Ok, so I have a line on a coupe body to look at, it is a 28/29 Hudson Es***. I have not seen pictures yet of the shell, but have been looking on google...anyone have pics of these cars built as a traditional Hot Rod? I am wondering if it would be in the ballpark at all...to put this body on another frame.....not to sound arrogant but I am pretty experienced with all types of metal fabrication and have built quite a few cars, but this would be my first early type coupe. Perhaps would be best to fab my own frame? I appreciate any input....photos etc. Thanks, Tim
You might consider using a frame from a car that had dual front springs such as a '29-'31 Chevy, Dodge, or something else with a wheelbase close to your Es***. While there is a lot of stuff out there for a Model A or later Ford frame & suspension, using something other than a Ford might make it stand out from the crowd a bit. Later, *****6
*****6 thanks for the input...do you think the body is close in dimension to a similar year Model A...in that it would be in ballpark for such a swap? Just thinking what I am able to come across....I am a diehard Chevy guy but if a Ford frame fit and was readily available, I would be open to that. Thanks!
I suppose that the Model A wheelbase might be shorter. Somewhere around here I have "The Standard Catalog of American Cars, 1901-1988" or so; a book like that would list wheelbase dimensions for any frame you might find. Maybe do a search in the Parts Cl***ifieds and see if anybody is selling a used frame anywhere up your way. Do you know any rodders with cars from that era that you could pull some measurements off of? Making your own frame is also an option. Later, *****6
Might make a difference whether you figure you'll channel it or it's gonna be a hiboy or full-fendered.
It would be a highboy and fenderless....I wouldnt plan on chopping it either..if I get it, might do it with more of a G***er look...we shall see, dont even know what the guy is asking yet...
I really do not know the dimensions But I thinK a model A frame would work at least in a channeld car set up. If you are going high boy then I would use an es*** frame. I think that style coupe is best channeled. I have seeen a few chaneled es*** on the HAMB. I am partial to the chaneled hot rod style. Of course you can always fab up your frame from tubing to suit the domensions needed. That is what I did with my 32 Es***. I belive the wheelbase dimensios are available On the H.E.T web site. Being In M***achusetts you must be aware of the ***le/ registation h***els with home built hot rods and serial number BS. Do a search on here for Es***. Some thing should show up. Seems like as far as odd cars go that there are more Es*** then other makes. Have you got pics of the body? Steve Opps I see you posted just before me. So forget all that chanelled stuff I was writting.
Es*** frames were a frame that was used on many early cars. A lot of T bodies were put on them in early hot rodding (pre-war). I would just buy some 2x4 tubing and build what you need. You can get the wheelbase you want. You can make it 2 - 3 or 4 springs.
I agree, an A frame would most likely be too short. My buddy has an original Es*** and it looks similar to an A but is generally larger. If you want Ford a 32 may be a better frame to opt for but a custom built would be the best.
There have been some Chevrolet ch***is on Ebay recently- the wheelbase up through 1927 was 104, then stretched to 107 in 1928, and stayed that way until at least 1930.
I don't know the size of the body you are getting but the model A was a very small car. not only short but narrow also, shure it could be done, but I would not buy a frame untill you get the body and take measurments
A friend of mine built one a couple of years ago using a Model A frame. Had to stretch the frame which was no big deal since he also Z'd the frame. Turned out nice. I have pic's on the computer. Posting from I-phone right now so pic's later. Rod
thanks for the info, not sure what will happen with this shell, but it may be decent so want to get some ideas before hand...I still have a couple other projects that are being finished up...but really want to get a shell and even store it for awhile if need be....would love to see pics Carmuts, post when you can
RIGHT ON! I use Chevy frames, '28-'30...Gorgeous side rails, subtle kickup in rear. Wheelbase is 'adjustable', as frame horns are long. (set a flat front crossmember 3" forward of front axle centerline; hang Ford style axle with transverse leaf shackled to wishbone brackets, 2" behind axle...['Rollin Bones Style'] or lessen one or two of these values, ergo: 'Adjustable Wheelbase'!) Rear kickup can be altered, just 'pie-slice' it for more rise at front of 'kickup'. Slice rear of kickup accordingly. You can make a very shapely frame this way. Es*** rails have a nice (but slight) kickup at rear. The Chevy rails can be measured and reshaped slightly to match where the Es*** fit the body's subrail perfectly. I searched for Es*** rails for years, never found any. Von Franco found a pair of '29 Chevys for me in Santa Clara. For free! They turned out to be just the ticket!
A****er Mike, is that what you put together? an Es***? thanks for posting and the info! my build will be on a very tight budget...luckily (maybe not so luckily) I can do all the metal and body work as needed...also have two motors with fresh rebuilds ready to go..I also may consider channeling the car, like everything else...will probably turn into a full on ridiculous build...
My truck is an '27 Es*** cab (shortened 2-door sedan) sitting on a '30 Chevy ch***is. It uses all the Chevy fenders, running boards, rad shell, etc. It works really well.
I bought my 28 Es*** coupe from a guy that tried to use a model A frame. It was indeed too short. I built a 2x4 tube frame for it. Tapered the tube to 2 1/2" from behind the firewall to the front, minor pie cut at firewall. Channeled it 4 in. and it looked great. Dodge tube front axle and 8 3/4" rear.
I built a tubed frame almost to Model A specs, and then ended up unexpectedly scoring a 27 Es*** 4 door sedan. Can anyone tell me how much they ended up extending the frame?
No, not an Es*** body...Model 'T' touring. Es*** rails seemed to be the ticket, as a friend had a pair for low bucks. (Es*** rails were popular in pre-war days, plentiful and cheap) My 'new' Es*** rails turned out to be '28 Chevy, even better. Perfect fit for the 'T' body, 5" height, more than enough length, and nice kickup in rear. A slight trim...perfect. If I hadn't had these, I would have trimmed down some 1.5" X 6" rectangular tube, as BOBCRMAN suggests above. (I like the 6" depth, more to work with...4" deep frame just looks like the builder had to use Model A. Even worse are the poor cars that get built on 2" X 3", they look like something rolling around temporarily on a subframe!) Just my opinion, but now that I mention it...LOL
There are a lot of Es*** hot rods in Canada for some reason, so it can be done. Lots of hot rodders used Es*** frame rails for race cars and hot rods including Ed Iskenderian on his 22 Ford roadster, built in 1938. They were stronger than Ford frames and made of better metal. So, it would make better sense to use the Es*** frame and Ford body lol. You would be better off to build your own frame of rectangular steel tubing. It is not difficult or expensive, and a lot better than messing around with 80 year old Ford parts.
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