Thread: Future project plans

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Hopefully my next winter's project will be a fenderless hotrod. Something in the line of a 29 or 30 ford sedan, bobber truck, or whatever I come up with on a body. I'll build my own frame, 4 link and coil overs, and so on. My question is, what front axle should I start looking for? I want it low, but not so low I have problems with these fine roads we have around here. I want something I can get disc brakes for. Front spring, what kind of steering, vega box? I know speedway has a lot of the stuff, but if I can find used, or fab it, I will. This is going to be completely new for me, so any help, advice or whatever would be appreciated. Swap meets are coming up, so I thought I would try to pick some stuff up, just don't want to end up with a bunch I don't need. Roger on here has a bad a$$ car, I'm looking at all the builds I can find to get ideas. I was in the 70's group, I know those cars and trucks, this should be a learning experience and a lot of fun. I would rather ask for help than build something that handles like crap.

I'd look to Pete & Jake's for a traditional I-beam front axle, carrying disc brakes and their show chrome package. Looks trick, works right.

A little preamble in the hope that there won't be misunderstanding or hurt feelings. The first sentence of the next paragraph I have used in snark and in earnest (as all good uncles should).

I can teach you but I can't learn for you. Human nature seems to crave silver bullets and/or magic pixie dust. There's not going to be a single, easy to communicate answer to your question. I happen to be in sync with Roger's answer, but there are years of understanding behind that concurrence and a desire to expand on it. But then I think about the complexity of the answer and potential outcomes when it comes to the whys and wherefores based on accumulated knowledge/experience. Those who've got that sometimes take it for granted.

At this juncture in your learning curve I would advise you not to be in a hurry to buy an axle just because it's swap meet time. Whatever motivation you impose on that notion be it price, availability, whatever, axles are such a common commodity for hot rods that there's rarely an opportunity for a "score" however you define that. There is such a range of paths to follow to get to your stated goal that you've got many more decisions to make before zeroing in on the specific axle choice regardless of it's configuration.

Since you've realistically set next winter as your build start, and given that whatever your choice of eventual axle is will be readily available, I would suggest your first goal is to spend the upcoming car enjoyment season learning what this older hot rod (conceptually) stuff is all about before throwing money at parts (I think that's what you've acknowledge above). Observe cars at events, seek out builders in your local area, ask questions here or wherever you hang once you've seen something that needs embellishment in your mind (questions like "why did so and so do that..." are most times easier to answer than the wide ranging one above). The point of the first sentence in the second paragraph is, you'll learn more of value once you observe enough (or attempt enough) to frame a context.

The following is observation not criticism. You've posted on here before about bodies and quite frankly you've been all over the ranch, especially with the body ideas expressed in this thread vs. previous. That's not a bad thing, it just shows you're gathering info and your brain is processing. But for those trying to help, it's also confusing. Observe, process, learn. But be mindful that those giving you advice like to be reassured that you'll take what they say to heart in some positive fashion or other.

Wise and kind words "Uncle Bob". While you may not be able to learn me, you have indeed taught. Please, continue teaching my friend.

My best advice is to buy this book and read it through several times. I have it myself, it's a good read.
http://www.amazon.com/Build-Traditio...del+A+roadster

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I'm going to do some research on the body, and as I said, it'll depend on what I find. I want something that is solid enough to work with. I'd rather go with steel, don't think I'd like the fiberglass. I want enough room that I'll be comfortable in on a long trip, I'm 6 ft and that will affect my decision. I really like the Roger's aviator pic, the stance and the way the car is laid out makes it look fast setting still. I haven't got a ton of money, so when I build something I start looking for deals a head of time. It appears to me with a sedan style, it would help on room, plus they look good. A friend had a 32 3 window that looked cool as hell but I couldn't fit in it. I appreciate any good advice I get on here. Bob, Roger and many others on here are a lot of help. That's why I ask, when you are not for sure, it is always better to ask.

Remember that the 33-34 fords are 6 inches longer than 32s


Check out chassisengineeringinc.com in Iowa for forged axles and stuff

Thanks Jerry, I didn't know that. Room and comfort is a major thing. I'm going to do some serious looking at some shows and cruise ins this summer.

Originally Posted by vht

Thanks Jerry, I didn't know that. Room and comfort is a major thing. I'm going to do some serious looking at some shows and cruise ins this summer.

VHT, I was in the '33 yesterday and was looking at the room compared to the '32 roadster that I'm working on, which even has a 2" stretch for increased leg room. As a point of reference I'm between 6'2" and 6'3" tall, 34" inseam so fairly long legs. Both cars have Fiero seats, but the '33 has a good 4" between the bolsters while in the '32 they are touching. In the '33 with the seat back my leg depressing the clutch is almost fully extended. The '32 is automatic, but I'm much more constrained for leg room. It's really surprising how much more room the '33 has.
I know that it's nice to go metal body, but the chances of finding original Henry's steel that's in good shape is going to be a crap shoot, and if you do find something it's going to be valued high. Sure, there's the new stuff, but you're looking at something pushing $20K or more for a body alone. Compare that to a quality fiberglass coupe body at less than $7K, and it's pretty easy to start liking the fiberglass, which brings with it zero rust concerns down the road.
With everything you've said I think you'll be a lot happier with a '33/34, and if it's what you really want I hope that you're able to find a steel body. Best of luck to you in your hunt.