Thread: Got a new project w/ some questions

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Well, I just picked up this 29 Model A and already can't wait to start working on it.

My question is the PO put it on an s10 frame, the problem is I don't want all the fenders and everything on it, but the s10 frame is wider than the main body so I think it would look funny having a frame sticking outside the body

What are your guys opinions on this, should I try to narrow the frame to fit(work with what I got), try to find a different frame, buy a frame say like this http://www.streetrodgarage.com/index...ROD&ProdID=510

or try to build one(but I hear that can get complicated)

Here are some pics of it



Thanks for any help

"You can't shine shit" Nother words IMO dump the S-10 frame and either buy the rite frame rails or roller. There are many, many people making frames for the "A" and don't rule out Deuce rails. Best thing to do is look at other "A" that sit how you want it to and investgate what they used for frame, front & rear suspensions. You will never get it to sit the way you want it with the S-10.......... JMO Lon

If you can weld I would suggest doing it yourself, there's a lot of great help on here and with that frame you're gonna have to do all the mounts and tabs anyways. This way you'll get what you want and it's easier to change stuff around. You could order all the crossmembers and mounts and just build your own rails. That's part of the fun anyways.

Check out Brians link here there's enough info to get ya going.

http://www.clubhotrod.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28617

Sean

This sort of deal is always a challenge to the "do whatever you want" crowd. Or, "don't worry what other people think, be different". Yeah, whatever. Each of those have a cost that most don't address. I'm with the other guys so far, if you've got the skill make your own frame to fit the body properly. Otherwise, there're LOTS of repops that will work and ultimately be cheaper than trying to make a pig look better by putting lipstick on it.

Here are some examples of what the car could look like: first, on a Deuce frame, second full fendered on a stock style frame, and last, an S10 application that makes what you've got not look quite as bad (just to cheer you up a little )

Buy the frame from your source ---if you decide to do it yourself use the frame for referance and sell it later---

An example---was building a race car years ago from body panel parts---bought an IROC Z28 to use for referance and made a daily out of it--still have some panels we didn't use---sold some later--still have the race car

So is that a good price for a frame then??

Unless you're a Shriner and want to build a clown car like the #3 picture in Uncle Bob's post (the Model A on an S10 frame), you need to decide upon your direction before a frame is made/purchased. A frame choice for a fenderless car is significantly different than a frame for a fendered car since the frame is visible on the fenderless style.

For a car with no fenders, a '32 frame looks really nice...but a stock '32 frame is too wide for a Model A body. Fortunately, you can buy the '32 side rails and add your own (or bought) crossmembers to make a nice-looking fame like the picture #1 in Bob's post.

IF you are using fenders, the look of the frame is not as big a deal BUT the frame must accept some way of mounting the fender brackets and the running boards. It takes some forethought.

You can buy a '32 frame set up to accept a Model A body (with the body mounts in the correct location) for under $4k....perhaps for under $3Kif you shop. You can buy the bare rails (no crossmembers) for under $1K from quite a few sources (try the 'Bay)

IT is much easier to use a frame that was built by someone who has done the task before and who has a frame jig to hold everything in place during welding.

Regarding an S10 frame, it ain't going to work without looking stupid. Late model frames have the engine mounted partially in front of the front axle...look at Bob's picture. Old cars have the engine behind the front axle. And, the late model suspensions are difficult to package in an attractive manner (with a few exceptions such as the Mustang II). Big, cumbersome A-arm designs dont fit the look of an older car.

The correct frame will make the rest of the project much smoother and more fun. Call the guys at the link you posted and ask them for a quote for the frame and options that you want. Their $895 Model A frame appears to be without engine/trans mounts, and several other things but ask them....they'll be glad to give you a price. Hope this helps.

Mike in Tucson

But from where? Do you guys have any recommendations on who to buy from?

That pic with the s-10 frame looks pretty funny

I know a guy that just bought one of these. I went and looked at it and it was square, I'd add some fish plates though. Then you can buy the biscuit style engine mounts and a tranny crossmember. Body mounts are easy if you can weld and if you can't you might as well learn if you're building a car. The rest of the components can all be bought in kit form from a place like Speedway. Just an opinoin, a lot of these guys will know a lot more.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/New-Hot-Rod-T-Buc...QQcmdZViewItem

Sean

Speedway.com maybe...

The guys have told you the truth, the S10 frame has to go. As for what one to replace it with, that is a tough question because first you have to decide what you want it to end up looking like. If you put it on a stock Model A type frame or a '32 frame, you will get a certain look. However, if you want it to sit in the weeds like the current trend seems to be, then a custom built frame with some Z's in the back and maybe even the front will be needed.

I would suggest you do a lot of looking and asking and find a look and a theme you want and build the frame accordingly. Here are some pictures of fenderless tudors both on stock and custom built frames to get you going.

Don

more.................

and more.................

and finally.....................

That last picture is so right, the way a nice timeless tudor should look (maybe a couple inches off the top)

I have a combination of A front rails and box tubing from the toe boards back. Building your own is quite a project to keep squared up unless you have a frame jig. I have never had that luxury and you have to weld very carefully to keep the frame from warping, measure weld, measure, weld. Almost every weld requires remeasuring. Then there is the issue of holes and boxing. By the time you get all the holes filled in an A frame and get it boxed you have a tremendous amount of time invested.