I have been thinking about how to set up the frame for my 29 roadster. I have american stamping 32 rails and model A crossmembers and plan to us a 37 X member to stiffen it up. I am undecided if I should pinch the rails at the cowl or keep it stock 32 ford width. Any pics to compare the two would be appreciated.
Do a search.Weve gone threw this a few times on here. The frame sticks out about 5/8",no big deal.I didn't pinch mine.....Shiny
The 30-31 A's fit the standard 32 rails very nice in the cowl area. 28EHV8's frame sticking out 5/8" on each side sounds like it's very close to how the 31 body ends up. The pic below shows how the 31 cowl/hood welting area lines up with the (stock width in this area) 32 frame. Once the hood sides go on, they trend narrower to meet up with the grille shell anyway so I don't see much of a problem. Keep in mind that the A frames (28-31) are all the same. What may help you is having a 30-31 owner with the engine out shoot a measurement across the bottom of the cowl/hood welt area just above the frame so you could compare that with your 29 measurement.
That looks really good Nimrod. Saves a whole heckuva lot of work. Did you have to do anything special under the trunk area? I cut my 31's frame there and spread it 3/4" outward on each side to match the Brookville 31 for 32 frame body. Stock A's are different back there, but it shouldn't be too difficult. Both bodies need to have the frame up against the inside of the wheel well imho.
I like them pinched. I also change the lower lip of the cowl to match where the Duece rails run uphill going forward. And most of the time I also pinch the rails at the Radiator X member, so there is not as much frame showing next to the Radiator shell.
When did pinched rails become fashionable? Looking at some old pics like this Barris car it seems to have a stock 32 frame under it.