30 Ford Frame Pros and Cons

So I am underway in my 1930 Ford tudor rat rod project and I am wondering what some of the pros and cons of using the stock frame. I will be boxing in the frame and adding x-members aswell. As for the drivetrain I am using a Chev 350 ( nothing to hot ) a TH 350 or 400 and a Ford 9" rear end.I will also be using a 4"dropped axle in front and probably a 4 lonk with coilovers in the rear or possibly usin the original set up in the rear.

Any and all info would be greatly helpfull. Also my stock frame is in mint shape.

Cheers Chris

 

sounds like you are on the wrong forum

 

4 LONK or not You Da Man !! >>>>.

 

Don't let the guys who have nothing better to do, give you any ****. Hang in there, someone knowledgable about A's will help you out.

 

If she's straight-no reason not to keep her!!! Do what you are planning and drive the phuck out of it!!!!!!

 

I am running a stock boxed frame with a modified X added Zed in the back. Works fine for what I do.

 

When will these newbies ever learn?

 

When you say "original setup in the rear" do you mean original axle? The original axle has to go. It will not stand up to the 350/350 combo you have waiting to be dropped in.

I would go for the 4-link with coilovers for a nice ride. It will articulate nicely as well. You have the option of parallel 4-link with panhard bar or triangulated 4-link. Either will work well, but one may not work as well depending on how you lay out your crossmembers.

You may consider a Pete & Jakes style ladder bar setup as well. Plenty of information on here regarding that topic.

Your stock frame will be fine boxed. Depending on the stance, you will more than likely "Z" the frame a little.

What is the plan as far as stance? Do you have an "era" that you're building to?

The reason these guys are giving you a hard time for using "the R-word" is just because of the stigma ***ociated with the type of cars being built under that term. The HAMB is based around more traditionally built cars, and good quality workmanship. You're going to take some flack for building a "rat rod", but if you are interested in building something Traditional and that will kick *** and won't have a bunch of spider webs and rats riding around on the dash, we're here to help.

Hope to hear more about what you're doing. Welcome to the HAMB.

 

It'll be fine as long as you box it and add a good enough x-member to it so the ***** doesn't flex on you, just gusset all the high stress points and you'll be good.

 

Thanks guys with the HELPFULL comments!! I guess I should have either asked what everyone on here wants to build or just say I am building a rustsy not so clean and fancy hot rod. Sorry to the other guys

 

Don't be sorry for anything, man! Tell us what you're up to though. I would personally like to hear more.

What's the plan?

 

#### A rusty not so fancy hot-rod now that sounds better >>>>.

 

Chris, Use the 'search' function. It's at the top of every page. Type '30 coupe' in the search box. There is so much information, it will take you months to read it all. Also type 'B***' in the search box.
Good Luck.

Lucky667

 

This is what I plan on it turning out in the next yr or so. I also am inspired by 29Jay and 29sedanman's builds. Like I mentioned before something simple and nothing to "fancy" , and low and slow mean looking rod.
Cheers Chris

 

Welcome the the HAMB

Maybe also be worth your while searching Chopperman's builds and look for the frame thread started by Brianangus which is a cracker.

Good luck, dont give up and dont use the "R" word again LOL

 

If you're channeling the body so severely I wouldn't waste my time on the original frame. Sell it to someone who will use it. You need to build or buy a frame built from 2x4 rectangular tubing. Our own "Vaphead" sells a really nice one for channeled cars.

 

Try a search too, on Canada's Brianangus, his frame thread is a real gem.
I'd suggest getting some 2 x 4 x 1/8+th tube and then copy the original frame.
It can work out quite well if the welds are sound.

 

Cool! Sounds like a build in good taste to me!

Sit and read for awhile and then ask some questions. I think I spent at least 6-months reading and asking questions before ever even getting started. Even after I started I found stuff I wish I would have seen first. So read, read, read!

Let us know how we can help and good luck!

 

If you are planning on dropping the Sedan low........................using the stock frame is probably not worth while (like BenD said). It would be better to either build a new frame or have someone like Vaphead makes.
Here is a picture of my Coupe frame, but my stance is more old school and not very low. The rear of the frame was only Z'd 3" and the front just relys on the 15" wheels and 4" dropped axle with only 4 leaves.

 

I'm doing up an A myself. I have a boxed frame with coilovers in the back, and 4 link front and rear. I was going to triangulate the middle cross member, however after looking at the previous photos I'm wondering whether I need to instal an X member. I was going off of pictures from the TCI model A ch***is, and they didn't have the X'd frame.

 

I have a 30 sedan, stock frame that is boxed, it has a 350 horse 350 and I drive it pretty hard, it has been fine. I have a four bar setup with a 8 inch rear and Qa1 coil overs. The rear is "soft" and I have cranked up the spring tension but it has lifted up to much for my liking. Can anyone give a recommendation on what pound of shocks I should use. I don't know what the rating is on the ones I have. But it leans alot and is very soft, any thoughts on this?