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Technical 34 ford pickup frame

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by Schwanke Engines, Feb 26, 2017.

  1. Schwanke Engines
    Joined: Jun 12, 2014
    Posts: 777

    Schwanke Engines
    Member

    Hey everyone, I am getting ready to start my 34 pickup build and wondering if anyone has ever put a 32-34 ford pickup on a model a frame? If so can I get some pics please.

    Sent from my XT1585 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
     
  2. Jalopy Joker
    Joined: Sep 3, 2006
    Posts: 33,693

    Jalopy Joker
    Member

  3. makes them look cheap. bout like putting a model a bed on one. very distinct differences between model a and b.
     
    Runnin shine likes this.
  4. It's been done but generally it looks lack luster.

    The Model A has a much shorted frame than the 32 not to mention the 33/34 has a longer wheel base. HRP
     
  5. DOCTOR SATAN
    Joined: Mar 21, 2014
    Posts: 703

    DOCTOR SATAN
    Member
    from okc

    Good for a channel job...
     
    HOTRODPRIMER likes this.
  6. metalman
    Joined: Dec 30, 2006
    Posts: 3,299

    metalman
    Member

    I did one many years ago but it was fenderless, chopped and channeled. Besides that we moved the cab back so we could fit a 351C I took out of a Boss 351 Mustang (imagine that, muscle cars were cheap parts car in the later 70's) between the radiator and firewall. Very short bed, rear tires were almost up to the cab.
    Kinda goofy looking proportionally, I'd probably be embarrassed to drive it today.
     
    HOTRODPRIMER likes this.
  7. DOCTOR SATAN
    Joined: Mar 21, 2014
    Posts: 703

    DOCTOR SATAN
    Member
    from okc

    If you z the rear you can move the crossmember where you like for bed length etc
     
  8. sloppy jalopies
    Joined: Jun 29, 2015
    Posts: 5,256

    sloppy jalopies
    Member

    . Model A frame is 103.5" WB ... '32 frame is 106" WB... '34 frame is 112" WB...
    The A frame dips in towards the center and flows back out towards the rear...
    The '34 follows the body's lower edge radius...
    That's what makes the '32 frame look so good under an A...
    The A frame runs flat from the firewall forward...
    The '34 has a 2.5" to 3" rise in the frame from the firewall forward... [channeled look]
    hope that helps...
     
  9. woodsnwater
    Joined: Apr 4, 2016
    Posts: 502

    woodsnwater
    Member
    from North Al.

    I'm doing one now because I didn't know any better when I started the project and I've come too far to change directions now. Don't do it. Get you a 32 or a 33-34 frame depending on the bed length you have / want.
     
    cadillacoffin likes this.
  10. woodsnwater
    Joined: Apr 4, 2016
    Posts: 502

    woodsnwater
    Member
    from North Al.

  11. Schwanke Engines
    Joined: Jun 12, 2014
    Posts: 777

    Schwanke Engines
    Member

    That looks Nice. I am having trouble coming up with a 32-34 Frame. I am on a tight budget and I let my dad have the complete 34 Pickup with fenders and Frame. And took the 34 Cab with Grill. I am not running fenders and have JW Rod Garage Model A frame laying here that I thought I could use, but I am 6'2" 300lb fat guy that needs some belly and Head room so the whole Channel thing is kinda out the window I plan on a 2-3" chop, but that's about it. I just need something affordable and dont really want the stock 34 Wheelbase, so a 32 Style frame will probably be the best route.

    Maybe I can give an Idea what I am going with here.
    I was working on acquiring parts for my Model A Tudor.
    But have always wanted a 32-34 Pickup and we acquired 2 recently so I am taking all my Model A stuff and moving it onto one of these trucks.

    I have a 286 Stroker Flatty backed with a 42 F1 3 speed, going to a Frankland Quick Change setup on Ladder bars with Coil Overs. I am running 37 Split bones in Front with a Drop axle. I want this thing to be Low, and agile so whatever frame setup I need let me know I love the idea of the 32 WB and a shorter box, but also want it to be usable.

    Unless someone has a reasonably priced 32-34 Frame they need to get rid of I would like to make use or trade this Model A frame off.
     
  12. woodsnwater
    Joined: Apr 4, 2016
    Posts: 502

    woodsnwater
    Member
    from North Al.

