Questions about 1930 model A suspension

Getting ready to start a 30 model a sedan build, 90% sure I'm going to use an aftermarket frame: new steel, already boxed, 2" kick up, all mounts etc. welded on..yada yada...
http://www.brookvilleroadster.com/modela/modela-frames.htm

anyhow couple questions, first about the front and rear suspension:

how safe is and how does the wishbone/4 link type suspension ride (I think thats the term for it..double bars connecting from frame to spindle...)?
I like the look of it but I was wondering about drivability and safety of it (crusing with family and such)... or would a mustang II type be better?

I'm looking at putting in a small block ford V8 (300-400hp range)

with rear... I'm looking at coil-overs with parallel 4 link...same question about handling and safety.

Thanks for any info

-knuckle

 

As for the Mustang II front end, you won't get much support for it on this forum as we tend to like the traditional straight axle front ends. To me a front end like the Mustang looks way out of place on the front of a fenderless hot rod, way too bulky. The street rod guys tend to use them more, and I guess the ride is probably fine.

I am a little confused when you are asking about the four bar front end, then you say "wishbones". Two different animals. The wishbones are original Ford wishbones that have generallly been cut in half and moved to the outside of the frame for motor clearance. A four bar front end is just that, four bars (two per side) that act as a parallelogram (I think that is the correct term) an they swing upwards in unison when the wheel rises on bumps. Again, four bars tend to be more used on street rods than hot rods.

You are going to see that comparison pretty often, some cars are called hot rods and some are street rods. Sometimes the lines get blurred a little but generally a hot rod is more bare bones, using components that were available only back in the 50's or 60's. A street rod tends to be modernized a little more with more creature comforts and later type suspension systems.

How do hot rods ride ? Certainly not like a Cadillac, but also not bad either. We don't want them to feel like you are riding down the road on your living room sofa, we want to feel the car under us, that is part of the charm and appeal.

Hope that answers a few of your questions.

Don

Oh, and good start with the Brookville frame, great way to go, especially if you have never built a frame yourself.

 

Like all suspensions, a traditional setup is safe if set up right. I think a Mustang II setup looks terrible on an early car and doesn't offer value to your car (in use or in resale). Lastly, there are no inherent dangers in using a properly setup 4-link, many prefer them.


I recommend a copy of this book for traditional setups. It's worth its weight in gold and is an easy read.

http://www.amazon.com/How-Build-Traditional-Ford-Revised/dp/0760309000


Tex Smith also wrote a really nice all around hot rod ch***is book that is worth a place on your bookshelf. It explains the differences between the many choices you have when setting up your ch***is.

http://www.amazon.com/How-Build-Hot...=1346698642&sr=1-1&keywords=tex+smith+ch***is


BTW: I am not recommending you buy the book from a specific place, they just had an easy to find link....

 

Thanks for the input and the links to the books on order now!The 4 link is what i was refering to (was confused as to which was which).Not looking for value but quailty and safety... I love the look of the 4 link out on the sides but was willing to sacrafice that look for better ride and safety if I had to.
I want to be able to enjoy this build/car with my family (wife and two kids)

Yes it is my first pre 60's build and I am not a prefiecient enough wleder to trust my welds to hold the frame together down the raod...I know my limits and woudl out-source the work I cannot do myself so it's right and safe.

As for ride and reliability, I know its not going to float but how is the ride given the 4 link in front with shocks and 4 link in back (with coil overs in rear, shocks in front and panhard bars both front and back)? Am I fixing to loose a testie to vibrations or what?

I am looking to build a full fender'd car...hot rod roots but some modern touches.