I'm just starting a new project, a '30 Model A that will include a 59AB full house flathead, with a T-5 trans, that I built last winter in anticipation of this project. I'm going with a High-Boy theme, so I'll step (Z) the rear 3 inches, box the frame, and add a Dagels super x-member. Now to the question... I'm thinking about stretching the frame 4 inches just ahead of the first body mount; I'm thinking this will add 2 inches more for clearance at the radiator, 2 inches at the firewall. I know that if I run a hood I'll have to make something custom, but was wondering if anyone had any experience that might make me change my mind. I think it might even look better if the nose is streched... what do you guys think?
The 59AB will fit just fine in your model A without any frame stretching in the front. You shouldn't even have to modify the firewall. Just set it as close to the firewall as possible. You may have a longer hood. A lot of guys move the front cross member forward an inch. I think it would look funny with a longer front end.
I streched my 7 1/2 inches to fit my y-block beacuse i wanted to keep the stock firewall and stock front crossmember location.
personally..i wouldnt change the front end dimensions at all on a model A. make whatever your going to put into it, fit. that Flatty will fit and your hood length shouldnt have to change. I have seen the ones (A's) with longer hoods ..it just dont look right. IMHO I guess the Y block would have to move something...but that flatty? no.
I stretched the A frame 4" on my T when I built it, 'needed the room. fish plates on the inside of the rails and boxed full length made it plenty strong. when I built the A frame from scratch for my '30 Coupe I made it 6" longer to fit the early Olds in without cutting the firewall. with the big motor, no hood, unchopped top and relatively large rear rubber visual proportions are good.. I think. here's an early picture or two. but I do agree with the above comments, if you can fit the motor in without the stetch, especialy the flatty, and want to run a hood, I probably wouldn't do the stretch
Maybe Paul hit on the thing that makes them look off to me when streached..the Hood..if its off than it will probably look better than with it on.
Back inthe early 1990's I had a Ch***is Engineering build an A ch***is with a 6 inch stretch ahead of the firewall for a full fendered '29 tudor I had chopped. I sold the car before finishing it. Saw it a few years later and it looked pretty good, if you ignored the street rod bells & whistles. If you plan to use a stock A ch***is, you may want to use two to stagger the weld line rather that add a 4 inch section.
I guess I was thinking that 4 inches wouldn't be too noticable, but I've never seen one with a hood. I have been following Cobra's build over on MSN, and the AV8 just looked tight to me.
7 inches seems like a big stretch. Im not sure youd want your wheelbase that long. Mine is stretched 2.5" still leaving me plenty of room for my flatmotor/trans. depending on where your front motor mounts are would determine how much stretch you need. nothing looks worse than to much room in your engine compartment.
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