Iknow it has been posted before but I cant seam to fiind anything. I am going to build a frame for my model A sedan. What is the the best size 2/4 or 2/3 also what wall thickness I'm thinking 3/16
Model A's use 2x4 with a taper from the firewall forward to 2 3/4 at the front axle centerline. 32 frames were 2x6 and actually had a sweep up of about 4 inches with some taper at both ends. Wescott's fibergl*** has dimensional drawing of both online.
Depends on what you are building. And the size of your engine and drive line. if you are going to install a big block with a great amount of torque, you need to beef up the ch***is to handle the torque twist. If you are gonna use a flattie or small modern V8, you can afford the lighter frame materials. Just remember this much, once you build it for the small block stuff, be wise not to stuff anything larger then what it was intended for. Food for thought, 2 x 4 x .125 wall is good for up to a caddie 500ci engine. 2 x 3 x .125 wall is good for 400ci. Plus, it does help to add some center cross links for the torque flex of the ch***is. Use 2" round tube for your "X-FRAME" center sections. You can build your transmission mount into the section and also have any style of rear configuraiton patterned into this build as well. If you look into some of the rodding rags, such as "street rodder", you can see all through the mag, adds with exposed ch***is combinations. The Sanderson Headers add has a good picture of a ch***is build. Comprising of a set of ' 34 Ford rails with 2" tube center section. The "Roadster Shop" add a 32 Ford ch***is layout with a "Super X" tube center section. It gives you a birds eye view of one of the best ch***is designs around. Very light and durable. I would recommend for you to actually pick up some of these publications and view their wares for more information. A picture is worth a 1000 words. You can actually get the proper proportional view of the ch***is build in most of these pictures. And if your not satisfied with just that, go down to the Barnes and Noble book store and buy the "Ch***is & Suspension" publication by Street Rodder. It is a great book full of iniformation. Books are the best thing to have for referencing a great build and balanced driver. Good luck Lord Maximo
Almost forgot this small tidbit, have you given any thought in building a "round tube ch***is"? They are lighter and give a greta deal of support. Top fuel dragsters are built this way, and it does handle upwards of 5000HP of nitro flame throwing power. You would be amazed at the simplicity of a round tube ch***is, only draw back, it takes a great deal of time to build one of these designs. You can incorporate roound tube with box tube ch***is designs as well. Then you will have light wieght and heavy hitting support. PLus it is really cool once finished, sets you apart from everything else you see on the road. Maximo
Here's a link to Paul's post of Model A frame construction - you really should study this one. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=87409&highlight=model+a+frame If you're just going for a T-bucket style frame, 2 X 3 X .125 wall, well constructed, will handle just about anything. I ran an injected 426 hemi in one, never had a strength problem.
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