Thanks to HotRodJosh i now own a model A frame. i would like to build a modified with it. This is my first build up of a car. i want to start working on the frame. What tools and stuff will i need (ie grinders or jackstands or whatever) is there anything i defineately shouldn't do? any tips or tricks? thanks Lil Joe
L'Joe,yup your gonna need grinders jackstands etc.First thing is to find some cars in mags or on here that you can "copy".Your also gonna wanna keep it square and level at all times. Do a search on here for frame buildups and pics.Study them and see what were all using for tools.Might see some in the backgrounds of pics. Your gonna wanna box it with 3/16" plate.If you can't weld good then find someone who can. Good luck,keep askin questions like you just did.Not all questions are stupid,remember that.And you can never ask too many questions........Shiny
A tape measure, level, angle finder, and safety glasses 4 good jackstands A floor jack A sawzall would be nice - but I've done my chassis with nothing more than a 4 inch grinder with a metal cutting disk Hand held grinder A welder at least big enough to tack everything in - then carry it to be welded by a pro Many 2x4, 4x4, etc.. wood blocks for help in mocking components up Patience Easy access to the HAMB for questions - Like Shiny said, none are stupid
Thanks for the answers and the kind words. I intend on asking many questions, hope you guys dont get sick of me haha. I really want to learn from this project, so i am going to try and do as much as i can by myself (with the guidance of others of course). I have a sawzall and jackstands and 2x4's. I do need to invest in a grinder and a welder though. any suggestions? the welder (unfortunatly) needs to be a 110 because we do not have a 220 hookup. thanks Lil Joe
avoid 110 welders if you can, run a heavy extension cord and or long leads from the 220 range or dryer outlet. what suspension do you plan on using? what kind of horsepower do you expect? Paul
Joe, do you have a body yet, or do you just have the frame? Are you going to be able to work on it in the garage or are you stuck outside? I don't know anything, but I'll be happy to help you out when you need and extra hand. Good grinders start around $60, I think, but you can get real cheap, short-lived grinders at swap meets (like Grayslake tomorrow) for $8... but you get what you pay for. OTOH, it will get you started. I don't think you can weld a frame with a 110 welder, and I thought you'd lose too much power running an extension cord that far for a 220. I could be wrong
Joe,I use a 110 Hobart welder on frames but I've been welding for over 30 years now.If you get a good 110(hobart,miller,lincoln)and learn how to weld you'll be ok.Sounds like your gonna learn as you go on this frame so get a compotent welder to weld your frame for you.He might show you as he does it too......Shiny
In the Photo industry sometimes we cheat to get 220. There are two ways you can do this; 1) run 110 from 2 different circuits and combine them to get 220 (two extension cords into one box) or 2 the much more dangerous, aligator clamp direct into the box, and run svo wire out to your welder. Abe and I just got a frame last weekend, but we are using it for a template, for a box tubed frame. You can do a frame with a 110 but ya gotta know whatcha doin. Hey does COD still offer welding courses?
The frame i have is pretty solid, but it has one small crack that i would like to get professionally fixed. It has a super nice front cross member. I would like to attempt to box it myself, but i may just not have the tools or skills at this time. I graduate high school in the spring and i am going to take a welding class in the summer at COD or Triton (local community colleges). I am only going to run a 153 or 235 in this so the frame dosen't need to be super reinforced, but i would like some additional reinforcement for safety and so the car lasts. I found a 4 inch angle grinder at Sears for 49.99. Will this burn up quickly?? thanks Hellfish- i have just the frame and it is at my grandma's house. She may let me use the extra garage space, we will have to see. you are welcome to come over and help anytime maybe two brains will figure out more than one right. Did that place you got your rearend from have anymore? What was the price of yours if you dont mind me asking. Hopefully see ya at Greyslake tommorrow. Lil Joe
I forgot about the suspension. I have no clue about the front suspension, honestly i dont even know what is usually used (i think it is 30's and 40's ford but i could be very wrong), but for the rear i am going to use a Tri five Chevy rear end with 36 Ford rear radius rods (if i can find some in my budget) also if it is in my budget i am going to use an F1 steering box. As for the body and grill shell and pretty much anything else i am going to use whatever i can find and afford, but i would like to be as traditional as possible. If it is at all possible i would like to keep all parts pre 64. I may or may not be able to afford to do that. All depends on luck and scrounging abilities though. thanks Lil Joe
Joe, gimme a call about the rear ends and Grayslake You should talk to Oilcan about boxing the frame. He used to do that with those lowrider hoppers and still helps out Memo sometimes. He knows what he's doing.
The Jalopy Journal
