Frames

What's the major difference between an A and an AA frame? I hear people say keep the AA frame because you don't have to box it and it's already sturdy, but then people say it's too big and bulky get an A frame or a '32. My intent is to keep my AA frame and cab and as many other original parts as I can...

 

Wasn't this covered in your other thread? HRP

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=787797

 

It was mildly mentioned, is there any benefits or negatives of either or, or is it just preference.

 

It was.
He just wants to be involved.
In everything.

 

The AA is bigger,longer and heaver. HRP

 

Me?

 

Thank you. Are there any benefits to those attributes?

 

If you are concerned about having a strong, flex resisting frame, look up Brianangus' frame thread, and go get three 10' lengths of 4 x 2 x 1/8 (or 3/16th) tubing.
You won't regret the results.

 

Chicks dig bigger longer heavier.


Seriously. If you are building a AA, use an AA frame. For most every other instance an A frame is preferable.

 

I built a 30 model A pickup truck back in the 70's and never dreamed of using the Big Truck frame AA.



I seems some guys are cutting the AA frames down and using them nowadays.

 

Not really a concern. Just a curiosity. Just wondering if a heavier frame improved drive ability or handling or anything. Just a basic question for some but I'm tring to learn and make informed decisions.

 

No,It won't make any difference in drive ability.HRP

 

I'm using a TT frame with model A crossmembers for my next project. The TT frame is heavier and has the same rail profile (front and rear taper)as a model A. But, the TT is about 1" deeper top-to-bottom. This will help hide the exhaust, master cylinder, etc. Most folks will never catch the difference.

 

I was interested in keeping my AA as stock as possible and upgrading when necessary.

 

Thanks.

 

Ya know, how about just building a "AA" truck hot rod? There has been a blown small block powered '29 out of New Mexico running around the southwest for over 35 years now. I still see it at Good Guys Scottsdale twice a year and it's cool. I couldn't put my hands on a picture right away, but this evening I will. Flatbed and all...

 

You seldom see an AA frame used for a 1/2 ton size truck build. I ***ume thats what you are heading for. In my opinion, it would be different and possibly very unique. You would need to pay attention to the proportions of every component. I believe with some serious thought you could build a killer truck. Tall wheels come to mind, sitting very low with very slick workmanship. Sounds as though you want to use what you have and I say go for it bro! You are the one that needs to be pleased when your finished. Tim

 

Cut down to A pickup length, it would give not just a stronger frame but a much stronger pickup box...on an A, that is prettu much hanging off the back of the frame.
The AA would also allow building a bigger and longer truck, like an AA short wheelbase express, that would have hauling possibilities like a modern full size pickup truck.

 

Here is a stock AA,,HRP

 

I'd love to see pictures. I wouldn't mind a flat bed but l want a TT or AA original.

 

Thanks. I like A And AAs so I want to keep in the tradition of that style. Not just use the cab and use all new parts.

 

The frame was already chopped a foot or so a long time ago. So that may work out.

 

About half way down this page: http://www.coachbuilt.com/bui/f/ford/ford.htm are some AA service cars...big pickups, in effect. The express body for AA was also out there, more like the small pickup but deeper and longer.

 

Thanks for the link Bruce. I wouldn't mind pulling the number off of the frame to see what the truck was like from the factory, if I can still see the number. I'm also interested in putting a stake bed on it or trying to find pictures of the truck when it was used to transport ice chopped out of the lakes in upstate NY to the ice houses.

 

That website is awesome. I want to make my wife one of these for the kids! haha...

 

I've seen long bed TT pick-ups; but never a AA pick-up. The AA's I've run across have had stake, tank, grain, coal, wrecker, van, and dump bodies. Seen a few chopped off and made into doodle bugs (tractors).

 

There were DOZENS of AA configurations from Ford, on at least 2 wheelbases, and many more from aftermarket. Express body (with or without canopy) was essentially a huge pickup..."service car" or something like that (both in A and AA) was the sort of Ute looking version, with bed sides matched to body curve...

 

I've had a p***ion for old trucks for my entire life. When I was told that two AA pickups were pulled out of the woods less than ten miles from my house, I was almost insulted that I didn't know about them before. Then, I came to find that there were two Ford pickups three houses down from mine in the woods! I was never allowed behind the property because of the owner, then I left home and never thought about going back there. But, one of the trucks was a early 30's and the other was a doodlebug tractor, plus the various axles and suspensions ****tered around in the area. I'm interested to see why there was a foot of frame chopped off my AA but it's very likely I'll never find out.

 

Thanks Bruce. I don't know how anyone feels about Wikipedia, but they list out a bunch of the different variations for the AA, but when you click on the quick links for AA Ambulance, it takes you to what a modern ambulance is. So, every once in a while I search around for AA pictures to see the different types. There are huge 500 gallon drums behind my uncles barn that I was thinking about cutting or leaving whole for the back, but it was just a quick thought.

 

Anybody averaging 12 posts a day on the HAMB is an attention *****, let alone a newb been here 17 days, let alone anyone having 'rat' in their moniker. Surprised responses have been as helpful as they have been.