So the vehicle I'd previously posted a thread on in this section fell through. I'd delete the thread but can't figure out how lol. Anyway a few guys that were going to be doing some trading with me on part of and for it basically told me they'd basically make sure I got what I actually wanted.... model a roadster or coupe. They aren't going to give the pieces to me but prices were extremely reasonable. To the point I decided to where I decided I'd go ahead and make a generic model a thread with pics of parts I already have and fill in the details when I have at least most of the body on hand. Way the dudes are dealing with me as a new member reflects extremely well on the forum. Anyway what I have or will FOR SURE be picking up soon lol. Luckily the few parts I had or had already secured for hhr other project will work fine on a model a. Also have a complete 57 Chevy power pack 283 I'll be rebuilding
So you'll build this 'from the ground up' My favorite is the A Model. I'm goofy for most all pre war makes and models. But A has my heart. Looking forward to updates Have Fun
Oh for sure. Was always the plan to one day completely blow apart a model a and do a ground up build. And a 28/29 coupe and 30/31 roadster (equally desirable in my eyes) are tied for number one with a 56 Chevy 210 two door on my top five rods I want to build list. This thread may actually turn into two model as to be honest. Both h.a.m.b.'rs I mentioned are offering me decent starts on both a 29 coupe and a 31 roadster. So depending on how fast the first one goes I may build a second. but yeah I've wanted a model a since I was a little kid
Belongs to the buddy that owns the property. Didn't realize he was hunting when we were messaging lol
The ‘31 has a different shape than the ‘29. The 29 is more rounded. You could use a 31 radiator and shell but the hoses will be a problem.
It'll have a small block Chevy (57 283). And may have a suicide front end. Eventual plan will be a 32 shell.
Taller and narrower. The hoods are also different. All 28-31 radiators have the outlet on the bottom left and in inlet in the center on top. The A uses straight hoses.
So looking like a 29 coupe will be the likely rod to officially take this thread. Also pretty much decided to buy what both members were offering. Meaning I'll have most of a 29 coupe and half a 31 roadster. And an extra set of 29 closed car doors. I could potentially end up with three bodies total as I've own a 29 cowl for over 15 years. May put that extra cowl with the extra doors and scavenge to either make a sport coupe or a custom pickup cab. In any event on the 29 I'll be doing more 60-62 era style on it. So I'll be using my 55 Pontiac rear end along with the 57 283 I mentioned. And already have a 57 Chevy bellhousing and flywheel along with tins, shims and a reman 57 Chevy starter. The 35 Ford trans and rear end I'll likely save for the 30/31 roadster project. On the 55 Pontiac rear end I'll need to switch it back to the stock Pontiac/olds bolt pattern though
In my experience, the 28/29 shells are cheaper and easier to find than the later stainless steel versions. Going rate at local swap meets is around $50; 30/31 are twice that. This is for shells that may need a little work. Early shells being steel makes them easier to work on.
Also a possibility that I'll save up for a brand new Brookville body. Always really wanted one. If I do that it'll be a 30/31 roadster
Something to think about while you gather parts. The 28/29 front cross members are different than the 30/31. The 28/29 have a higher radiator pad then that of the 30/31, the later pads sit lower in the cross member, that being said, if you build a 30/31 and put it on a 29 frame, the shell will sit to high in front to align a hood. Also the the 30/31 radiator is taller, so if you want to run one on your 29, just don’t run a hood. Either way it won’t hurt my feelings. Have fun…..
My Roadster, the one in my avatar pic, is a 28 chassis and drivetrain with a 31 Brookville Roadster body. The front crossmember was replaced with the 30-31 style. Other than than not much had to be modified.
I honestly would prefer a 28/29 coupe. And like mentioned earlier in this thread another member offered me one for a really good price. But they may not have it by the time I come up with their price. A second choice is a 30/31 roadster. Grill height isn't of too much concern as any model a I do will be fenderless and hoodless and channelled even with the frame. So there'll be grill reworking regardless. If I do a roadster I'd want to make it particularly nice. Hence why I'm leaning Brookville. And something else different from how I'd do a couple is if I did the roadster I'd want to go y block
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