1929 Model A on Deuce Rails

I am getting ready to start a 1929 model a and have acquired a pair of 32 frame rails. I have read many articles about pinching the rails to match the 1929 cowl. I was wondering if you use a model a crossmember, do you still need to pinch the rails up front by the cowl.

 

If you do a search here there are several threads with great info on what your asking.

 

Doing an introduction is good. Using the search function aint bad either.
Here's a few links to pinch threads to get ya goin'.
Welcome to the Hamb, and good luck.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=609743&highlight=pinch

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=211551&highlight=pinch

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=299662&highlight=pinch

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=104536&highlight=pinch

 

I am not trying to offend anyone, but I have been searching for the last few days and have found tons of great information, just can't seem to find the direct answer. I will keep looking, thanks for the links and advice.

 

You didn't offend at all, kwilli55. Didn't mean for you to think you did.

I thought you might find what you needed in the threads I linked to. And I thought somebody else might give you a specific answer to your question. Nothin' yet though.

Ok...I'll answer as best as I can.

First, remember that generally speaking, there are no rules...except to build it safe. So it's hard to tell you the exact "right" way to do it.

Pinching a deuce frame wasn't a mainstream practice until recent years. There was a time, that guys wouldn't worry one bit if the frame stuck outside the cowl a little when putting a '29 on a '32 frame. In stock configuration, the outside of the rail will protrude about 1/2" from the cowl on each side. That's not a whole lot, and IMO, doesn't look bad at all...kinda traditional even...not so refined.

But yes...installing a Model A front crossmember can bring it in a bit. How much?...Don't know that one.

Keep in mind, that especially if you plan on having three pedals, (clutch) pinching the frame can make pedal and linkage placement just a little more difficult...but not impossible.

Some guys talk of the "shadow" due to the overhang of the body over the frame. They say it doesn't look as good if the frame doesn't have a consistent overhang dimension. So I guess the shadow will be affected if the frame rail is put on an angle in relation to the side of the body. At least, that's the way I understand it.

And now, 'cause I'm tired, and also a fairly inexperienced hack, I've exhausted all the info I have to offer at the moment...lol. Good luck.

BTW...I know for a fact, that this was discussed previously. Just can't remember which thread.

 

Thank you thats exactly the information I was looking for in regards to the crossmember.

 

I may have it wrong but I've not spent much time pondering what my pinched rails will do with regards to my model a crossmember. Now my crossmember is a repop and I'm boxing my 32 rails....I'm also pushing the crossmember fwd some. I'd just say that IF the look your going for is a pinched one... Do your pinch with the body setting on the rails SO there's no surprises. It's a no brainer approach, but as we heated and pulled the rail in (pinch) we knew when to stop it. We did one side at a time.

 

If you want to get fancy...there's some that'll reshape that 32 rail to fit the model a body drip line exactly. Not traditional....but I likey!! LOTS of work doing that.