Hi I've been thinking about this combination for a while and am about to start collecting parts. Before I do, I'd like to see what sort of cars are already out there for some ideas and inspiration. I am currently thinking of getting a running 29 A frame and putting the body on it while I collect all the parts I want. My thoughts so far have included a 28 whippet 6 radiator and grille shell which looks similar to this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1926-WHIPPE...t=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr and: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=598585&highlight=1928+whippet For the engine, I was planning on a DeSoto hemi, either a 330 or a 341. For the transmission, I was thinking of a T-10. For the wheels, 1939 plymouth 16" steelies. On these, I was wondering what I would have to do in order to run them on the stock A frame. Below is a photo of the wheels I have. I've had some other thoughts, but these are the basics. Any suggestions and photos are appreciated. I've been searching through the HAMB for weeks but haven't come up with too many photos. I love the car clayton built, but I don't want to use a T frame, and the 32 rails look great also, but they aren't quite what I'm looking for. Something else I've always wonder is if I obtained a trunk and a pickup bed, if I could swap them out easily from time to time. Thanks! Rg171352
If you do a search here on the H.A.M.B., there is already a thread on "T"s on "A" rails that is a couple pages long. Judging from the pictures posted the above member prefers his cars a bit lower than you can get with a stock "A" frame. For more modern build like his I can agree that using a stock frame is maybe not the best way to go. If you are looking for more of a traditional highboy kinda look, I would definitely use the "A" frame and follow loosely the Mike Bishop/ Vern Tardell book as to how it should be set up. As far as putting the Plymouth wheels on, they are just a standard 5on4 1/2" pattern used by moder Fords and Mopar forever. To put them on a stock "A" chassis would require simply redrilling the bolt pattern in the drums... But then again, with your parts list your not going to be using stock "A" brakes, either. From the parts list you describe, (and it's a good one!) it looks to me like you should grab the afore mentioned book, do some searches here on the board, and just see what it is going to take to put this combination of parts together. In my humble opinion, a late "T" on "A" rails with a neat period powerplant and detailing is about as good as it gets! Your last quick question about the pickup bed is answered by a simple "yes". That was part of the deal with the last of the "T"s, the abilitie to swap out the turtle and the box at will. It isn't so easy that you would do it all the time on a whim, but it not hard at all.
Hi louvers, Thanks for your response, and the photo. I think I've been through most of the previous threads including the classifieds already. Maybe I could put all of those photos in this thread to help other folks in the future find a nice condensed list. Here is the front view of the roadster you posted. I saw some reference to that book, is it that good? Thanks for the compliments on my list, I hope it will come together well. I'm not sure of the grille yet, so I'm going to have to keep thinking about that one. I didn't realize the lug pattern swap would be so simple. Also, it's very exciting that it could be either a roadster or a pickup. I like that idea alot. Thanks! rg171352
Whippet, whippet good. My buddy weed's T is set up like that. A frame &switches between.bed & box at will.
Model A frames are very good platforms for a hot rod, but do need boxing and some properly designed crossmembers to eliminate the twisting that is inherent with all of them. That flexibility was designed in when Henry made them so they could go over ruts and rough terrain easier, but not so desirable in a modern hot rod. I think the main reason, besides being stronger, that people went to a 32 frame under 27's was for the extra 2.5 inches of wheelbase. That relates to a lot more room in the engine compartment, whereas a 27 on a Model A frame is a little tight there. I've been running an A frame under my 27 for a lot of years and it is the one part of the car that has never needed any follow up maintenance of any kind. Don
As far as interchanging the pickup bed with the turtle deck on the 26-27 roadster, note that the body manufactured as the "roadster" was pre-drilled from the factory for bolting the Turtle deck on. The "roadster pickup" body on the other hand, wasn't drilled for bolts because they weren't needed. If you have the latter body (which there are fewer of) then you may have to make some previsions for bolting the turtle on.
Yes on the Bishop/Tardel book! If your going to do anything with traditional rods built with original parts you are going to need it! Pauls build here has been one that I have kept my eye on all along. I haven't built a '26 '27 on "A" rails as a hiboy for myself, but it is on my short list. The Whippit grill is gonna be great!
Here are a couple of examples on A frames, but old style with bangers. Also Bob Wilson's with a Desoto, but on 32 rails. Bitchin car!!
Try doing a search for 'modifieds' you'll see some nice examples. Heres a '27 i am doing on a model 'a' frame with a 331 hemi, it has rear quarter elipticals and they are mocked up under constr in the pics.
Wow! Thanks for all the great replies. I scoured through the HAMB and came up with some photos I'm going to post to help the next guy who has the same question. I think I'll pick up a copy of this book. Something has come up and I'm not sure if this project is definitely going to happen yet, but it never hurts to have the a well detailed dream. I'll be back to post more in the next day or so. I appreciate all of your insight.
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