Sorry if this is a rookie question, but I am just trying to understand better. The time I have spent on the HAMB, I have fallen in love with the 31' coupe. I see so many guys wanting a 32 frame. What is the difference and why are the 32 frames so popular compared to a 30 or 31? Can someone actually show a picture with the benefits of a 32?
In 32 Ford made a much stronger frame and it had a formed insirt that a lot of guys love the look of were the fender/body kind of fitted into. The Ford "A" frame[much the very same from 1928 to 1931 needs boxing plates added to get close to as stiff as 1932 is to start with.
Taller frame and a k member for strength.Don't forget longer wheelbase makes it easier to fit a big motor.
Besides being a very nice looking frame, it hides everything that tends to "hang down" and be seen under the car. Just take a look at the Model A's that are running a stock frame as opposed to a Model A with a '32 frame. It becomes quite clear which looks better.
I think it originally started out as a matter of performance, if you took the heavy '32 body off the V-8 chassis and put on a light roadster body, usually a '28-'29 A or '27 T, you ended up with a pretty fast hot rod. Later on it became more about appearance.
The fact that the '32 is wider than an A frame just makes for a neat looking body to frame connection. An A frame being narrow makes the body overhang and doesn't look as smooth IMO. Bob
The rails on a '32 are quite a bit more "scuptured" and pretty than a Model "A" frame rails were. The "A"s rails were very simple 4" box section pieces that are far back under the body on those cars. By '32 Ford had moved thew rails out to the body line and created a true perimeter frame and left part of it exposed. All that said, I'm one of the very few on the board here that much prefers an "A" frame under an "A" coupe in either hiboy or full fendered garb. Matter of fact, the only "A" I would put a '32 frame under would be a '28 or '29 roadster. That was truly the only "common" use of the "A" body, '32 combo until the current traditional era.
That and buying a banged up 32 V8 Sedan and pulling the body off and putting an inexpensive and lighter A or T body made for a quick way to have a V8 hot rod in the late 30's and the 40's. It saved building motor mounts if you put a later engine in it in the 40's too. A real winner for a guy who didn't have access to a welder.
Then there is the issue of wheelbase. I think you'll find a stock Model A wheelbase is in the neighborhood of 103 1/2" while a `32 is 106". Doesn't sound like an awful lot, but when you're installing a V-8 of any kind in an older car, that little 2 1/2" can make a bunch of difference. That said, pay attention to what others have added here. The wider, stiffer frame, the pleasing aesthetics created by the reveal in the `32, and the fact that it was actually built to accomodate a V-8 have long made it a favorite. But ... there are some of us around that still like the look of a Model A on a Model A frame. Mossbacks!
That's funny...that very same car is why I prefer a 32 frame. My first model A I put side pipes to cover that big void under the body. The one I'm building now has a 32 frame with shortened wheelbase so a stock hood will fit. It's just a matter of individual preference...that's why all rods are different.
PHP: The one I'm building now has a 32 frame with shortened wheelbase so a stock hood will fit. We did one years ago and had Rootlieb make a custom length one.
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