After years of looking, and not being able to afford one, I finally got my hands on a 1928 Roadster. Gonna try my best to build a post war traditional hot rod. I have a 59A Flathead, and a top loader 3 speed to supply the power. I've never done a flattie powered car, so I'll have plenty of questions when I try to get her running. Trying to get my hands on a '40 Ford Banjo rear to finish up the drive train. She'll be sitting on a straight axle up front and on her original "A" frame as well. For now though, here she is. I welcome any advice, seeing as this is my FIRST traditional build. Will post updates as they come. <input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden">
Looks like a great start there. You probably want to sell me that old '30 Coupe now that you have your dream roadster
28s.....are the best....had mine for 6 years now and its looks just soooo much better than a 30/31 or 32
Neat! Yes 28/29's are "cute" compared to 30/31's. I like the cowl shape and the rad shell, really a neat year. However, if 32s arent that pretty, why you keep putting 32 rad shells on Abones? 34's are nice cause they are larger inside!
I too like the looks of the 28-29 Model A's with the coupe pillar. One of the reasons you see more 30-31's is that the doors are a little wider and they are easier to get in and out of. Had a guy with a '29 Phaeton ask if he could sit in my '31 Phaeton. He said there really is a difference and if you're an older geezer, that helps a lot. It looks like you've got the start of a sweet ride. Keep us posted.
LUCKY....MY FAVORITE CAR... If you need any build pics for reference I just did one??? the body looks great,good luck Brian
Easily my favorite roadster for building a hiboy. If the years had been kinder to my waistline I would be in the final stages of collecting parts. Instead I've got a '32 roadster project just about "collected". Only need time to get in motion. Frank
Thanks to all for the positive replies! I've been running around all weekend trying to secure the banjo rear, but people are getting a little crazy with their prices. Hopefully run in to one at the Memorial Day Car Show and Swap out here in San Diego. If not, Pomona here I come. Lothiandon1940 - Sorry, but my Coupe is considered my first born. She's staying right where she's at. Tinman - Yup, she's an original Henry body, minus a few patch panels. Bad Rod - We're keeping the faith, as misguided as it may be. Silver and Black for life. <input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden">
Need some advice from all you HAMB'ers out there. I've been running around for the last few weeks trying to secure the parts that are going to make up the front and rear suspensions on my little roadster. I haven't been able to find the "desired" parts, or can't afford the somewhat unreasonable prices people around here want for them. $450 for a 39 banjo with no axles, gears or brakes, come on! I have, however managed to secure the front and rear suspensions from a 1946 Ford complete with springs and brakes. Car was in a fire, and I took what looked good off it (unfortunately the engine and trans were already spoken for). I would like to know if these parts would be good donors. I've seen a 31 coupe running a 47 front axle with a model a spring, but don't know if that would look to disproportioned on an open fendered 28. I also don't know if this would be correct for a traditional build. The axle is much beefier, but does have a drop of about 2 inches from my stock Model a straight axle. I did find that the spindles mounts for the model a axle are 2 3/8" and the 39 spindles I bought are 2 15/16". Using the complete 46 axle would aleviate the need for having to make/buy spacers (trying to get this built under a military man's budget after all). Also, how do I work the shock mounts if I were to use the 46 banjo on my A-frame? Would I cut them off and use the F-1 mounts? Could I use the ones which are already on the banjo? I also know that the 46 banjo is wider than some earlier ones. Will this affect the look of the vehicle that much? I'm planning on using original 16" wheels on it, but don't know if the backspacing would have the tires orbiting aroung the body. Would appreciate any much needed advice, correction, or education on this one. Thanks.
Well, I realized how much of a rookie I am at this. I got home from work and actually paid attention while I measured everything and realized that the reason for the spindle sizes being different is because the thrust bearing is in a different place. So I'll obviously be using the model a axle, if I can get the bend out of it. Still would like some advise on the banjo though.
What happened to the 59ab and top loader in your first post? yes, from what I learned the 46-48 axle is a little wider, but it will look fine. I think it only matters if you want to run fenders. I used the socal rear shock kit on mine, with the weld on brackets and just mounted the studs for the upper shock mounts through the rear cross member. What!? only 3 stars?? doesn't get more traditional then this. Ill be watching this thread...
Ollin, I still have the 59ab and toploader, but can you ever really have enough stuff? LOL. Anyway, will look at the SoCal rear shock kit. Don't plan on running fenders on this one so that's not a problem. How about the brackets for the rear spring that are cast in to the axle bells (the ones for the shackles and the p*** side shock)? Should I just mill them off? That's the thing that's really throwing me for a loop. Do I need to use these or can I just "remove" them.
model As had the spring directly above the axle ...so if you want the wheel base the same you will have to add some perches on or near the backers and remove the cast ones.....
Highly recommend you invest in the book "How To build A Traditional Ford Hot Rod" by Bishop/Tardel. It's the bible for an AV8 build.
i am looking forward to watching this build. the 28 -29 are still my favorites also. in the old pictures from the dry lakes, that was the combo of choice. those pictures are part of what got me hooked on hot rods......the book mentioned above is a must!!
Thought I would drop by and let everyone know that I got a copy of "How to Build a traditional Hot Rod". One of my buddies actually brought it over and dropped it off the same day I made my last post. Said he saw it and thought it was worth me checking out. I'm definitely learning quite a bit from it. Pomona Swap Meet on Sunday, hopefully I'll find some of the parts I need there. Thanks for everyone's help so far. <input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden">
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