Report from the shop: '31 on '32 rails, w/Nailhead

[Rolf]

Moving slowly, work is really interfering with my Hot Rod build, but here are the developments so far:

First: The disclaimer: I am just doing this as I se it, I am sure there are a million ways to do this, but maybe it can be helpful to some:


http://www.classicroad.com/modelA/102_0206.JPG

To pinch or not to pinch...This is what it looked like on my 31 on 32 rails...

http://www.classicroad.com/modelA/111_1112.JPG

...after 3/4 inch pinch (in a jig) on each side. Looks more like it.

http://www.classicroad.com/modelA/111_1109.JPG

Then the second '31 on '32 dilemma...The GAP !

http://www.classicroad.com/modelA/111_1132.JPG

Now when the rails are inside the outer cowl skin, I decided to "channel" the car...I could have just whacked the support on the bottom, making a flat surface to meet the frame, but I kinda liked the bottom radius on the stock piece. I cut out the cowl support...

http://www.classicroad.com/modelA/111_1126.JPG


...lowered the body to my liking and re-installed the cowl support.

http://www.classicroad.com/modelA/111_1131.JPG

This way it sort of looks like Henry did it or something.

http://www.classicroad.com/modelA/113_1350.JPG

Now the body sits slightly down over the frame, sort of '32-isch I guess, but not too deep to disturb that purdy reveal.

http://www.classicroad.com/modelA/113_1362.JPG

Then off with the body (again!) First I figured out where the motor will end up. I am using the stock belt driven Buick fan. The Nailhead is one long ass motor! Even with the front A cross member forward about 1.5 inch, I will still carve in to the firewall.

http://www.classicroad.com/modelA/114_1435.JPG

Then motor mount pads...

http://www.classicroad.com/modelA/113_1361.JPG

I am using Ford flathead type rubber bushings. Obviously I have only spot welded the mount, but you get the idea...


http://www.classicroad.com/modelA/113_1391.JPG

Then I mocked up the location for the pedal, and the Swedish shifter! Please note 4 X 4 wood for seat "simulator" ! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

http://www.classicroad.com/modelA/114_1423.JPG

Rear cross member...

http://www.classicroad.com/modelA/114_1473.JPG

Now I am building a floor grid.

http://www.classicroad.com/modelA/114_1471.JPG

Humptie-Dumtie... I was going to get one of those Brookville sedan humps, but I keep forgetting to order one, so I will make one. Next, floor sheet metal!

I was hoping to have the steering in by now, but the A-hole that I sent my money to five weeks ago still has my money, and I don't have a steering box! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif Karma will get him!

Back to the shop!

[QQMOON]

NICE

[Killer]

I really dig the mini channel.

[bradberry00]

Hey, nice!

You said you moved the crossmember up an inch and a half....so how much is the engine going into the firewall...from the pics it looks like quite a bit....

the reason I ask is because I will be putting in a nailhead in my model a....you think if I move the front crossmember forward about 4.5 inches (I'll be runing a spring behind setup) I will have plenty of room to slide the engine into it with limited firewall mods (already has a flat firewall in it so that sets it back some)...

once again that car is tits keep up the great work!

[Jkustom]

Rolf, thats lookin great! I really like your motor mounts. Your cars shaping up to be one of my favorites around here! Cant wait to see it in person... -J.

[Levis Classic]

GREAT PICTURES!

[FORD FAN]

Rolf,
My 30-31 roadster on deuce rails setup looks like your first pic. I decided not to pinch the rails in. Like you, I also modified the cowl support to get rid of the gap, but mine is at frame level not slightly channelled. No decernible gap. I'm running a 351W and with my front crossmember also ahead aprox. 1 1/2"and I still had to recess my firewall 3 1/2 " too. My one problem is my engine sits low so I'm going to have interference with fan blade to radiator outlet. I'll cross that bridge once I get a radiator. Anyway, glad to see your progress. Looks bitchin.
Man , I love these cars!
Don

[Rodshop]

Nice work. I also really dig the motor mounts. I used stock mounts on my nailhead (in a 36 Dodge) and then built from the frame to hold the mounts. Wish I had seen your idea first. Once you add the floor sheet metal that will be one sturdy '31 body! Good pics too. Rodshop

[pikesan99]

Cool story and pics! How long did all of that take?
Pikesan

[Jeff Norwell]

Killer work Rolf!!!!very nice and tastee http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[superbell]

Rolf your work looks great! Rick

[29EHV8]

The mini channel is kill.Theres a 32 fiver on the cover of the new Hop Up thats channeled a lil bit too.Looks like he did his a lil more but I'm diggin yours.Is it gonna be at the Unfinished Nats in Sept?......Shiny

[Rolf]

bradberry, this may answer you question:

http://www.classicroad.com/modelA/MVC-018F.JPG

As it sits here, the fan will run in the rear valley in the cross member. As far as the firewall goes, I will try to make a nice bulge around the distributor and valve covers. I would like it to look like it follows the profile of the motor.

