Technical Questions regarding '32 chassis

I am considering buying a hotrodded, '30-'31 Ford tudor sedan that is in need of a new chassis. I would like to know if it is possible to use a '32 chassis while retaining the Model A fenders. I would like to use the '32 chassis because of its' strength and the simplicity of mounting a '32 gas tank. If you have any comments or information about this swap, I would greatly appreciate hearing from you.
Thanks.
joe
josephaltieri@att.net

 

Apart from the common enough solvable issues of mounting the A body on the 32 chassis - both chassis and body work - mounting fenders and running boards present further issues due to the shape of the deuce frame, difference in wheelbase etc. It can be done, with plenty of work.

You can put a square peg in a round hole if you are capable of modifying the either the peg, the hole or both.

There have been threads about this before, so take a look at the search function for possible help.

 

No,but you can guy a repro frame that is already boxed and is a strong frame. HRP

 

just talking out of my butt here but it seems like it might be easier to use 32 fenders....

 

Yeah...'32 fender$$$, at least up front. Look at the mounting flange on A front fender; notice that the 31 frame in that area is wider and shorter than '32 at front of flange, narrower than '32 at back of flange, and note that the '31 fender also has a bulge out to meet the apron area on a Model A...which will be hanging out in the breeze on the apronless '32.
In back...at first guess...you will need to extend the apron area over to find the '32 frame and probably cut back the similar area where fender will hit the '32 frame. Probably rear is much easier than front.

 

Years ago at many of the national events there was a red 30/31 roadster on deuce rails that was running 32 fenders/ running boards/gas tank/frame horn covers and bumpers.

 

For starters, think about a stock '32 has a 106 inch wheelbase, the Model A wheelbase is 100 inches.

 

Besides the fenders being an issue, you'll have to cut and rework the rear body subrails including the lower rear, that is why the 32 horns are usually bobbed off on A's on 32 frames

 

Thanks for your comments. I have, twice in the past, done that. It was a bit of a pain to fit the '32 tank to the aftermarket chassis, but it did work out well.
From whom would you buy a new chassis? I have used TCI in the past,
joe

 

Thank you for your comments. I think you have helped me make up my mind Not to try to do the '32. It would be a no brainer if I was doing a highboy.
joe

 

You can also do a 32 tank on the back off your A chassis takes a bit of work but doesnt look to bad.

 

Dagel's makes a kit:
http://www.dagelsstreetrods.com/gas tank kits.htm

 

Brookville Roader makes one as well. There are lots of them on eBay from various chassis builders.