Projects Hotrob's fiasco of a "Model A Coupe" build thread

Well when I originally set up the front end I thought that I had it right, but after all was said and done and the suspension was fully loaded I was only at 1 or 2 degrees of caster. I did not want to have the wishbones hanging way below the frame, so I left them tucked in tight and wedged the bottom to get the proper angle. I settled on 8 degrees. I used a wedge of steele to fill the gap made when I wedged the bottom and then made several passes with the mig. I burned it in nice and hot and made several passes. I finished by grinding down the welds. I still have plenty of clearance for the tie rod and drag link. I am happy with the result and comfortable that it will be safe and reliable.

THe pics tell the story. The last few show the vega box in its new home, and a neat shot of Jay and Dan's sedans.

 

Your project is looking good. Lots of parallels with my Model A build. Looking forward to checking it all out at the next Pistons & Paint.

 

This is going to be a really cool car. Cant wait to see it done. I also want to see more of the falcon. I tried hooker headers on my 65 falcon wagon and ended up throwing them down the street. Whats the part # for the dougs headers. Thanks and awesome job and keep it up.

 

Great job so far, Rob! I'm like you in that I don't want my wishbone mounts hanging well below my frame to get my desired caster. I'd been searching to find out how people address this, but had no luck. Recently, some folks explained to me the technique you used, but I hadn't actually seen it before. So again, thanks for posting the pics! I'm setting a goal to have a roller within the next couple of months. So keep the updates coming...they give me inspiration!

Tommy

 

Quick update. I put the bones back on and the caster is right at 7.5-8 degrees. They really look cool swept up like that too. Next item will be too install the headlight/shock mounts and get some front shocks on there. Then the same on the rear.

 

Looking good Rob.I'm not a fan of brackets etc hang down too far.Nice to see you're making the extra effort to keep things tidy.Keep it up!
Mark.

 

Them Bones are looking good! Thanks for the photos of the sedans last ride... LOL... All is good on her 'cept for the timeing of the 'ole Poly and re-blead the breaks to get back on the road.

 

Nice work!

 

Hi Rob,
Great looking coupe! I am building one myself and want to fill the roof like yours. Is there any way you could post a pic of the back of the roof where it meets those two joints that run up the back of the cab? I am trying to figure out how to make that connection look good.
Thanks,
Jackson

 

well I have not posted in three months! THats not to say I have had nothing to post, rather so much has been going on that I have not gotten around to posting because I am spending so much time in the garage.

I am light on pics of what has been gping on, mostly because it been the kind of stuff that really does not photograph well.
My last post deals with the front suspension and correcting the steering geometry by pie cutting the wishbones. THat all turned out well.

The recent progress is with the steering and brakes. Front and rear shocks.
I got the doors opening and closing right and am getting closer to mounting the body for good.

 

Rob.... those front shock headlight mounts look great.....

 

Great thread. I've been working through alot of the same issues. your coupe is looking great. I don't know if you've already done it but I would gusset the vega box mount where it hangs down below the frame. a little triangle made of 1/4" will add alot of strength and possibly keep the box from breaking away from the frame. Keep up the good work.

 

I'll agree with that,pretty damn cool!
Nice job Rob.

 

Hey Rob, those shock mounts look great, Did you weld them in place or are they bolted on? can't see it in the picture. I'm using the same ones, mine are bolted on.

 

These are weld ons from pete & jakes. No provision for bolting. I could have welded on a plate to then bolt them on but that seemed redundant.

As for the gusset under the frame at the steering box, no I did not have plans to put one there, but I am going to now!!

I still have alot of that finish stuff to do when I pull the body for paint. Most of the components are tacked into place. If you recall earlier in the thread I learned some painfull lessons about the pitfalls of finish welding stuff before you should.

 

I am super stoked about my recent progress. Its one of those days that really make a noticable change in the car. So much of the work I have been doing has been undercover stuff that can,t really be seen but takes a lot of time and patience.
I finally commited to mounting the body. I ended up using 3/4 hardwood to between the body and frame. I was worried about mounting metal on metal. I did not want a bunck of squeeks and creeks. I figure if wood was good enough for Henry, then it will work for me.

I picked up a radiator from www.Championcooling.com. The price was a quarter of the next lower priced radiator. It is all aluminum welded and very nice for the price. Other than filling and redrilling the crossmember holes it went on easy.

 

After getting the radiator set, I broke into the Vintique grill shell www.vintiqueinc.com. This piece was a different story. It was one of the more expensive shells out there but I have been told they are they best. I have to say I am impressed. The fit and finish is perfect.

I had to decide whether to channel a full size grill, or chop it down to fit the hood line right. I mocked it up and decided to channel it. THe bottom of the shell ended up being just above the top of the axle. it looks perfect!!

I am super stoked. I sat and stared at it for 45 minutes. Seriously I just sat there and stared at it.

 

Wow! It looks great Rob! Thanks for the update.

 

I also got alot of steering work done. I got this bitchen silver metalflake 13" wheel, and stainless hotrod column from Speedway Motors. I mounted the column by bolting your standard aluminum steering drop to what was left of the original steering drop. The original was cut off years ago.

 

So what I need from you guys this time is a couple of reference pics, and some measurements of the grill shell mounting rod plates on the firewall. Mine were torn out and the patches obscured the original mounting location.
I could wing it but I would like to get as close to original as possible.

 

I am also curious how you guys are getting away with running your radiators without support rods. Seems to me like the tabs would break right off with the first big pothole.

 

Let's see if Rebecca's image will help you here. N1gzd is her handle, a fantastic photographer BTW! Search her Ty-rod's series, there are many detailed engine shots as you go thru the later pages.

 

Why didn't you just cut a wedge out of the top?

 

Do you have an original radiator to mount the rods on and check the spread at the rear? Not trying to crack wise, that is how I placed them on my truck. Just a thought...

 

Thanks for all the build threads. I'm putting a '32 together and really enjoy reading your progress. You're building a really sweet ride.

 

Hope this pic helps Rob.

 

Cutting out and bringing it together would have been easier I agree, but;
That would have shortened the bones and I like how they are mounted right at the step up.

By pie cutting the bottom I lost less length in the end.

 

Thanks for the reference pics and comments. I think I can get pretty close.
THe radiator has the tab for the rods, but no holes or slots drilled. Gonna have to wing it.
Also, by engine bay is longer than stock so i am using 32 support rods. THey are a few inches longer.

I also thought about coming straight back from the firewall and then bending the rods in front of the engine to meet at the radiator. Reason being that I think I am gonna run two fours and it will gimme some space.

 

Rob, Do you still need a seat? I have an extra middle seat from a dodge minivan.

 

Rob, I too think those headlight stands are bitchin'. 56 NoBrakes is using them on the A bone we are building. As for the shell, I would recommend channeling the shell over the frame which is what we did. We channeled it 3" and then filled the gap between the lower edge and the bottom of the radiator. See for yourself. BTW, please don't anyone flame the mockup tires.