I have an odd question for you all.... I am building up a model A frame with an 8ba flathead, 39 3 speed, 33 dropped axle, 38 banjo rear with shortened torque tube, 38 wide 5 drums and wheels. I am going for a budget build here....in total, I only have about $1000 invested so far, and no my stuff isn't total crap, so I really have been blessed with the ability to buy parts in lots and sell off what I don't need in order to make some profits back. In the mindset of being "cheap," I have found that I really can't afford ANY model A sheetmetal that is worth anything at all. I dont have 3 grand to spend on a halfway decent body. I have my mind set on a coupe or roadster body, hell, even a sport coupe would be fine. But for my budget, the body will crumble after I put it in my truck and take it home SO.... I have a lead on a 1933 Chevy 5 window coupe body that is halfway decent, for $500 bucks. Is this total sacrelige? I feel as though I would be, in some way, shape, or form, disrespecting the old flattie and ford running gear. Granted, if this decision was made, the body would become drastically altered and may be difficult to even ID as chevy. but hey, what the hell am I talking about. The spirit of hot rodding was born from the fact that kids had no money and worked with what they could afford. any opinions? Or am I just way off track with my thinking here? Should I even care?
No way. Go for it. brand loyalty is one of the stupidest things ever in the automotive world. People wanna act like their favorite car company never made a lemon. Throw that Chevy body on there and make it look good. Who cares what badges are on it.
Well, I went thru exactly the same "build" 40 years ago. Unfortunately the Chev body dwarfs the A frame. So I let it go and found a rough stock A coupe for... 75 bucks! Guess things have changed. You might find a good cowl, and gather pieces to create your A.
I think you hit the nail on the head with your "spirit of hot rodding" statement. As for the body size and fame thing, that might be a problem...but if you can make it work, go for it. Good luck.
[QUOTE You might find a good cowl, and gather pieces to create your A.[/QUOTE] i think this is good advice. keep an eye out on the classifieds board and go to fall hershey or carlisle. maybe you have some big swaps up your way. it'll take you longer but, if you want a ford you'll be happier in the end.
Keep lookin' I picked up a rough 31 roadster body for $800...and have been adding parts along and along..maybe?? for sale ??
For $500 jump on it you can always sell it. Besides it's nothing a saw and a welder can't fix. Brand loyalty to this extent is a modern concept to hot rodding. A friend in 61 built up a 32 Ford chassis,fenders,and grille with what used to be a 33 Plymouth coupe body. Being a Chevy guy he stole the 348 out of his almost new 60 Impala for it and dumped a 283 in the driver.
at the end the only thing that matters is will you enjoy working on it and driving it? then go for it....if every time you look at it you think of "I really should have..." or "what if I had..." then keep looking for what you really want...it's mind over matter...if you don't mind...it don't matter
I'm a Ford guy, I bleed blue, my opinion is if it gets you outta the garage and on the streets do it. Then sell it and buy a Ford.
The Jalopy Journal
