What can you tell me from these Model A chassis pics?

I'm looking to get started on building a Model A roadster and came across a cl***ifieds ad. All the person knows is that it's early 1930's.

My question is are the ch***is' different between a roadster/coupe/sedan/pick up? If so, I can still cut it up and make it work couldn't I? He's looking to get $500 for it.

My plans for a drive train are: ford 9-inch, 4 speed top-loader, 302.

Here are the pics:

 

Can't make out any of the subtle nuances that would give it an exact year, but that is 1928-1931 Model A frame. All the cars and the regular pickup had the same frame.

You can find the serial number on the right frame rail by the body mount (bracket with two holes, the bigger one). That would have matched the engine number when it left the factory.

The engine production number should give you the age.

http://www.mafca.com/data_eng_production.html

Buy it.

 

thanks for the response!

Hoping to get in touch with the man and give him some money.

Would I be able to part out that rear axle, engine, transmission and wheels to get my money back?

 

The market is fickle. It is hard to say. They made a ton of these, and there are still a lot of them out there. See if you can find a restorer or a local Model A club chapter.

 

Just my .02..but if you want to change it all around to make it V8, 4 speed etc..why not buy a new frame? They are not that expensive and you wont be trying to undo 80 years of "use"...now if you wanted to keep it a banger...that's a different story..

 

'Cause real hot rods are built, not bought.

 

You'd be able to get your money back out at $500, or at least close. Looks like from the pic that the wheels aren't model A, they look like 16's from where I'm standing. (?)

 

The wheels look like they are later 16" wires. They would probably bring a little more than the stock wheels. I would say that it is well worth the $500 asking price.

-Mitch

Wow, Shooter is a faster typer than I am.

 

So with that view you're telling him not to buy the original frame because technically he didn't build it either.

 

I figure I can part it out and keep just the frame and front axle (getting most of my money back). A boxing kit looks to be about $200 bucks. I have all the tools necessary to modify the frame to my needs from restoring my '69 Bronco.

I haven't seen any deuce or model a frames for less than $800 or so bucks. It would also be fun to build it as I see fit.

 

Since the drivetrain you are planning is really street rod material, I agree with Black Panther, I would buy a new frame.

You'll have to straighten & box that frame to hold the 302, 4 speed & 9 inch, the torque from that engine alone is enough to cause frame twisting that can lead to cracks.

 

Go for it!

 

Not sure where people get the idea a model a frame isn't strong enough to handle a lot of hp.........what do you think we did before repop frames became available? A lot of great hot rods were based on model a frames and held Olds, Buick, Hemi, etc engines and did quite well.

Yes, you have to box them and put in crossmembers that keep them from twisting, but when you are done you end up with a great platform that can take a lot of abuse. I'm running a 331 stroker Ford in mine, so they are very much up to the task.

I've posted this picture of mine on another thread , but will repost it just to give the OP an idea of what can be done with an a frame.

Don