I'm ready to start my 31 coupe project on a set of 32 rails. I'm running fender less with a Flathead and manual trans. Cant weld heavy to save my sole so I've got a local builder with a jig to do the frame. After some research here (thanks for all who have gone before me) its sounds like I'm going with dearborn (JW garage) rails. A couple of stupid questions: I plan on building the rails, hanging the front (4" drop I-beam with hairpins) and rear (9" on coilovers with a 4 link) and then positioning the body over the rear axle. At that point I'll decide whether to pinch. I know I've got to hack the rear floor but since I have neither the floor or the subrails its all just time spent. Am I right so far? I'm told a 32 tank wont fit in this build but don't understand why. Can anyone explain this and what options I might have? Thanks for the help....
A 32 body is made to go up and over the rear axle and is higher off the ground at the rear of the body. Take a look at pics and notice that the model a body is flat along the bottom from the front to back. Now look at a duece body and notice how much higher the rear of the body is compared to the door area (looking along the bottom). That design is what allows the 32 tank in the rear. Now...you can notch the model a body and make room for the tank. or you can cut off the rear frame horns and lower them so that the tank is below the body. but most just run a tank in the trunk
Dagels make a kit to put a Deuce gas tank on a model A. Andy G is correct about the realtionship of the body rails and tank. You can see in the kit that new rail pieces get welded in to create the space for the tank. Others may make a kit as well. Link: http://www.dagelsstreetrods.com/gas tank kits.htm Hope this helps, Johnnie.
Thanks for the replies...I see the problem from the photos. I've had tanks "inside" before and they always make me nervous - kind of like a pregnancy test! Sounds like a cutoff wheel and welder is my best choice. Now, which will I cut - probably the frame....
if frame is aftermarket and body is original, cutting the frame would be my choice too. I may be able to find a picture of a model a that has the body notched. it's a yellow 30-31 roadster and it also has a duece firewall. A guy in Springfield, MO used to own it. It also had a blown sbc? in it.....maybe a big block chevy....anyway it's one of the few model a's on duece rails that has the notch in the body for the tank....at least that I have seen.
I's love to see the picture for reference if you can find it but it sounds like a frame cut is the way to go. That being said, I have VERY little body (the car - not me) so I COULD go either way (again, the car - not me!) Thanks
Two ways to run a deuce tank and rails with 30-31 body. Cut the body to match or put the tank on the lower lip... LOUD
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