Projects 29 Model A Closed Cab Pickup Project Traditional Style

My build has no toe-board (bottom 6" of the cab was gone), a flat firewall, and a stretched nose, so it all fits ahead of the firewall, including room for the blower belts. I will be using top swing pedals, with reverse-facing cylinders, under the dash.

The whole build is going from the firewall back, keeping comfort in mind wherever possible.

I am 5' 10-1/2" and slim. Most people think I am a jerk, so I would assume I will be riding alone.

 

Yeah, not a problem if you need any measurments or see anything up close or hell even a ride and some bench racing. PM me if you are in town. Keep us posted

 

get anything done over the weekend???

 

So, 4 or so months later and a ton of parts collecting, it got torn down today. On the chassis jig later this week for repairs, boxing, etc. More later, just keeping the project alive. Ended up with 16x4 475/500 fronts, 16x5 6.50 rears. Got a T5, yeah I know. Real traditional, may adapt it to closed drive. Cab back is beat, I have a spare somewhere...

 

I love model A pickups. I can't wait to see more progress. I'm 6'1" but I would chop mine, but it's a roadster P/U. I say let the metal fly!!!

 

Mocking up suspension and ride height.

 

Ha!! Dude, you're a tough customer! That truck is primo! Here's how ya' start with crap!



Bob

 

More mock-up on the rear using the stock A rear set-up out of laziness. So, today I started to build the real rear end. Early Halibrand V8 QC, with 41 axle tubes and 49 merc axles, bearing ends, side gears and brakes. 35/6 radius rods and spring behind using the A spring and crossmember.
I cut the stock end off the tubes, and chucked the tubes in the lathe to straighten and machine for new bearing ends. I could have cut the axle ends off the donor Merc rear, but I had new ones so I used them.
After chucking up the axle tubes, and making a draw bar to help hold them in the chuck securely, I checked them for out of round. One was bent 3/16", the other 5/16". These were stock original axle tubes. The trick I use to straighten them is to mark the low side, and make a weld on the axle tube at the point you can see where the bend takes place. In other words, I rotate the tube so the bend points down, and make a weld on the top. As the weld cools, it "pulls" the tube and with a small amount of practice you can pull the tube any direction or amount you want to get it true. After all is cool, grind the weld flush and you're done truing.
I then machined the bearing end to fit the new bearing housings, and lightly pressed them in place. Tack weld, check for square, and final weld. I will machine the 49 Merc side gears down to fit in the QC center section, and then I'm able to use the Merc axles, backing plates, brakes etc.
That's it for tonight.

 

A few misc. shots.

 

Tonights stuff.

 

Talk about slow progress! Lame, but this is whats been done in the last few days. Split the bones, made weld bungs for the bones to use NOS Ford tie rod ends,and made tapered insert mounting plates to weld to the frame. Made a piece to replace the front cross member center section that was wasted, re-shaped the 32 spindle steering arms to move the drag link as close to the bones as possible for frame clearance and correct ackerman(lots of heat and move slowly). Will relocate the rear crossmember tomorrow. Moving it back 7.5 inches for the spring behind setup. Not a day goes by that someone tells me that the stuff I'm making (weld bungs, mounts, etc.) can be bought for less! True, but not the point for me..

 

do not chop it. they look better stock height. Nice starter.

 

Nice build, hope mine comes out a good.

 

Got a bit done today and I'm too lazy to post it again. Center crossmember/transmount/rear wishbone mount.
It's here if anyone is remotely interested: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=7369842#post7369842

 

Todays progress, stretched the frame for the spring behind setup, made some not so traditional looking C notches (did not want to step the frame as I don't want the rear cross member to stick up into the bed) and made engine mounts. Still to do is a 3rd link/torque arm before the body goes on to locate steering box. Build K member, box frame and stuff like that.

 

here is mine. not chopped or cut.

 

Rear wishbone done, F100 steering box done, body back on for fitting and shimming. Will re-install bed and redrill mounting holes, as the frame got stretched 7.5 inches for the spring behind rear setup. Gaining momentum as I go.... Gonna mount the pedals this week and then box frame and install legs for K member/center crossmember. I installed the engine/trans forward and low, I gots me some foot room, and room for pedals, exhaust and a battery. The lower firewall is out at the moment, it will get a slight setback that will look stock. Yes it's getting floors.

 

Nice build, Looks great.

 

Pretty cool build. Appreciate the info on straightening axle tubes back on page 2.

 

looks like a great start to a bitchin ride

 

Cleaning up my laptop, found old build pics.

 

Now I remember why I quit posting pictures...

 

That's it for now.

 

I have done SBC in a 30-31 pickup without cutting the firewall. I used a zipper high rise water pump to center the mechanical fan (if you have room for electric fan then a mechanical will fit) and it clears the radiator by 3/8".

The fire wall I filled the electrical box holes and stretched the metal a bit with a low crown body hammer. The distributer just clears and the boot on the plug wires touching. The distributer can be removed with engine in place. The passenger side valve cover clears by about 3/8". As I said this was a 30-31 have not done a SBC in a 28-29 but I do believe the firewalls end up in the same location.

The top chop can be done by reducing the header panel to 1 1/2" and then take the upper back panel cut off the flanges and use a brake to reflange the top and bottom to match the amount cut off the header. The rest of the chop is straight forward but I like to chop the doors close to the top and carefully align the window channel making my adjustments in the outside by splitting the outside of the door vertically to make it flow smoothly.

I have a 28-29 closed cab that I chopped 6" by using this method and also cutting down the lower back panel. I only took 3" out of the windshield. Jim (55willys)

 

Nice old truck... keep the pics comming..