Thread: 1931 Model A Coupe

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Thanks a bunch Stovens!

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Ready to box the frame.
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Using 3/16" cold roll flat stock. Have a portable band saw in a home made stand
to cut the 4" wide pieces. I have a metal supply house a few miles from my house
which is really handy.
Rich

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Most use 1/8" plate, I like the heavier 3/16". It's stronger, taps better, and I
over build everything anyway.
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Typical stitch weld.
Rich

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I alternated top, bottom, and side to side to minimize warpage.
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Finished main rails ground smooth, with clamps off perfectly flat.
Rich

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Here is the start of frame 'Z'. I found I did not have enough suspension travel
without it. (4") This means I also have to lengthen the gas tank support. So much
for planning ahead!
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I welded the inside of the frame 'Z' before adding the boxing plates.
Rich

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All welded.
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I'm adding stiffener plates inside the rear cross member to eliminate any twist. I'll
also box it.
Rich

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Forming the cross member plate out of 1/8" flat stock.
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Tacked ready to weld up, also rear tank brackets lengthened. Inside of frame was
sprayed with weld thru primer, and sealed away from welded seam.
Rich

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Trial fit of body to clearance sub frame for 'Z' in frame.
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All finished with new mount, and sub frame reenforced.
Rich

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I work alone most of the time so I built a rig to lift the body. (my buddies are old, and
cranky not much help lifting)
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Another view.
Rich

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The cowl is very rigid here.
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Made tabs on the body braces to bolt lift to.
Rich

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A friend gave me a 38 front end. (freebie!)
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I'm using dropped steering arms with a new forged 4" dropped axle so I trimmed these
off the 38 spindles. I know you can buy tapered bungs, but I wanted to use the old
parts when possible. I took an old tie rod end, and welded it to a piece of pipe.
Rich

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Heres the finished parts. I used 1/2" plate as I was Out of 3/8", and I think 1/4" is a
little light. (over kill as usual!)
Rich

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Heres a pic of the dummy rear end. It has slip tubes to set rear end width.
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Here I'm trying to finalize ride height, tire clearance, and body rake.
Rich

Rich ,, some really detailed work your doing there .. Filling up that retirement time very well spent ..

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Thanks Bobby, good to hear from you! If I ever get all these pics posted, I'll try to post
some pics of R.M.'s dragster.
Rich

Very nice! The Z turned out sweet! I admire the tools you have as well.