Model A frame step the Bishop/Tardel way

Moved my A frame from storage and straight to Special 79 Fabrication in Worcester, MA. Jay Roche is a well respected bike guy by trade, but his welding and fabrication skills are second to none. He was glad to help me with the beginning stage of my A Coupe project. Slick Willy also came along to lend a hand and some knowledge. Thanks Bill.

We went by the book, so to speak, as I brought along the trusty Bishop/Tardel book; straight forward info and off we went.

Here's the frame on the table...



Here are the plates for the top tacked in place; notice the plates are cut for max penetration.



And finally, all plates are in place. Time ran out today, so TIG welding tomorrow.



A plug for my friend Jay...

http://specialseventynine.blogspot.com/

 

Slick Willy likes this.

 

Nice!! Going to look "factory" when it is all dressed out.

 

Looks like a fun project, that's a great book. I'd recommend triple checking every measurement to your own personal frame, there was a misprint or two in the original copy of the book. There's some good info here, byp*** the drama.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=490850

 

Nice! I always like TIG welded stuff.

 

Very cool!

Keep with the excellent picture coverage...I gots learnin' to do!!!

 

TIG welded and done. Pick up the frame Monday and get to prepping for paint.

 

you should have trimmed the ends of the crossmember to clear the subframe on your coupe. as is you will need to cut the subframe and rebuild it around the frame.
tk

 

No fish plate on that step?

 

my thoughts too

 

No. No fishplates on that step. I don't think they're necessary; the gussets are made to do their job and the welder is top notch.

 

Medium notch and below require a fishplate.

But, keep up the pics. Looks good so far. Prepping for paint? You already did the K member, boxing, engine mounts, split bones, plumbing etc? Pics.

 

its not the goodness of the weldor, its the laws of physics that will cause a failure and failure there can kill you.

It takes 15 minutes to fishplate them and you wont have to worry about it.

but then again what would I know.

 

Is it even boxed on the inside? Your playing with fire my friend....

 

Did Tardel fishplate his? Not arguing, just asking.

 

Yes fishplates would be optimum, cheap and easy but if it's boxed on the inside rails and pro welded I don't see a problem .......................

 

Nope, no Tardel fishplate. I think the inside has a gusset, plenty strong.
Along with another contributor, Paint? looks like a lot of welding to be done first - what about all them holes, might want to box the frame, crossmember needs cutting out and replaced, unless that frame is better than other 'a' frames i have worked with it has got a few extra bends in places you don't want too. You are just getting started my friend, that 'kick' is the easy part.

 

OK, let's back up a bit...

By paint, I should have stated 'cleaning and priming for the impending project.' I'm not leaving it bare and I'm not going for show finish, just prepping for the future/preventing flash rust and the like. Am I off the mark?

This is a very straight frame and I'm using a rebuilt four banger and 3 speed transmission. No need for boxing, replacing crossmembers, swapping motor mounts, etc. I know its just the beginning, hence the thread only reports the frame step.

 

Looks great. It will be fine without the fishplates with your banger.

I did one the very same way, but the top & bottom pieces overlapped the original frame rails about 3" and welded in some of the old rivet heads to make it look somewhat factory made. Also put fishplates on the insides of the frame rails for peace of mind.

 

I made some ***umptions about your build. Sorry.

Sounds like it's going to be a cool little go job.