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Model a frame question

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by freakyz, Mar 13, 2013.

  1. freakyz
    Joined: Jun 24, 2006
    Posts: 7

    freakyz
    Member
    from Illinois

    I have a 30 model A and I have cleaned the frame up. I had planed on boxing the frame but I needs a little patch work on one rail were rusted though. I have decided to build a new frame out of 1 1/2 x 3 tube and was wondering which crossmember to go with out of the speedway catalog. The model A that lowers the ch***is 2' below stock or the 32 ford which lowers it 1' below stock. I am not going to lower or channel the body and I have not planned on Zin the frame.
    Thank's for your input
     
  2. bobscogin
    Joined: Feb 8, 2007
    Posts: 1,797

    bobscogin
    Member

    In your case, I'd use a stock style reproduction crossmember. You can get plenty low enough with axle drop and spring choice. I built my frame out of 2x4 by 11 gauge. Stock frame is about 1 3/4 wide. You good with that tube size? Just asking.

    Bob
     
  3. oj
    Joined: Jul 27, 2008
    Posts: 6,590

    oj
    Member

    I presume you are asking about the front crossmember? I like to keep them stock and go with a dropped axle. Between dropped axle, bigs and little tires you wind up with right stance.
    You don't show the damage but i'd look long and hard at saving the frame. If it is that bad i'd look for a replcement rail and go that way before making a frame.
     
  4. freakyz
    Joined: Jun 24, 2006
    Posts: 7

    freakyz
    Member
    from Illinois

    Ya I think so..... My 26 has 1 1/2 x 2 1/2 and have had no problems in all the years Ive ran it with a 355. I just thought I would go a little bigger. What are your concerns with my choice, and thank you for your input.
     
  5. freakyz
    Joined: Jun 24, 2006
    Posts: 7

    freakyz
    Member
    from Illinois

    I am sure I can patch the frame. I liked the idea of keeping the stock frame but I just though I would build a new one. Why would you not build a new frame? .Thank You for your input.
    Zeek[​IMG]
     
  6. Koz
    Joined: May 5, 2008
    Posts: 2,786

    Koz
    Member

    I build both new and repair old frames. Even though I build a "dead nuts" repro of the early Ford frame down to the correct rivets, I'll always save the origionals when I can. They just look right. As a side note, I have 10ga. pickled and oiled, press braked to the correct profile and then box it. Nothing else looks right.

    A duece frame I repaired.....

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Before and after.

    One of my repop frames

    [​IMG]

    I'd make a valiant attempt at the origional frame and save the money for some other stuff.
     
  7. bobscogin
    Joined: Feb 8, 2007
    Posts: 1,797

    bobscogin
    Member

    No concerns, really. It's just that most Model A frame builders use 2x4 tubing and put the tapered contours in the rails. 2x3, or even 1 1/2x3 will certainly work if your not tapering the rails.

    Bob
     
  8. freakyz
    Joined: Jun 24, 2006
    Posts: 7

    freakyz
    Member
    from Illinois

    Bob,Thank you again for your help, I understand what your saying and had not planned on tapering the frame. I will post pics of my progress and look forward to helpful tips. I have boxing plate and plan on fixing original frame also. Guess i can make a more definite choice when both are done and use other for another project.

    Thanks Zeek
     
  9. freakyz
    Joined: Jun 24, 2006
    Posts: 7

    freakyz
    Member
    from Illinois

    Koz, thank you for your input, I have boxing plate and plan on fixing original frame also. Guess i can make a more definite choice when both are done and use other for another project.
    Thank's Zeek
     
  10. designs that work
    Joined: Aug 29, 2005
    Posts: 411

    designs that work
    Member

    Lets talk about a Model A frame that is 80 years old and rusted completely. Did I miss something that said this frame is worth saving. From here the only thing worth saving are the numbers. Even if you find another frame the metal is 80 years old! Registering your car with out stamped numbers is tough in California. So take your pick 80 year old metal with numbers for registration or fresh new metal but no numbers.
     
  11. bgaro
    Joined: Sep 3, 2010
    Posts: 1,189

    bgaro
    Member

    i don't know abut illinois, but numbers aren't that big of a deal in my state. good choice fix the original if it's worth fixing. i tend to lean that way on most parts.
     

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