Hey guys I recently started a project with a 1949 Ford Prefect (same shape since 1938 except front fenders), which is like a 4 door Ford Anglia. I picked the car up cheap, it currently has late model toyota ifs and diff installed pretty crudely. They have made quite a mess of the frame and boxing. I am keen to turn it in to a hot rod, with a roof chop, two door conversion, probably run fenderless. I think if i can build what I have in mind it will look pretty refined and unique. I am going to build a new chassis, get rid of the late model gear, and am considering using model A I-beam front end suspension, steering, and rear end. Prefect front gear is originally transverse leaf but is pretty hard to come by, and by all accounts pretty weak. Only hurdle is, model a's are 6 inches wider overall than Prefects (67" to 61"). My question to you guys is, what problems will I encounter if any by using a narrower frame and running model a drop axle (probably 46") and hairpin setup? I hope to modify model a cross members to suit the frame width so I can use A springs. I think running fenderless will probably help I guess... Any help and expertise greatly appreciated, thanks guys.
Like most things, anything is possible and good workmanship will help. BUT, this is the wrinkle in your plan: In traditional hot rods terms you are outside the box, literally. Especially at the mention of highboy. The traditional application for those cars was to make a gas class race car, because they were so small and light. Up to you how you build your car, but please be aware what you're describing is not a traditional not rod in the 'built as they were prior to 1966 sense.'
Never seen one run w/o the front fenders, but I don't think it would be a cosmetic improvement. I would look for aftermarket suppliers (maybe Speedway?) for a narrowed front axle that would be sturdy enough for street use, and keep the front fenders on. There is someone advertising a narrowed Ford 9" rear in the classifieds, maybe 52" or so. BTW, leave it a 4 door, just for the heck of it. K6
Why not just slide the body over a rolling T-bucket chassis ? I've seen fender-less Anglia's .... some look pretty good.
It's a hand built piece, beautiful and meticulous craftsmanship. Old chrome and shaved spindles says racing piece
These body's do not lend themselves to looking good as a fenderless car. Especially the one with That front end. There will be nothing "Traditional" about the build. Do what you want. I really think you are barking up the wrong tree. With the rear quarter windows they don't make good 2 doors either. If you don't want to make a gasser out of it. At least keep the fenders and make it a more "Normal" rod. Or fill the doors and windows and make a Sedan Delivery
possible source for a narrowed front axle : have you any connection to "midget racing"? If you do, go to their garage with a tape measure. Or check with a 'speed-car' fabricator about a custom width axle/suspension : if they're strong enough for dirt-track racing, they should be fine on the street.
If you can find a Fordson E83W (I think they are also called 10/10 in Australia), they have an I-beam that is very similar to a Model A but narrower. They are the heavy duty version of the suspension that would have originally been under your Prefect. This is what they look like, and they were sold in Australia so there should be a few still around. There are some pics of the suspension here ... http://www.hcvc.com.au/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1388930384
Thanks guys. SimonSez good idea, I had a quick look on eBay can't seem to find much buy now I know I'll keep an eye out. Not much Fordson truck stuff mainly tractors on eBay. That link you put up is a cool build thread thanks.
WAC builds custom straight axles, his work and craftsmanship is #1 Here is his website: http://waccustoms.com/About.html If your on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/WAC-Customs/602766899798304?fref=ts
Hey guys I have removed the traditional-style bit in my original post, after recieving a bit of feedback that my build doesn't really follow those guidelines. I am still learning about the history and terminology... Thanks for the input everyone ☺
Narrow a forged axle..... Easy if you can weld.. If not, take a forged axle to someone that knows structural weld process. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
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