Technical Shortened 32 rolling chassis for a model A

Try Blackboard Hotrod Frames in Bakersfield, Ca....I have one in my 31 roadster on 32 rails and it handles like a gocart...I'd buy another no problem...when I get home Sat. I can post some frame pics if you like.

 

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Please do! Thank you for contributing!!

 

I have pondered doing the same thing. I did speak with the gentleman from Blackboard in Central Valley, Ca. and he had no problem with a pinched and shortened '32 frame setup up for a Model A. Boling Bros. are doing some really nice work too.

 

Jack from down around Virginia Beach does them for Hilton, give him a shout.

 

What engine and trans setup were you contemplating with the shortened frame?

 

Are you sure this frame in this build thread only has a 103.5 wheel base? As there looks to be plenty of room in front of that flathead. I went through the thread and don't see where he shortend the wheelbase. Maybe I am just overlooking it. Said he printed the rails full size from wescotts site. Thnaks

 

Could you please post some example pics of a Car with the frame you are wanting? As I personally have never seen anyone do this. And you say the reason you want to do it is to achieve a certain look. So surely you must have seen this certain look before. Please post some pics

 

Copied and pasted from post #254 in the thread I linked earlier:

"I planned all along to use a model a body on my frame with a slight channel so I wasn't too worried about it being exactly perfect in every dimension. As for it not being exactly the right length...well, your right, it's a tad shorter, but there again, I was putting a model a body on it so it wasn't an issue for me. I actually bobbed the front of the rails 2 1/2 inches and kept the stock model A wheel base of 103 1/2 instead of the 106 for 32's."

 

I went with the 32' length frame...it allowed me to use a SBC with no firewall setback and had Rotlieb build the hood to fit....I like the look of the extra length hood

 

Hot Shoe Hot Rods in Missouri make an A+ frame. They have a website. It is basically a 32 frame with a top of the frame flat to accommodate a model a body. They the in different stages of completion.

 

I believe Flthd31 crafted his gorgeous coupe with shortened 32 rails. I think many on this forum would consider his very well done.

 

Thank you for sending this information along! It is very intriguing, seems like a similar design to Walden's. I believe Walden's requires minor cutting of the body. I am not sure if Hot Shoe's rendition is almost completely bolt on.

 

I'm the guy that built that grey coupe and yes it has a 103.5 wheelbase. I did print full size rails but modified them to fit my needs.

 

Here's a few pics for you. It's not that unusual. Generally speaking if you see a Model A on 32 rails with a stock hood, the wheelbase is stock, there's no other way to do it. If it has a 32 hood the wheel base is most likely 1 9/16 longer than stock model A (that's the difference in model A and 32 hood length).
The look is a low model a with a hood that's short and stout like Henry built them.
To some of us that extra long hood looks out of place on a model A. You may not be able to notice it but to some it sticks out like a sore thumb. A couple of these pics are of my car.

 

Here's how it was done. Unfortunately a few guys just posts to change your mind. You've got a good eye. The difference is subtle but powerful.
I did recess the firewall about 3 1/2 inches only in the area that interfered with the engine. That's why from the side view it's not that noticeable. This recess works good for me. I've done a few like this. Pedals are no problem at all. A small block Chevy wouldn't be much different. I used F1 pedals and bent them to fit my application. It's all connected with original Ford clutch linkage. Hangers would properly work better for you.

 

Here's some floor pics that may be of some help. I like to make my floors removable. The master cylinder and battery are under there.

 

If you're going to run a stock A length frame, you'll have to do the same type of modifications of A-framed hot rods.




I reversed my firewall to give me space. At the time I wanted either a 389 Pontiac or a 327 Chevy.

Luckily, if you push the firewall back, you can remove the rear shelf and it's a pretty decent trade.

 

You did one hell of a job building those rails. Did you also make the top of them completely flat like model A rails or do they slighty kick up like 32 rails do from the firewall forward?

 

Thanks. They're slightly kicked up like 32 rails do. That little rise gives a couple inches more drop in front. Model A cowls have little feet that are easily modified to compensate. Here's my way:

 

Thank you for taking them time to share this valuable and informative material!

 

Did you ever consider using a flat 32 firewall? Is there a reason that would be problematic?

 

No I never considered a flat 32 firewall. You would have to do some fab work to make it fit the model A cowl as it's not welded in on a 32. It could work. I'm sure it's been done.
Plus my firewall wasn't all that bad except for the feet which needed modified anyway.
Another note for you. The frame was shortened by locating the rear tires dead center in the rear wheel-wells of the body then measuring forward 103 1/2" and locate the front cross member. In essence the front cross member was moved backwards. I then bobbed roughly 3" off the frame horns to be more like a model A.
I was originally going to use a model A hood but ended up using an original 32 hood which is 1 9/16" longer than Model A. Had I known that when placing the front cross member I probably would have moved it 1 9/16" farther forward. I had to cut some off the 32 hood at the cowl to make it fit.

 

Here's a 32 firewall in a model A

 

I built my roadster many years ago. I used a stock wheelbase ‘32 frame with a ‘29 roadster body. I’ve always thought that the hood is too long. I wish now that I had moved the front crossmember back a bit.

 

Hot Shoe Hotrods in MO aquired LRS Inc that was also in MO and developed the '32 A-Plus frame. You can mount the A body onto a '32 style frame without modification to the rear body sills. The only real give away is where the frame makes the 90 degree inboard turn at the front of the rear wheel well. Back when I ordered my LRS frame you could get about any wheelbase you wanted. The LRS frames were well made with excellent welding. Maybe give them a call and see what's available today.

 

This is very interesting, and informative. Thank you for taking the time to share. Do you have any pictures of the car with that frame?

 

You did a fantastic job on that coupe, you were nice enough to give me the color of it, thank you

 

Ha ha!
Yeah...no problem. Coupe's looking good.

 

That is a sharp color. Both of your cars turned out great. Who made your frame?

 

Brookville, after building it, I realized a Pete & Jakes frame would have better. If was ever did again