does this look like a decent start?

home built frame with redone model A front axle, new tires in front, S10 rear axle chrome ladder bars hold it it with coils back there, slicks in rear, and a model A gas tank fit into the start of a homemade tub.
i am going to start by making some gussets for the frame to strengthen it a little bit, and currently i am looking for a body to stick on the frame the t bucket would be cool, but it rains alot here and i'd like to drive to work on occasion
ideas suggestions input it all helps. thanks guys

 

absolutely! did someone else start this and you bought it. or did you start it a while ago. coilover rear w/ panhard bar? looks nice. no sbc? if you paint it it wont be a "traditional" rod.

 

It may work, just depends on how you tackle the sheetmetal that's left to put on!

 

I wouldn't trust that little tab of steel to hold the ladder bars on.

At least from the picture it looks like it needs a little more support, and maybe more welding...I cant tell if its welded on the sides.

It could be a cool project..just give it a good once-over.

 

the tab of steel needs some gussets to support the ladder bars, i agree 100%
i bought this thing for 400 bucks as it sits with a ton of parts included, the main thing is it needs alot of welding done, and will be done right. i am really wanting to find a different style body to put on it id realllly like a 3 window but i did a little work in paint. i came up with an idea of what she'll look like a little better

 

I could use a frame built like that. Looks solid. How is the front axle hung on, I can't tell.

 

Only if ya got it FREE!!!

 

400 yeah,,seen far worse far WAY much more,,really depends on what you expect out of it

 

i dont think that tie down strap will hold the engine in,,

seems like a good deal for $400....

 

Unless I am seeing things, whoever told you that was a Model A front axle was blowing smoke. Car has potential, for sure.

 

You might be able to do something with that. I never really liked the way disc brakes look on a fenderless car, but thats just my opinion.

 

Good start,a truck cab with short box would look nice.

 

A buddy of mine here in Kalamazoo has built quite a few roadsters exactly this way, using an A or T cowl, and square tubing and sheet metal for the rest of the body. I can't say that they're pretty, but they're good 50 footers! I think they're a little to angular, but they do have a sort race car, functional look. This rendering is VERY similar to his cars.

 

looks like you have the right engine. go blue oval............

 

Please find a body to put on that. Then it'll be a good start. If you don't want to do that then use a small dumpster for the body, it'll save you a lot of work.

 

He's right, that isn't a model A axle it looks to be parallel spring axle that is probably off a late 40's or early 50's pickup. I have seen a couple of them used with cross springs and have photos of one used with quarter epileptic springs that looks simple and easy to do.

If you want a closed cab rig I think I would gather pieces to build a 28/29 closed cab pickup cab as you already have the gas tank top.

Other than that it just looks like you have the usual scabs to clean up on the frame.

 

mama said if you cant say anything nice dont say anything at all. so ill just be quite

 

Might want to rethink this part of the plan. Otherwise-yup.

 

Good luck with your build .My last 2 cents

 

You have a long road ahead of you, but for 400 bones, it's a decent start. 90% of it will be making the frame better looking and stronger. I've seen worse on "show" cars.

 

long road ahead of you but I think it alright I would have bought it.....

 

Wow for $400 you cant beat it. The steel for the frame is easily $170 around here. The rear end is already mounted but needs a little more fab work to make it safe but its a start. the frontend even though not a model A could be worth $100+ Just for a straight axle front end. The tub could easily be knocked out with some time and some tin and the motor I wouldnt use "Not a ford fan" but if I picked it up for $400 I would end up using that power plant haha. Good luck with your build for the price your gunna do just fine.

 

I think this is a heck of a start of a nice entry-level low-buck modified. But, if you've not got a lot of experience ch***is building, you might want to find a mentor to help you out. Suspension geometry can be tricky for a beginner, but an "old hand" can help you avoid the more difficult pitfalls you'll encounter along the way.

There's nothing wrong with asking for help. Regardless of what you may have heard, nobody is born an expert. We all had to learn...one way or the other.

Good luck with your project!

 

thanks guys for all the advice, if flyn would like to lend a hand it would be much appreciated, ive built a few 4x4's in my short life but want to try something harder
i will dig into it later on this year and make sure to take lots of pictures, if need be i will redo the whole frame but it really appears to need more gussets, a few more braces and then it should be alright

 

I don't like the body frame being welded to the frame. I'd also go over every bit of work already done. How are you gonna ***le it? Looks like a homebuilt frame, a cowl, an an engine. Do we even know if the engine and rear are good?

 

Along the way as you get ready to finalize any changes to the suspension, mock it up and run it by here to get opinions on safety/strength/concept of mechanical application. As far as look goes do what you like. I like a top on a driver, a truck cab would be a cheap and dandy way to go.

 

Looks like you paid $400.00 for a pair of Skinny Cragar wheels, An S/b Ford & trans, Pair of Slicks, Old Ladder Bars & Model A gas tank.

The rest is S**** metal.

 

well, not everyone has the luxury to live in California where it rarely rains and cars have zero rust. i work with what i can get and i dont have any intention of not going over everything 100% and practically rebuilding the whole thing.

 

I admire your enthusiasm but you really don't know what you're in for. Anyway, it's all in the fun of keeping busy and being creative. Probably after about a month or two when the reality of it sets in, you will have found another "good start" and can make something from the two. Have fun.....