Projects Model A build

This build is going to start with a little story about how life started with me and this car. About a year ago I drove what seemed like half way across the country with my dog and picked up this running, driving 1930 Model A hot rod. The car is great and has already given me a ton of fun. On the drive home I stumbled across some other hot rodders in Nebraska and they invited me to the High Plains Riot. (I’m new and not sure about the rules on naming events.) I followed them to the event and within 24 hours of buying my car I was at a multi day event where I was on the dirt track backing it into corners on Friday night! Then Saturday morning I had to get up early and clean things up because I placed it in the show where I was picked as one of the top ten! I spent the weekend and headed towards home.
Once home I started going over things and planning some upgrades.

 

First things first, I had to give this car the correct stance. The rear tires just weren’t working for me so I ordered wheels and tires and fixed the problem.

 

After a close look there’s several things that I don’t like about the way this car is put together. Just look at some of the welds on this thing! I’ve spent several months going through things and making it safe and reliable. Brakes, cooling issues, making the doors stay shut, replacing a couple of cracked windows as well as all new door glass felt. I even replaced the fuel tank. The old one made the car smell like gas and the new one is 4 gallons bigger for more range. The steering column was mounted using what looked like a hanger used for a fire sprinkler system in a warehouse, so I quickly fabricated a solid mount and it’s so much better.

 

When I bought the car there was no interior other than the seat and metal dash. At first I threw together some quickie door panels just so I wasn’t looking at raw doors all the time. Since the temporary door panels were in I decided that it needs red windows.

 

The temporary door panels were never meant to be there long. I have virtually zero experience with upholstery work but I went and bought a sewing machine and started practicing. Things weren’t so good in the beginning as you can see from some of my practice pieces, but after a bunch of practicing I started in on the real parts. Things are going slow and I’ve had to make a few of the pieces more than once because of mistakes, but so far I’m loving the results! The one thing I’m not sure about is using that bright white. Time will tell if it’s going to stay bright white or show every smudge and dirt spec.

 

Way to jump in with both feet before even getting home with the car! I will be following along as you make the car better.

 

Thanks! It’s been so much fun so far. Except when it isn’t. There’s been a few of those time too.

 

Yea, one of my main sayings is "Old cars suck!"

 

All do , one would hope!

Ben

 

Well, I hope the nice new upholstery won't keep the dog from riding in it.

 

I wasn’t going to share this quite yet but it’s on my introduction post so here’s the new engine that’s going in along with a whole new frame/chassis setup. It’s a 1957 Hemi 392 with a bunch of goodies on it. Going with a quick change rear end and still on the fence about which transmission to use. Whatever I pick is going to need to hold up to this Hemi that’s something like 500ish horsepower. When I swap the body over it will get chopped and channeled. I’m going to have a busy next winter.

 

Tremecs 5 speed with furthest forward shifter location. 500 hp puts you in a category thats tough with vintage trans options and if youre gonna drive it cross country be easy on yourself. Those guys are worth calling! I normally wouldnt say that but nothing I have has 500 hp

 

the learning curve shown on upholstery---was VERTICAL!--nice!

 

Bud and I took a crash course in upholstering his channeled '30 'A' coupe. Similar steps taken, but we had my Mom's heavy duty machine!
Enjoyed reading with all the pics, excellent job!
Big steps you're taking with that 392" Chrysler. Anxious to 'ride along' on chassis fab, a REAL hot rod. Kudos.
P.S. Your dog looks like my Annie. She loves to ride...Sits perfectly still, attentive.

 

Good job! You're diving right into making it yours. I'm hesitant about upholstery,. Great pics always bring out the character of the build and owner. The chain driven Evo for example, not something often seen, and who hasn't fallen in love with that doggo.

 

You dove right in the deep end, and I dig it. Learning the upholstery is on my list of to-do items as well. I'll be watching the build.
Im currently building a Model A as well, threads on here. I'd give Modern Driveline a call, they were excellent to deal with, and treated me very well. They will walk you through what your looking for in your project and what you want as an end result.
Transmission Conversions | TREMEC Solutions & Kits | Modern Driveline

 

The dog cracks me up! He has the same look my wife gives me, which is "You pissing money away on that thing again!"

 

Man way to go! I had way more trouble figuring out this upholstery stuff. I would feel better if you struggled for a little bit longer. Hahahaha

 

I took a little road trip and picked up the Hemi. Sorry I haven’t posted for a few days but I drove about 2000 miles in 2 1/2 days to get this. I would have loved to spend some time and enjoy the trip but I’m now only a week away from my trip to the Grand Canyon with the Model A and have several things to get ready.
I was really hoping to have the upholstery finished before the Grand Canyon, but with going to get the Hemi I’m not going to have the time. Reliability is key and that’s where 100% of my focus is right now.

 

Still fighting a cooling issue. The Hemi isn’t going in just yet so I’ve got to maintain what’s there. Hopefully this will fix it.

 

Yesterday was the radiator, today I went back to the interior. The carpet is down on the floor as well as the back wall. I found some scrap aluminum pieces that work perfectly for sill plates and help hold the carpet in place.

 

Sorry I haven’t posted in a while. I’ve been busy with events like a 1200 mile run to Lake Powell, Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon. It was an incredible experience traveling with 24 vintage hot rods!

 

Since getting home I’ve been busy ordering more parts and pieces. The new wheels are here and they were test fit to make sure back spacing and brake clearance is going to work. Tomorrow I should drop them off at the powder coat shop. New tires are ordered but not quite here yet. I’m being told I should see them next week. Timing should be perfect for mounting them on the fresh new wheels.

 

I’ve been kind of stressing out about what intake setup to run on the new Hemi. Today the new setup finally arrived! These aren’t new parts and will take some rebuilding and polishing but should work great for my setup.

 

Cool build! I have a 331 hemi slated for my Model A, one day... Enjoying playing with and building up the banger at the moment.

 

A few more pictures of things to come.

 

This is good stuff!! Drive on..................

 

It would be nice if you would select 'full size images' when you post pictures instead of the thumbnails!