Projects Old 1930 Channeled model A hot rod roadster gets a new lease on life.

Cool

 

Alright, so I got the rear teans mount machined and back on the car, got the engine and trans in. Moved the engine mounts forward. And this is where we sit. My next move is to step and lengthen the rear of the frame for the spring behind mount and get the wheel base set. Looks like right around 105 or 106 inch wheel base. I'll finalize that here soon. Also I really need to get the dropped axle straightened out and installed. But I figure with the frame step and dropped axle it will sit at a similar rake. Just lower.

also I have matching size 600x16 tires for all around I am gonna try out.

 

I'm not sure where your trying to get for ground clearance but be careful with Channeled Body, Spring behind axle, Model A spring and Zing the frame. Might be time for some very clear Math prior to cutting. You could end up way lower than the Dropped front Axle can match.

 

Keep it channeled with a Flathead!

 

7.5" step in the rear... bronco 9", c/o's, 4 bar.
.

 

Definitely a concern, as it sits right now with the big tires, and no weight on the spring, using an A rear spring. I would need to step the rear of the frame, with a typical frame height step to be in the ball park of where the spring needs to mount. I'm not planning on doing anything more than that. I'm also toying with the idea of a non A rear spring and flat crossmember for more trunk room.

 

Wheel and tire swap to something more correct.

 

About a year ago I sent out the original dropped axle this thing had, and had it straightened back out. I finally put it in today. And had to mock up the grill.



I wish I could get a good side shot. But it is sitting a lot better now. It looks cool instead of stupid.

It's still very much gravity holding things together. I'm gonna pull the body next and finalize the wheelbase and tack the rear frame together. Then start replacing body panels.

Now that the shop is more set up, and I have a spot dedicated for this thing, I can start working on it more. I know I'm a long way off. But I have collected a lot of parts for this one over the last decade. So should see some progress on it now.

 

It's funny going back and going back and reading all the different ideas I've had for building this thing and how that has evolved over time.

It might be time to go over what I am using/doing. If not for you guys. At least for me.

Turns out the body is actually a 1931. It's channeled 5 inches over an A frame with a 32 grill. It's stepped in the rear and lengthened for a spring behind axle. It's running a 59AB, 37 Lasalle transmission and a Columbia 2 speed axle. I went ahead and used an A rear spring in case I ever want to run a quick change in the future. It has a dropped 33-36 axle in front that came with the body. It was originally spring in front. But I am running it spring over. It has a pair of chrome model a wishbones I am going to use. It's getting a 36 ford dash. Pontiac tail lights. I've gathered all original body parts to replace the drivers side. The cowl panel was the hardest to find. I've got a good lower trunk panel too. I probably need to replace the outer trunk lid. I was thinking of louvers on it, even though the car didn't have them originally. I feel like I get to take some liberties with something this far gone.

I'd really like to repaint it the same color if I can figure that out. But I've also got a cabinet full of old lacquer paint in various colors. So you never know... right now I'm gonna get the frame a little further along and get a torque tube and drive shaft built for it. And start on the body...and...and and...

I also recently grabbed what is a runner 59ab and I'd like to get the flathead to Lasalle clutch stuff figured out if anyone knows the recipe for that.

I'm jazzed on this thing. I love being able to work on so many different projects. I'm working on so much cool stuff right now.

 

I love your build list. Sounds like a very close twin to mine, right down to the Dash. What I can't figure is, I don't see any kind of stands or blocks under your car but yet it looks to be sitting considerably higher than mine. Meaning bottom of Body line through the rear wheels. Good to see you making progress again, wish I could say the same.

 

Mmmmm...bias plys...Anything coming together in your Shop is going to make me smile...thanks for sharing the journey...how is the new digs working out...you must be well settled in by now...

Straightened out as in it was twisted or undropped...it still looks dropped...

 

I'm still kinda sorting out the rear body height. I actually just brought it down a bit more tonight. I'm having some trouble deciphering how the rear was set up previously. Now looking at it today, I think the rear may have been in the stock A location with a heavy step and spring over axle. I might need to change my mock up and slide the engine a little further forward. It's close. I'm gonna try and get the body in the correct place for a spring over set up and see how much further I need to push the engine forward.

Thanks man. Seeing progress on your car has made me inspired.

Going good. Still lots of tweaks to make. I kinda threw everything in and sorted the mess later. Finding tables and equipment I like is also slow going. But it's getting there. Really excited to get a couple containers and make some more room inside.

The axle was bent between the king pins and perches on each side. Not sure why. But it straightened back up.

 

Always the main goal.
Looking forward to more.

 

I used to watch this cartoon when I was a kid. I'd be so excited when it would come on TV.

 

Color is a big debate with this thing. Mainly...what was it? Was this a factory color available when the car was built, custom mix? This thing was last licensed in 1966. Which makes me think it was built in the 1955-60ish period. But I'm honestly not sure.

 

Looking good Matt!

 

Read the entire thread and deleted my redundant comment haha cool project man, definitely building it with some of the best bits! Im doing a custom roadster on an a frame, going 337 lincoln and hydro in it though

 

Perfection, cannot be rushed !

 

Susie!

"It was a MIRACLE...
THATS what it was!"
Well, all I can say, is...
AWWWWWWWW!!!
X 100. Seriously.

Hey. Susie's not a coupe.
She's a ragtop. Like yours.
Are you gonna paint 'er blue?
I know how important color can be. Making a decision can be agonizing. But a good agonizing.

Keep up the good work.
All the luck!

 

If I were trying to decide on the Old Blue color, I'd get some white rubbing compound and gently get after about a 12" square of the best paint that's left. Then use some Meguires polish to bring it back to the best it can get. Next, I'd take it to or find someone with a Color Scope to read the actual mix formula and get a pint of it made with today's products. Next, I'd just spray it on a door or the deck lid as they are and see what I think seeing it full scale instead of a small chip.

 

Playin with a new phone tonight...

 

A couple others of the happenings around the shop.

 

Google Pixel?

 

Here is the first episode of this cars build on YouTube. Its just talking about the back story. But I promise we'll do some real work in episode 2.

 

The next episode on Susie is live now! This episode is a 2 part episode because I can't edit any longer of a video on my phone. (PITA) In this episode I start taking apart the body. It's a mess.
And here is the video. Thanks for watching!

 

Hey @Hitchhiker
"Coolness, knows no boundaries"
On my next trip up your way,
I will bring this 11" X 17" laminated place mat to you, to hang on your wall.



The cool new Carrhart bib overall's, with the side flaps not buttoned, has a cool MOPAR tail-fin look!
Thanks for posting another cool video!
Thanks from Dennis.

Up date.

Hey Matt.
I just got through dropping it off at the post office, so its in the mail, I texted you a picture of the mailing tube, so that you know what to look out for.
Thanks from Dennis.

 

Thanks Dennis. I really appreciate all your support of what we got going on! See ya soon!

 

I feel your pain Matt! Went through that on mine over the last couple of years.

Keep up the good work!

 

Thanks! I'm plugging away! Feels good to make progress even if it's moving backwards a bit.