I don't think it's advisable to move the cross member more forward, since the frame horns starts to curve down quite a bit. Also, I need to maintain the caster.

Here is an inside view, plenty of room. I am not using the rear shelf, so I will have plenty of leg room. I am thinking a 4 inch chop or so at this point.

http://www.classicroad.com/modelA/114_1474.JPG

Un-finished National? How about finished Nationals? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I am a motorcycle rider, so it depends on the weather this spring/summer. Nice weather = riding, Bad weather = shop time!

I would love to have it running even in rattle can primer this summer, but who knows...

[Rolf]

Pikesan: I started last fall I think...

[NoSurf]

Wow, that looks great.

[Boones]

Great pics.. I like what your doing and the slight channel is a nice touch... I did not realize the Nailheads were so long..

[zonkola]

Awesome attention to detail. I can't wait to see the next installment! You might consider reinforcing that floor, though--I'm not sure it's going to be sturdy enough... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[k-member]

Looks great Rolf, after your first ride that thing may make you forget all about motorcycles, It happened to me haha.

[Rude Dude]

Rolf are those frame rails aftermarket or stock? Thanks

[Rolf]

Zon: Yeah, I know, it looks thicker than it is. It's actually thin walled tubing, but I can spot weld a sheet metal floor to it, and it will work just fine. Nobody will even see it, and it will be a secret between you and me http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

K-member: I started on the floor this morning, but after 4 month of soggy ass rain here in Seattle, then sunny weather was just too much! I closed the shop and went riding! Nice to feel the vibrating V-twin between my legs again http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Actually, I rode over the Dirty Dug and checked out his 5-window. Looks great!

Rune: They are ASC re-pops. The cross members are original Ford.

[Southfork]

Rolf, Very Nice Job! It the nailhead bellhousing stock or after market? what is the transmission? The Swedish shifter? the pedals? and the master cylinder?

I just got a stock 4-speed bellhousing for my 401 nailhead, but haven't got to the transmission, shifter, pedals, etc yet.

[Rolf]

[ QUOTE ]
It the nailhead bellhousing stock or after market? what is the transmission? The Swedish shifter? the pedals? and the master cylinder?


[/ QUOTE ]

1. The bellhousing is from Buick Skylark GS (stock)

2. B/W T-10

3. From a 1958 Volvo

4. Pedals and M/C was found in a pile of Ford Truck parts. I think they are from an F-1. I am making the clutch axle solid with the clutch pedal, and using a swing arm on the right side of the pedal assy to activate the cluth fork. Sort of like '39 Passenger pedals, I have been told.

[curbspeed]

Rolf. Looks real spiffy! Could you take out your firewall and turn it around. Seems like it would give you the space you need. Just a thought. Damn man you are building a sturdy floor structure. I hear they need engineers on the Tacoma Narrows bridge project. They wont be able to finish it though. You used up all the steel! HRF Dale

[Rolf]

Dear curbspeed: No, I like the "protruding" A firewall. I am just going to make a bulge behind the distributor, it will be fine.

Man, I am catching a lot of shit for my floor grid...it's thin walled tubing, and I can spot weld a flat floor to it without making beads and it will without boing-boing effect...

Man, my feelings are hurt... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Smokin Joe]

I like the floor grid. I have a buddy here who did the same basic thing then put sheet metal on top and bottom with insulation in between. Really quiets up the car. Been thinking of doing mine the same way.

Those rollers you have the car on are slick too.

[k-member]

Rolf, I like the floor grid, it reminds me of my coupe, as mine is almost the same http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[curbspeed]

Rolf, You know me well enough to know I'm only joshing a fellow Swede. Looks awesome man. Don't get a complex on me now! I'll get you the hookup on that A spring after I get back from the Dago Swap. Later Evil Eddie

[Kilroy]

Could we move this to the tech-o-matic?

[Kilroy]

Also Rolf, can you update us on how this is coming along?

I really like the pinch you did and the way the body sits, could you let us in on how the pinch was made? I see heat but I was wondering how you made the bends even side to side?

