Hot Rods Flush fitting doors in a Model A?

I’m out in the shop waiting for filler to set up on the DeSoto, and easily distracted I began playing with the roadster.

I never really cared for the overlapping doors a Model A, and as long as I have to cut these down an make inner panels, why not make them fit flush? Here’s one of the door skins cut to fit. I’ll have to take more off for a gap, but I think this looks nice.

Good? Bad? Indifferent?


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Smooth, def. an improved version. Murray? Briggs?

 

‘Gl***.


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I Don't think that will take anything away from its "genuine" status.

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The only Ford harmed during this build was whatever late 60’s lump the 8” came from. [emoji23]


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I flush fit the doors on my 31 tudor but I made the door opening bigger by cutting the lower rails and upper tie bars and just moving the cowl and doors forward 5/8".

 

If I make a wrong cut I’ll just glue it back together. [emoji41]


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I like it. Once you get done with the car and it's all painted up, looking down the side of the car is going to look nice and slick.

 

Looks good from here, clean appearance.

 

Be careful, the street rod haters will be out with pitchforks!

 

I know, right? That “modern” engine and automatic transmission just ruin it! Most of the experts are here are building late 50’s four door sedans I think. [emoji41]


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Looks good and will be a more smooth clean look. Gl*** body, go for it.

 

So where did you find a spot welder for fibergl***?

 

I like Model A's the way Henry built them. Your car, build it whatever way you want.

 

That's fine, but seriously, what are you doing on a traditional hot rod site?

 

It's a skill I developed years ago. You just have to be careful not to try to run a bead or it gets real messy, real quick.

 

Definitely cleans up the look, would be a lot of work on a steel car. I've done several Model A's and never liked the overlapped doors but to flush fit them would also requires modifying the cowl to let the hinge swing farther.

 

?

 

Mine, 31 tudor.

Just finishing up on its 3" chop.

 

I like the smooth look on a roadster but I prefer the overlap on the coupes. I know, weird huh?

 

I get that you like them as Henry intended, my question is, this is a hot rod site. Where cars get cut up. In the style, usually, of the past. If I wanted a car as Henry built, I wouldn’t have a gl*** one, or have a Hemi in it. I guess I missed your point.


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This I like! The fit is pretty good, I have to finish the framing and it’ll need a turn buckle to put a little more twist to keep the back lower corner in, but so far so good.


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I like the flush door edge, but it is only as "smooth" as the rest of the side of the car. on a 28-29 the cowl has the step and then, of course, there is the hinges. just my opinion/observation... carry on.

 

Plus, the Hemi valve covers stick WAY out past the grill shell. [emoji6]


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It's a shame old Henry didn't make the doors flush, looks better and would have saved us all a lotta work.

 

That's the fun thing about hot rodding. You are free to do what you want to whatever car you choose to build. Just be prepared to be told on the H.A.M.B. that you've done it wrong.

 

Henry did on a Vicky
Yeah I know, someone won't like the step plate.... Oh, that was another thread

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Looks great!

 

If you've ever spent hours fitting doors on a Model A then only to go over a driveway, a speedbump, or a bumpy and rolling road in a stock chasis model A you grow to appreciate them overhanging doors.

You see them doors are what allows for that little tractor to articulate and flex like Ford intended and still have everything covered and "look" lined up still. Because sure as **** the first three hours of really driving your car screws up all that careful fitting for certain.