I have a model a un chopped un channeled that I have been driving for the last four years. On a boxed model a frame with harpins up front, 4" drop axle and split 36 bones on the rear. I am running a 383 chevy and a four speed. I use the car alot.... driveing, drag raceing whatever. I am adding a six speed this winter and i am debating on a deuce frame swap. what are the benifits of the 32 frame??????? ride/handeling/performance
I'm building my A coupe on '32 rails just because they look good to me. If I gain any ride/handeling/performance it is just a bonus. But seriously,in my opinion, a '32 frame is more solid than the model A frame.
The 32 Frame is 2 and 1/2 inches longer in the wheelbase department ... so it can ride better. The frame is wide enough so you can "C" the rear frame and gain suspension travel ... for a better ride ... The 32 Frame was designed for a V8 engine and is stronger than a Model A frame originally and when boxed ... it is stronger than a boxed Model A frame IMHO ... You can add crossmembers and strenghten the frame and make the suspension work better and give a better ride IMHO ... You can easily install coil springs and a triangled 4 link under a 32 ... for a good ride ... And of course ... most folks think they look vastly better ...
i had a 32 chassis under my last model a.....it was a lot stouter than the model a frame under my 28 coupe....the 32 chassis is thicker in the middle....so it can be beefed up in the k member area.....the sweep in the rear definently helps lower the car as does adding a c notch....if i wasn't building a fendered car.....i would be using a 32 chassis under my coupe........supposed to pinch the cowl for a model a application .....but that would be a personal preferance...as for a rear suspension ...i used a triangulated 4 bar...with some angle in the top bars to get the instant center where i wanted it.......brandon oh yeah ....tell bernie , jim and i said hey......
From the side the Deuce frame also hides most anything that hangs down underneath the car, unlike the model A frame.
The ride has to be a bit better with the stouter '32 frame, as the original stock frame was a ladder-style frame that was held together with rivits that gave a bit when the frame was stressed. I think you probably lose a bit of the give when the stock frame is boxed, which may add to the feel of the ride in the long run. However, the frame is only part of the overall ride, and your suspension package choice will go a long way into how you feel about the overall ride. The '32 will indeed hide anythng below the car, but it also has a distinct look to it when added to the Model A. You have to decide if you like the look or not. I think these are pics of a '31 with the '32 frame under it. Huey
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