Thread: 1931 Model A Build Started in 2007

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Originally Posted by Henry Rifle

Nice build. I'm partial to A-bones myself. I also like the idea of using vinyl on the roof. When I did my A, I installed all new wood, then a layer of chicken wire, then a layer of fiberglass mat. That totally eliminated any balooning. With a 454 in my A, I didn't want the roof turning into a luffing sail.



On a test run at a little north of 118 mph at Scribner Dragway (Nebraska), it didn't even flutter.

Unfortunately, with kids heading to college and a thin wallet, I had to sell it back in the late 80's.

Henry good note to write down even though I don't think I will hit 118 mph soon . But that has been a thought about it acting like a loose convertible .

Had to nip and tuck up by fire wall but the other 2 sections fit like a glove . This sure made it easier then trying to do myself with out the right equipment .

Took the 69 302 in for cam bearings and new freeze plugs . When I finally thought of someone with the tool it was at the shop already .

So I spent time cleaning up the pistons they are the stock one's that with the dish should give about 8.9 CR . Being this one is on the budget didn't want to lay out for some new flat tops with the 9.5 or so CR . The specs on engine when I looked it up says it is 9.5 CR with the 58CC heads but the piston design that I found in other makes only offer them in the lower CR . I will get the block back around Wednesday .

I decided to weld in a little extra bracing on the frame so starting tomorrow I will be doing this. Then Hopefully get the paint on it . Then engine , trans go back and I can set the body back on and begin fitting the floor in it . Whew it's getting some where but seems like spots all over .


Then I have to get on the heads and give them a once over and see what they may need .

I kept looking at the frame and seeing it needed some more bracing , it just didn't look complete like pro ones I have seen built .

So I took a piece of 1 1/2 thick wall and tied in the trans support . Then off the trans support I took some thick wall 1 inch and took it to the 4 bar mount and tied it in the the top bracing . Even if its not stronger it is getting heavier .

Hey Bobby,

Nothing wrong with a little more tubing !! Looking good.

REGS

Regs Thanks , don't think the frame will move , but now I am looking at bracing the 4 link brackets sitting wide open .

The frame looks pretty sturdy. I doubt if you will need more bracing on the 4-bar brackets with that teeny little Ford motor

However, it might be worthwhile to box in the open side of the brackets so something like this couldn't happen.

I knew I remembered seeing that pic some where , that's what was making this go bananas on me . I will box in the brackets great idea Henry . The pic makes me want to build a fortress around them though .

Bobby,

Just boxin the open side and make sure the boxing doesn't bind the 4-bar. It will be fine.

Henry I will make some plates and put rear end through its motion before welding . You had the 427 do that I imagine , rear end tried to outrun your car .

Actually, it was a 454, bored 0.010, with a toploader 4-speed and 4:10 gears. A teeny bit more torque than those little TCI brackets wanted to see.

Henry , there was some physics involved there .

Well Friday a fellow rodder and great Interior guy put my Le Baron rear seat covers on . The wood on these frames are like new and the springs are in excellent shape also . The set was older then I thought and the front bucket material was dry rotten . So I picked up some material to cover the front buckets and he is cutting them now . It's a brighter color but hope it sets in well , just have to see if not will have to redo them with new from Le Baron Bonney material .




Also I have the frame hanging up for primer in the morning and the satin black set for the afternoon . Oh yeah it's making some movement .

Nice ....... well done.

Keep the progress coming.

REGS

Regs we will all see it in black tomorrow . This implement paint takes awhile to set even with the hardner .

Tuesday Should start back on assembly of suspension .

Well got err done today . It looks glossy but its a Satin Black hopefully when dry .