Projects A Michigan Model A build

Haven’t had a lot of progress on my coupe in the last couple weeks. My 3yo daughter on the other hand has switched from saying “daddy’s hotrod” to “our hotrod”. But with the school year winding down work has been very busy. We do go karts the last day for seniors. Every year I make modifications to make the our karts a little less high maintenance. Last year I installed cross steer steering linkages to wear tires less. This year I’m fabbing and installing chain tensioners so I won’t have to do chain adjustments anymore. Unfortunately I’ve been off for a couple days with a nasty sinus infection. I was going a little stir crazy so I masked up and ran up north to pick up a few vintage Mallory Distributors .

 

How did you break the profile hammer? Just asking because I just cut one out and I might be better off cutting it out of 3/8ths to begin with. Also did you make the dies to make the body lines on the front of the cowl? Would like to see some pictures of them if you could.

 

The profile hammer frame itself is fine in 1/4”. The driven arm seems to be the problem. I’ve made it in 1/4 and 3/8” both struggle. It keeps cracking an 1/8” below the weld. I messaged Carl Fischer on instagram asking if he had had any issues. He said “I’ve been able to keep together a quarter inch upper holder but you definitely have to gouge the corners out and really weld it”. I suspect the 16 gauge is pretty brutal. I think I may eventually mill an arm from tool steel. I made my front cowl in 4 stages. I started tipping the front lip with tipping pliers. Don’t use a metal brake, it’s not a straight line. Ask me how I know. I then did the narrow bead, followed by the joggle, then the joggle with the bead. I will post some pictures tomorrow of the dies.

 

Nice thanks

 

These are the profile does I used and abused to make my front cowl. It took several attempts to make one that I was happy with.

 

Progress!!!
I haven’t posted in a bit. Project car time has been limited between work, house projects, and taking care of family. Still have to button up the lower quarters and remake the lower trunk pan. Slowly but surely we are getting there.

 

Here is my past due photo dump. I haven’t posted much in the past year. It’s been one of those situations where toys often have to be put on the back burner. Family, work, and home ownership can often cut into “garage time”. Progress has been slow but my ‘31 has continued moving forward. In fact, so much so that I am now finally attaching body panels to the subrails. I had a buddy over to check my work and give me a

second set of eyes before I locked everything down. Then I had my little inspector come out and share her thoughts. She just said “it needs to be loud”.


I am very excited to move away from body work for a little bit and begin some chassis work.


My goal for the summer is to have a tack welded rolling chassis come its end. I think I am right on par for end of August.

 

You've done a great job, the Model A is going to be fantastic, and you're a great dad to a sweet girl.
Keep up the good work, life has so much to offer.
Greetings, Harald

 

Well done, my lil gurl loves our model A too! - The louder the better she says!
Sounds like you are doing a good job with the juggle

 

My daughter was born in 1993.
Time has flown by so quickly.
I always worked shifts.
She's a young woman now.
Where has the time gone?
Have a wonderful time with your children. Oh... I'm getting sentimental, sorry.
Greetings, Harald

 

Just joined the page today. I live down in Battle Creek Mi. I have a 1930 Tudor. I haven't started anything yet due to trying to finish up my 71 F-100. Once I get that on the road I wanna start the A. Haven't decided on a direction for it yet though. Probably traditional, mild chop, leaning towards fenders, engine will either be a banger or flathead.

 

Wow, from a fellow Michigander, very impressive work. I just picked up an A Tudor a month ago, so I'll be following along!