T mod and three springer frames....

Just a few (million) thoughts going thru my poor brain today...but I don't think I've ever seen a thread on the various OEM frames converted to be used in these cars.

The lack of rec tube and the easy access to OEM alternatives back in the early days made for some interesting and cool adaptations!

Thats the kind of thing that really grabs me about the old Hot Rods and Gow jobs. The incredible imagination of the builders!

Be great to see a few pics and have a few thoughts to go along with them...any takers?!?!

 

Mid 1920's Franklin axle was the thing to use, I've got one on the top shelf I plan to use some day. Bob

 

No pics, but I've got a '29ish Chevy frame for my narrowed/cutoff '26 Ford touring three-springer project. I can't say it was a common frame for them in the olden days, but it has enough of the "look" for me.

I do know that Es*** (mid to late twenties) frames were commonly used in the sprinters. But they would probably use a cross spring on the front instead of a three-spring setup.

 

The late 20s-early 30s Chevy frames were often used for the early 'big cars', as they were called back then. Straight without any bow, it was easy enough to add a Ford cross spring for a cheap and easy frame.

 

I'd have to think that strong, simple and fairly inexpensive was the key to the frames that were used in those cars.

Dad and his best friend had an "underslung" made out of a late 28's Chevrolet that I have seen a photo of and need to find that photo when I get together with my sister.

 

Any car one started with EXCEPT a Ford had parallel leaves in front-which was easy to keep and superior to Ford. Rear springs were typically changed because that was the easy way to install the Ford driveline which WAS better than most.

 

Awesome.
Body and radiator shell are "easily hammered from sheet aluminum" according to 1935 Modern Mechanix!
Time machine please.
Is it still a 3 springer if the front was buggy spring and the rear was parallel?

 

Still a 3-springer if that's how many it has. And they were designed both ways.
Time machine would be like heaven...Imagine walking thru the pits, what you could see!

Necessary inventiveness. (limited aftermarket) Collossal thinking.

 

I really like the likes of some of the Chevy and Dodge 3-spring frames. I see rollers pop up from time to time for dirt cheap too. The rear of the Chevy frame was what inspired me to build my frame the way I am.