14681769_10211198955320698_1520541302197416612_n by Bill smith posted Oct 21, 2016 at 9:50 PM [GALLERY=media, you see the problem? hello from near Boise Idaho! I have a 30 ford sports coupe amazingly complete still has a four banger but this will be a hot rod project so I also have a 59A flathead and a set of sharp heads for it. The 59A has the heads marked AB Done some other projects here and there, but totally new to something this old---so ive been reading and ordering the books--flat head facts, build a hot rod cheap, the Tardell book for AV8 etc. The engine not so much a problem as making decisions for other things. I first plan to clean up the flathead and get the block checked, Then start getting photos of the whole car as it is now. Rust is not a prob at all, it's pretty amazing I'll start with a concept and what I would like --"[U]I think[/U]" cause you know how things change as you start learning! Simple, affordable, and doable in my home garage for the most part I can do most mechanical, electrical, hydro, body work etc and I understand how systems work-- but have not welded for years--mulling that over-- buying equip and practicing to do it myself or just get the welding done for me? I have limited space but adequate and a nice workbench built and most tools, compressor and so on. Not much capability for fabrication though other than using the basic tools been doing a little reading and so far I would like the flattie with a 4 or 5 spd, lowered but not radically, no chop. I like the look of the hairpins in the front, rear I dont know but would like to keep the banjo and closed drive if possible. I would like to work with as much of the original parts as possible looking to get pointed in the right direction for this kind of build, so many options my head is spinning! Im ok with the drum brakes i do like the look of the finned drums but that may be down the road Fenders or no? havent decided that--- lowered and not chopped looks good to me on a SC and fenders can be ok ala calif kid but i kinda like fenderless too---originally i was looking at a roadster like a brookville style but this car fell into my lap and i had to go with it it seemed so good and the right price Ive been searching loads of links and threads and suppliers but I need some practical examples and good advice to get me on the path Im talking about to avoid mistakes and turnarounds during the build Build thread and more pics to follow
Sc4 by Bill smith posted Oct 21, 2016 at 10:42 PM Sc3 by Bill smith posted Oct 21, 2016 at 10:42 PM Sc2 by Bill smith posted Oct 21, 2016 at 10:42 PM Sc1 by Bill smith posted Oct 21, 2016 at 10:42 PM Sharps by Bill smith posted Oct 21, 2016 at 10:42 PM some more pics
Good intro, Bill and welcome to the HAMB. All I can help with is keep reading those books and use the search tool here. The Ford Barn is a good place to get info and help too. Good luck. Paul
When I decided to build a 1940's style AV8 roadster a few years ago I had very little knowledge of Model A Fords. All the books you mentioned helped as well as the HAMB. You will find it easier to get parts than I did as I am in Australia. The internet is a huge source of information and I was really surprised that nearly all later Ford parts needed can be made to fit reasonably easily. It is almost as if Ford wanted these cars built. You are starting with a lot more than I had. I only had a ch***is and cowl. One of the most enjoyable things about building this type of hot rod is collecting parts and meeting new people who are usually very helpful. Go for it and enjoy the journey.
Thanks. I have seen a lot of good comments on the Tardell book as sort of the AV8 bible so looking forward to getting that. Getting everything apart, cleaned up and ready to start gives me plenty of time to research. My last build was a fj40 and I spent about 2 years on the frame off and 5 till totally finished. 3 drivetrain configs later I had a 1hdt 5 speed-living in the U.K. At that time I found out I could not Ship that back due to EPA rules. Hard lessons learned. I never really had a plan with that just went with it, but this time I hope to have it all planned out and to go a bit quicker and not so much changing thing I already did I think I like the build better than finishing sometimes thoug. Train to get over that!
I'm working on a 30 Sport Coupe with an 8BA, well sorta and have used the Tardell book. Second flathead A I've done, my avatar also had a flathead. Had to notch the firewall for the 8BA but can put the earlier block in without any cutting. Lots of information in the Tardell book.
Welcome, Nice start to a cool project. You have mentioned several build styles. I think the first thing you need to do is figure out just exactly what you want then you will have a goal and just need to figure out how to get there.
Thanks to all Model A Gomez I like the stance you got there. Frame looks good! Yes. Funny how you always hear this from anyone who has done a build! Too right as they say. I know little of the model A right now and I do need to get a plan and stick to it. I've made my mistakes for sure and felt afterwards I blew the money for some nice addition re-doing parts of the build. Wise words and I am listening!
Yep, I've been collecting parts for a Model A build for about 25 yrs now , and only deviated once from the original idea. originally it was going to be a chopped, channeled,fenderless, primed , rubber floor mat,vinyl interior with just paint detail, not much chrome really just my idea of a simple traditional rod for everyday use. A rat rod I called it when rat bike term was used as a beater bike as opposed to a show bike or rod to thumb my nose at the street rod set.(not like the rat rods of today, just a simple beater)Basically a trad rod like a HAMB type. That all flew out the window when I came across a good deal on a fully chromed drilled dropped I-beam drilled split wish-bone front-end, Now it's going to be my idea of a Candy blue painted , white tuck & roll that would have been a show car in mid-late '60's. I think about just doing it as a 30-31 Brookville roadster but think that's not the original build theme
The Jalopy Journal
