Hello what have you guys had the best luck with as far as new boxed frames? Looking to do a 60s build using a 283 sbc, 3 speed trans, 39 banjo rear. I know ill have to weld on my own brackets for all this so I'm ok with a bare frame. Thanks.
Brookville has some decent ones I put one under a 28 sedan. Seem to be pretty nice quality and you can chose from different options also
Looking for a "stock" type frame or a 32 pinched for Model A ? Brookville for sure, but if you're going for a stock perimeter frame, there are lots on eBay cheaper. The perimeter frame is pretty simple, lots of places make them.
Remember there are two types of Model A reproduction frames. Most frames are fabbed using .120 or .125 rect. tubing with the tapers cut in and the horns added. Nothing the matter with this type of frame. The better ones are fabbed of .120 or .125 P&O, (pickled and oiled) stock, press braked with the boxing plates added either flush or inset 3/8". This type costs just a bit more but in my opinion is much nicer because a rect. tubing frame measures a true 2" in width while a stock Model A measures a hair over 1 3/4". The difference is amazing. Also the stock frame has a square inner edge while the rect. tubing frame has an approximately 1/8" inner radius. In my opinion this looks like **** on a traditional car where details count. Also the difference between like the Brookville that uses a generic stamping for the front cross member and the latter frames that use the Industrial Ch***is style crossmember that is hot riveted and set in is substantial. I like to see the body and hood brackets hot riveted on with the correct 1/4" and 5/16" round head rivets. Sounds like I'm splitting hairs but the difference is amazing. There are a load of addition details that make the fabbed frames just better looking. There is nothing wrong with the Brookville or a dozen other builders frames. It's just how nice a finished product you might want and obviously, what you are willing to spend on a good foundation. A shot of my Brookville bodied '30, 283/'39box/banjo on a fabbed frame. Hard to see in this pic but most folks couldn't tell the difference from a mint factory frame.
Transportation is also a factor. How far are you willing to travel to get a frame?...or pay for shipping?... or arrange to buy one from a vendor at a major hot rod event?
I'm ***uming thirtytwo is discussing the fabbed frame. A rect. tubing frame set up with crossmembers, motor trans and suspension mounts should cost about $2,300.00 and the fabbed frame about $900.00 more. I build them here in the Northeast but my business does a lot of restoration stuff, ( I just finished two 1909 Locomobile chain drive frames, 14' long!), I'm not posting here looking for work as I have a waiting list just for the record. You might want to talk to Don down in Sanibel. He's on here and I think he knows everybody in your neck of the woods. If you find somebody in your area who would fab you one who just needs some direction just call me in the shop. I have all the dimensions in my fixture along with the press dies to make the fender brace impressions etc. Gladly share info. Good Model A frames are getting tougher to find as they are very popular as an alternative to a '32 rail that was so common in the street rodding days. I'm in the shop during normal EST hours, 570-789-1665.
Another option if the timing works is to hit one of the big Goodguys or NSRA shows in your area when they come up. Vendors often have frames in various stages of completion for sale on the spot at show prices. We have a number of quality frame bulders as members on here but just as you would with Koz you may have to take a number and get in line.
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