Thread: Who Can help me build a traditional model A hot rod?

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Hi, I am going to build a traditional model A hot rod. I dont really know where to start. Im in the process of looking for a frame. I want to use an "A" frame. and do somthing simular to what the burbank choppers did on the Rides episode. They cut the first couple feet of the frame off and used 2X3 square tubing for the back. I am learning how to weld now. does anyone have any blue prints or some plans that will show we where to cut and do the "Z"ing? I am thinking of using simular springs to factory. Well and info that can get me stated would be great. I have been around model As my whole life so you dont need to go to easy on me.

Thanks for all info,
Chris

Originally posted by Montechris
Hi, I am going to build a traditional model A hot rod. I dont really know where to start. Im in the process of looking for a frame. I want to use an "A" frame. and do somthing simular to what the burbank choppers did on the Rides episode. They cut the first couple feet of the frame off and used 2X3 square tubing for the back.

Thanks for all info,
Chris

You might want to consider building the frame from scratch. If you plan to use 2x3 or 2x4 tube anyway, it's not that much more of a stretch to do the whole frame that way. Then you don't have to worry about a 70 + - year old frame having rust and stress concerns. and you don't have to bother with grafting old to new. Just my 2¢.

I was thinking that but i like the look of the horns on the front end, i know i could buy frame rails but im trying to do this as cheap and on my own as possible. This will not a a high powered car. I was thinking maybe a chevy 348 or somthing odd like that so as long as the frame is not to beat up i think it should be ok. but i am open to ideas.

Model A frames are kind of scarce, and they aren't cheap.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...ayphotohosting

i was thinking i could get a frame for about $100, i dont want the whole chassis. I know a bunch of guys that restore them to original, hopefully they will have somthing around.

There is traditional and then there is traditional. Mike Bishop's book "How to Build a Traditional For Hot Rod" is a good reference. You may not like old school traditional but it will give you some ideas. Very good info if you plan to run a flathead and closed (torque tube) drive line. Before you chop and channel give some thought to interior comfort, room to work the brake, clutch and gas pedal. The Chopper's "T" is really new school traditional (can you spell rodent?). And from what I can tell it doesn't favor tall dudes or long drives. But you have got to like it because it has that rebel just because cause look.

Techinspector1 do you have any pics of your frame, maybe while you were building it. if i build a frame from scratch, what is the best way to do all the dimensions? I Guess what im looking for is a blue print that i can go by and then add my own details to it.

Thanks everyone for all the help,
Chris

Go to this website and follow your nose.

http://www.wescottsauto.com/site2003C/frame_specs.html

Thanks the diagrams are just what im looking for. What is the best way to put bends in the rails as the frame gets widens in the back? I was originaly thinking about "Z"ing the frame when i was going to use an A front clip. should i Z the frame that i build or just lower the car via suspension.