Another Intro and question

[AeroCraftsman]

Hello,
My name's Mark and I've been enjoying the forum since being turned onto it. Thanks Billy!
I've been into older cars since always, Camaros, GTO's etc. I Currently have a '31 Model A Roadster and '61 Corvair Monza.
I'm in the antique aircraft restoration business in Hemet CA. Currently finishing up a 1929 TravelAir biplane. Several years ago I built a Corben Super Ace plane that used a modified Model A engine for power. Super Ace (http://members.tripod.com/Mark_Lightsey/)
My question is regarding the Model A.
I really like the Highboy look, but it seems like they're always on '32 rails. If I have to change frames, I'd probably just sell it and start from scratch. It's a pretty nice car and I don't want to dick it up.
Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks

[296 V8]

welcome, nice roadster
find this
http://pic14.picturetrail.com/VOL538/2603122/5256094/67270325.jpg

[MBL]

Model A frames are fine. Use the one you got. That book will show you how to set the frame up right.
Tim
MBL

[4dFord/SC]

Welcome aboard! Nice "A".

[BELLM]

Welcome to the HAMB. Start from scratch, thats too nice a car to take apart, too many parts available. But a new steel roadster body to build.

[HOTRODPRIMER]

I still like the ol' Poseys T shirt that says" anybody can restore an ol' car it takes a real man to cut it up"!HRP http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[296 V8]

Personally if it were mine I would keep the fenders.
And go with early V8 running gear and maybe a 32
grill. but that’s just me.

[DrJ]

Welcome to the HAMB!
Now, don't go fuckin up that already "done" car!
[ QUOTE ]
Personally if it were mine I would keep the fenders.
And go with early V8 running gear and maybe a 32
grill. but that’s just me.


[/ QUOTE ]

Same here, At this point in the history of Model A's I really don't think there are that many complete stock ones left, (compared to producton figures, anyway,)
Throwing away most of what this one presently is would be like parting out a flying Neuport 27 for control part to build that Ace....
I agree with keeping this one visually as is, or just with a V8 running gear update and building a rod out of one(s) that is already just a few baskets of "parts" already.
Saves the dismantling time too!

And that "Restorer" people usta talk about selling the stock running gear to after stripping another "good" car is an endangered species, as you probably already well know.
If you know one, you might as well sell or trade them that complete car for just the parts you need for a rod. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[4t64rd]

Nobody has just one Corvair!

Nice A (I hardly ever say that to another fella)
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Welcome to the HAMB.

[Rusty]

I would put a dropped axle on the front to give you a little rake ,upgrade the front brakes to 40's style, Find an old frathead and drivetrain to install possible out of a 40's car..Or you could go more reliable with a small block Chevy with a adapter to run your stock drivetrain. That would really freak the restorers out. Replace the spokes with some Kelsey Hayes spokes with wide whites. 32 grill shell. Remove the bumpers and posibly the fenders and I think it would be alittle more like what your wanting. Very nice car as is though. Actually it is awesome. Welcome aboard and enjoy your time as there is alot of help and advice to get from the other Hambers. Good luck

[Rand Man]

Your frame is fine. What mods do you have in mind?

[continentaljohn]

Nice car and intro, I dig the look of your A. If she were my car, I too would just drop in a flatty and trans..
You know I'm just doing that to a 1931 Vicky, put in a 8BA and 39 trans.. A 4" dropped axle and split the bones.. Full fendered and kinda stock looking with a lower stance, oh yea and a V-8 http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[SamIyam]

Decide what you want and then build accordingly:

Highboy = sell roadster, build project with steel Brookville body and '32 frame.

Fendered car = add dropped axle, juice brakes, fleathead, '39 box etc... or add dropped axle, discs, 9" rear, SBC and auto trans... I did the later with a stock Model A... TCI frames are the cats ass and they are CHEAP. About $600 gets you the basic frame and you build from there...
Sam.

[yorgatron]

i would lose the hood sides and install some '35 wire wheels.juice brakes are a must too,but you might think about hopping up the old banger,it would match your airplane engine http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.secretsofspeed.com/PARTS-1.htm

[chub chub]

my girlfriend has just one corvair (but that's why it only moves for street cleaning). how is that monza treating you?

[general gow]

nice intro, nice car. i would do what most others here have already said. lower it, drop in a flatty, juice brakes, maybe chop the top about 2 inches, deuce grille, new wheels and tires= done.

[wingnutz]

[ QUOTE ]
Welcome to the HAMB!
[ QUOTE ]
Personally if it were mine I would keep the fenders.
And go with early V8 running gear and maybe a 32
grill. but that’s just me.


[/ QUOTE ]

[/ QUOTE ]

I think you should sell that old pos to me for a $100... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif!

Then go out and buy a $5,500 dollar Brookville body and a completely nostalgic 32 Chassis for $10,000 and a Flathead V8 with Ardun heads ($14,000), Frenzell Supercharger with Eddie Meyers Dual carb Manifold coupled to a toploader tranny with a Columbia 2-speed rear...!

Then after sticking $30=K into it you'll want to sell it for a $5K profit

Then you'll want to buy that stocker back from me and throw in a Flathead with some 40 Ford Juice brakes for about a Grand and be the happiest SOB at the Airport.... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif!

Cripes quit confusing me...! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Keep the roadster and drive the Shit out of it while building your dream Highboy from other bits and pieces ...!!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif


Mark

[bufordtjustice]

[ QUOTE ]
Then go out and buy a $5,500 dollar Brookville body and a completely nostalgic 32 Chassis for $10,000 and a Flathead V8 with Ardun heads ($14,000), Frenzell Supercharger with Eddie Meyers Dual carb Manifold coupled to a toploader tranny with a Columbia 2-speed rear...!


[/ QUOTE ]

Must be nice living in your world http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Greg

[AeroCraftsman]

Thanks for all the input. All great ideas (except for the $10,000 frame, etc). The car's a 10 footer at best. The guy I bought if from painted it with Krylon, literally, he gave me the extra cans. He also didn't have any sandpaper finer than 60 grit, but even with all that, it's a great runner and get's nothing but thumbs ups when I drive it. (Ever notice how some people give thumbs up with their middle fingers)
Anyway, I picked up a set of 16" wire wheels that I think I'll set up with 7.50's in the rear and 6.00's in the front. I'm also looking at the reverse eye springs to lower it a little. If it still needs a more rake, I'll look into the dropped axles. I'll post pictures as it progresses.
Thanks again.

[52Chief]

Welcome, I'm in Hemet too. I actually live right by the airport, so I bet we've driven right buy each other, small world, huh?

[AeroCraftsman]

Stop in and say hello. If you go through the gate next to the Cafe and walk toward the runway, my hangar is on the right. It has a big AvFuel sign hanging on it and a couple of burned up radial engines along the side.

[HELLBILLY]

I know its the wrong year but...Very nice 28/29 with fenders! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gifBelong to a HAMBER?