extra cpl hundred for that one. That just doesnt mean the cast isnt safe. I think we are on the same page

 

Whatever you think. I wanted him to be aware that it could be a problem. There have been examples on here of them breaking.

 

Low quality cast axles, yes. Super bell? No, I dont think so...they have a stellar reputation. Appreciate your intentions though

 

Wow, how long was I gone?...LOL
I really do appreciate all the input. Thank you.
I'm sure I'll run into some quirks along the way.
I'm here to learn and have fun building a truck.
Hopefully I can get some more done over the weekend.

 

Looks good . Only thing I noticed was not enough adjustment on rear 4 link. Looks like less than a inch.

 

Ok...followed install directions. Thanks...I'll look at it.
nothing is exactly in place...just lightly bolted together.

 

The only thing better than building something is watching someone else build something.
Entertain me!

 

and..... helping them spend their money!

 

I'm 6'1" and am putting together a '29AA. Yeah, Model A trucks are a tight fit regardless of the year but I'm so tickled for you. Nice work and keep posting. Is that a small block Ford going in? What kind of transmission? Nice K-member and quite the stout, boxed frame. You'll be glad you did that.

 

Several comments, first is that I like the way you're heading but the center crossmember does look low and the transmission will hang below it a little bit. In the picture with the tires mounted it looks fairly close to the floor and will drop more when the engine and trans are set in the frame.
As to the room in the cab I'm 6'3" and 240 and drove my 30 as a daily driver for 19 years before a friend talked me out of it, it was a banger powered full fendered pickup. There is an art to getting into a Model A, I have a 30 Coupe 50's style hot rod and have to bend quite a bit to get out of it since the top is about chin high on me.