Hey all, I recently came into possession of a Model A frame, which I plan to use as the basis for a '50s styled T Bucket powered by a 265 Chevy hooked to a '39 Ford three-speed and '40 Ford banjo rear. Looking around at other threads regarding Model A frames with similar drivelines, I see that the Tardel K Members are highly prevalent in this application, and as a kid on a tight budget, I don't have enough cash to pay for one. Is there an easy, traditional way to mount the transmission and rear without using the K Member?
First, blast that frame down to bare metal. Look it over carefully for loose rivets at the existing crossmembers. Check for any areas that are badly rusted. All of these must be repaired before starting on a center crossmember. The build on the frame under my coupe might give you some good ideas. http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/additional-how-to/0708rc-boxing-the-frame/
F1 crossmember and pedal assemblies have shown up here from time to time. Cheaper than an a k member, and will fit that Trans nicely
F1 crossmember/pedals work great if you're not wanting to shell out the cash for a genuine K-member. You'll have to modify it to fit the frame either way.. Keep your eyes open, go to all the swap meets, you never know if you'll find one for dirt cheap. I've found my share of goodies for crazy cheap.
the tardel is a copy of the 32 ford center crossmember. it uses a 1932 ford transmission mount. Any one of the later 30's ford saddle mount type trans mounts can be adapted to fit your frame instead. like has been stated though they take a bit more fabrication. you are young, the time it takes to build vs pay is usually in your favor. the good thing about using the K member is, if you are running a 32 wishbone. It mounts everything in the right place. motor gets lined up, wishbone has a mount, pedals can be fabbed to it easily. I used a stock ford piece in my 32. if you are running split wishbones... you have more options for less money.
Yea make your own is always a good place to start. Build a traditional rod by building it traditionally. An erector set is made for kids, bolt together, when we grow up we build cars they are not bolt together.
Built with shop leftovers- Tardel? $500. and wait. This? maybe 40 bucks worth of stuff from the cut-off bin and a days work. Might not look as fancy, but it works fine and the money went to other stuff I couldn't make. Tranny mount I made bolts to the center crossmember- basically a "box" made of angle iron, gusseted, with the rubber mount bolted to the bottom ; easy weechie. I don't know when "hot rodding" went high tech/ big buck-- originally cars were made by borrowing, trading, , and trips to the Midnight Auto Supply! Gas welded with coathangers, or drilled and bolted ( I shudder to think!)In 1955 , kids didn't have squat for money; you had to be creative and, yes, sometimes "bend" the rules a little. (e.g. "borrow" tires or a battery from the junkyard, etc.) You can do it!
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