    IMG_1924.JPG IMG_1912.JPG I went with the triangulated 4 link. 4" Z in the rear "C" notched above the axle. 106" wheelbase.
     
  13. Schwanke Engines
    Joined: Jun 12, 2014
    Posts: 777

    Schwanke Engines
    Member

    Did you channel the Cab at all?
     
  14. Me - I'd try to sell your complete Model A chassis - just won't look right for a flathead build anyway. Then, I'd buy a set of 32 frame rails and build a frame to suit your project - as it sounds like you're going to Z the rear anyway. It appears that you can fabricate and weld (at least that frame kind of says that) - grab some rails, grab a few cross-members (A in front, A in back for the quicky), grab a F-1 center cross member and build a nice looking hotrod. You can always box the rails for more strength - boxing plates are cheap to purchase.
     
  15. woodsnwater
    Joined: Apr 4, 2016
    Posts: 502

    woodsnwater
    Member
    from North Al.

    I would if I knew how to without mutilating it. I hope to find someone to chop it some.
     
  16. Given your size and the fact that there isn't room to move the seat back - about the last thing you'd want is to channel it . . . go with the slight chop plans.

    But first, get the type of seat you plan on running in it, get the steering setup you'll use in it (wheel and all), get in the cab and see how well you fit. I've seen lots of guys learn the hard way - that these cars are SMALL! LOL
     
  17. At 6'2" & 300 lbs, its going to be a real squeeze to fit in a 32 - 34 pickup cab no matter what frame it's sitting on. I had a 32 pickup with the cowl stretched 4" and it was still pretty tight and I'm a bit smaller than you.

    Mick
     
  18. Runnin shine
    Joined: Apr 12, 2013
    Posts: 3,383

    Runnin shine
    Member

    As a owner/builder of a unfinished 32 PU project... I can with total certainty tell you to not build it on a model A style frame.
    I have been building mine on a 1930 Plymouth frame(heavily, extensively, and completely modified) to resemble a 32 frame in proportion. My truck tins came as a roller on this frame. I was broke, like challenges, had more time than money, and figured I already spent some money on this one anyway, etc,etc,etc. I would never recommend someone take this road though.
    Please do yourself and the cab a huge favor and get a set of 32 rails or at least 33/33 style. You won't regret it when it comes to finished project and hassle.
    As a bonus the PU will be much more desirable on a 32 frame if you ever have to part ways with your project.
    Good luck.


    Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
     
    Jeff34 likes this.
  19. Schwanke Engines
    Joined: Jun 12, 2014
    Posts: 777

    Schwanke Engines
    Member

    I am just a cheap ass, so I may have to bite the bullet and get the 32 rails and A front and make a rear since I am running Coil overs anyway. The fab work isn't the issue as I have a nice F1 Trans X member and all the other goodies for the front and rear I was just hoping to maybe luck out and find a 32-33-34 Frame laying around.
     
  20. sloppy jalopies
    Joined: Jun 29, 2015
    Posts: 5,256

    sloppy jalopies
    Member

    in woods n water's right hand shot note how high the back of the cab looks when the A frame angles inward and disappears... IMO...use a '32-'34 ... worth the price over the long run...
     
    Runnin shine likes this.
  21. Schwanke Engines
    Joined: Jun 12, 2014
    Posts: 777

    Schwanke Engines
    Member

    Well Received disappointing news yesterday the Local college cancelled the auto body night class that I took a year ago and learned how to metal shape, was hoping to do all the work on my Cab there and learn how to do filler work. Now I have to table this thing unfortunately, Customer work has to take priority over my junk. Which sucks, but gives me more time to come up with a frame. If anyone has a line on a 33-34 Frame I would love to check it out. I'd like to do a 32, but those are always "Holy Shit" Expensive.
     
  22. alchemy
    Joined: Sep 27, 2002
    Posts: 22,347

    alchemy
    Member

    If you want people to help you locate a frame, you best put your location in your info.
     
  23. PHIL COOPY
    Joined: Jul 20, 2016
    Posts: 409

    PHIL COOPY
    Member Emeritus

    SAVE0004.JPG SAVE0003.JPG This is what I did for the '34 on the left. Sorry I don't have a picture of the full frame.
     

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