[SamIyam]

I like it!

I saw a roadster in an old Hot Rod magazine from '61 done that way... and it just looked right...

Keep us posted on progress!

Sam.

[Tudor]

Yes - please move to techomatic - I just realized Rolf didn't update. Anyway this post has helped me, along with talking to flamedabone, tremendously. Go HAMB. It at least gave me the nuts to start cutting. We will see how putting back the floor goes. I don't know if my floor grid will be as extensive. http://img59.photobucket.com/albums/v181/jflammer/DSC01187.jpg C9 says you don't need to pinch 30 0r 31's for a 32 frame in another thread. I see his point from his pictures but I like it pinched a little so the body skin overlaps the side of the frame.
This picture is a couple weeks old. I have the gap before the rear hump in the frame down to about 1/2" - I need to cut the front at the cowl next. Thanks again for sharing. I will be posting some updated pictures this weekend - Tudor

[AnimalAin]

Beautiful work, and excellent pictures.

Your minimalist firewall notch is aesthetically pleasing, but be careful to think about more mundane issues, like can you tighten bolts near the back of the manifold, rocker covers, etc. I say this only after having out-tricked myself a few times making things elegant but badly accessible.

This isn't to say that the whole firewall needs to go back to the lower lip of the dashboard, but often a slightly bigger recess rewards you with dramatically better maintainability.

Just a thought......

[Kilroy]

B to the T for the T-O-M...

[Boones]

Rolf, any updates. Like Tudor, I found alot of great knowledge from this post.. Please continue it....

[VAPHEAD]

Rolf,who did you send money to for car parts!!
Now my feelings are hurt!
P.S.your Ford biscuit mount is "upside down"
The upper rubber part belongs under the big lower one.
Besides that ,good to see someone is making progress.
ME

[Rolf]

Wow guys, you resurrected this old post...

I guess I owe you an up-date:

I am an avid motorcycle rider, so I must admit, not much is going on in the shop during the summer. Soon, the N.W. rain will start, and the Harley will be put aside...

I hate to say it, but I am almost wishing for rain, so I can dig in to the coupe.

Plus!! I became a US Citizen last week! Look at me !

http://www.classicroad.com/hamb/usflag.gif

Animal, you are right, I will check clearances around the firewall, etc...good point!

Some progress have been made though:


http://www.classicroad.com/modelA/115_1506.JPG

I finished the floor. Flat as a pancake...kinda nice, when installing seat etc...

http://www.classicroad.com/modelA/115_1512.JPG

An evil seat was built so I can figure out the ergonomics when I wack the lid:

http://www.classicroad.com/modelA/115_1538_2.JPG

I just got 13 gal tank from Tanks Inc. Not traditional, but functional...

http://www.classicroad.com/modelA/115_1547.JPG

I like the idea of self canceling blinkers, so I am using a 57 Ford Truck column. I "covered" it with 2" tubing, to hide the wiring and fit the model A column drop.

http://www.classicroad.com/modelA/115_1555.JPG

http://www.classicroad.com/modelA/117_1732.JPG

Wishbones are in place...

http://www.classicroad.com/modelA/117_1729.JPG

I like the way the '32 frame just disappears up under the body:

http://www.classicroad.com/modelA/117_1737.JPG

I opted for a Vega steering, since the Nailhead starter is on the left side, I just have a few adjustments to make, and then it is : Chop chop !!

There you have it, boys. Can't wait for some rain!

http://www.classicroad.com/modelA/117_1734.JPG

[Boones]

Rolf, thanks for the update... I found the post again while looking for some info and had to ask for status.... what year front wishbones did you use? Car is coming along nice..

[plan9]

excellant! thanks for the update and congrats on the citizenship, uncle sam needs fresh meat http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[old beet]

The "A" is coming along SO FINE! Good job!!......OLDBEET

[wes]

very nice,im also build a 31 on 32 rails so this is cool to see, get my body tommorow, i cant wait! thanks for the pics
wes

[GRADY]

saweet man
congrats on the citizenship and the f#$@kin cool A
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[Dirty2]

WOW that is looking good !!!! Thanks for the post I am about to build a 30 roadster on a duece frame with a 58 caddy motor !! It really looks GREAT !!!!!

[cheaterslick]

Looks real good!
w/chop...

[Kilroy]

OK give it to me straight...

There's really no chance this'll ever make it to the Tech-O-Mat, is there, Doc?

[Slag Kustom]

looking great so far lots of really nice fab work