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Technical Model A front end widht

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by 8350, Dec 3, 2025 at 1:02 PM.

  1. 8350
    Joined: Oct 1, 2006
    Posts: 49

    8350
    Member
    from norway

    Building a 1931 Ford Coupe. Going to be with fenders, 4" drop I-beam. Recomended axle widht?
     
  2. lake_harley
    Joined: Jun 4, 2017
    Posts: 2,422

    lake_harley
    Member

    I have a '31 fendered '31 Model A coupe with a '33-'36 axle that I'm pretty certain is 48" wide. Front wheels and tires are 15 X 5" with 165-15 front tires. I believe the wheels are 3" backspace with 5 X 4 1/2" bolt pattern on a speedway front disc brake kit with Metric calipers. The front wheels are a little further outboard than I would like but it drives and steers nicely. I'm using a Vega box with cross steer. I have a pair of wheels that have about 1/2"-3/4" more backspace that would pull the tires/wheels in a bit but I need to somehow enlarge the center hole to go all the way on the disc brake rotor/hub.

    With all that said I like it OK, but to me pulling in the tires/wheels the extra little bit with my other wheels or perhaps a 46" axle would look nicer when viewed from the front. I do think some cars have the wheels pulled in a bit too narrow and personally I think that looks a bit sillier than just a touch too wide, but I'm probably biased by my own car.

    FWIW....I do have a 4" dropped axle for a Model A that is 48" wide or a really nice '33-'36 axle and some other suspension and brake parts for sale if you'll be shopping. I'm shameless so here's a link to my ad:
    https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/ford-axle-suspension-and-brake-package.1344345/

    Bes wishes with your '31 Coupe project!

    Lynn
     
    Last edited: Dec 3, 2025 at 8:54 PM
    A 2 B and 8350 like this.
  3. lake_harley
    Joined: Jun 4, 2017
    Posts: 2,422

    lake_harley
    Member

    Just saw your location is Norway so shipping would be really expensive so you're probably not interested in the parts I have.

    Lynn
     
    8350 likes this.
  4. alchemy
    Joined: Sep 27, 2002
    Posts: 22,683

    alchemy
    Member

    If wheels are something like Halibrands with some offset, then you surely want a 46” axle. If more like stock steelies, then a 48” might work.
     
    8350 likes this.
  5. A 2 B
    Joined: Dec 2, 2015
    Posts: 559

    A 2 B
    Member
    from SW Ontario

    I have almost the same set-up on my avatar '30 "A" coupe as lake_harley with the exception of having the 46" axle. I narrowed the front fenders 3". The tire sidewalls slightly protrude outwards from the fenders but the treaded portion does not. It is an individual preference determining if one likes the look or not, instead of the overhanging fenders.
     
    8350 likes this.

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