Model A frame: 28 vs. 30-31

Are there any signifigant differences between a 28 A frame and a 30-31? At least in the respect of building a fenderless hotrod. I know the cross member is different- can be fixed with a torch and a grinder. What about over-all demensions?

I have a really nice 28 frame, actually it's super nice! I want to put a model A roadster on it. Now, beggars can't be choosers, so I can't p*** up a good deal on a 30-31. Will the body just have to be shimmed, some minor fabing or is it too different.

Grandpa has an excellent 30-31 and I'm going to take mine out and lay it on top of it and do some measuring. However, there's too much snow and to darn cold to do it right now. But, I didn't want to p*** up a good deal if it comes along and then realize they're not close enough.

Building something like a Bishop Tardell....

 

The frames are essentially the same. Some differences in fender and running board hardware.

pigpen

 

the only real differnce is in the front cross member ...where the raditor mounts the 28-29 is flush with the top of the frame and the 30-31 is about 3/4 lower....this is not a problem with a fenderless car and no hood ..but try to get a hood lined up with a 30-31 body setting on frame with a 28-29 front cross member

later kb

 

[ QUOTE ]
the only real differnce is in the front cross member ...where the raditor mounts the 28-29 is flush with the top of the frame and the 30-31 is about 3/4 lower....this is not a problem with a fenderless car and no hood ..but try to get a hood lined up with a 30-31 body setting on frame with a 28-29 front cross member

later kb

[/ QUOTE ]

Interesting. The only model A I ever built was a 29. You learn something new every day.

pigpen

Ed. Those brake scoops are really shiny now!

 

This doesn't affect the build in any way, but will help you identify a later frame pretty quickly.

The middle cross member on earlier frames has no holes in the top of it (where the floor would be) Later frames have two tear drop shaped holes cut out of the top.

What I've heard is that Ford made something else with the blanks that were punched out there. Another cost cutting measure.

-Elrod

 

So, which Xmember is repopped on the aftermarket frames and conversion Xmembers used for lowering '32s?

I think '28 frames were the only ones that used forged running board brackets. The rest used stamped brackets, so I've been told.


The best way to tell is the serial number on thetop of the left frame rail just aft of the first cowl mount hole. '28 calendar year ended with #810122 (last September car was #473012) #1 thru #5275 were made in October thru December of '27.
29 started with.

I saw a book that is/was available at Vintage Ford parts that detailed every upgrade or change made on Model A's and the date.
They made lots of mid year changes, (sorta like early VWs did in that respect, guess VW learned that one from Ford)
Things like moving the parking brake two or three times in one year, etc.

 

Not to hijack the post but how many places on model A frame for serial #?

 

As DrJ said, left frame rail is the only place.

 

I agree with pig pen, I'll have to file that away as I'm putting a full-fendered 30 Tudor on a 29 frame.

 

There is one place for a # on my frame.