**Tech: Build your own 32 frame rails**

[flthd31]

This project started with a bunch of 30-31 coupe body parts that were pretty rough. I didn’t want to spend any money on a frame of any kind because it was doubtful that the body could be assembled.
So since I have more time than money, I decided to fab my own 32 rails.
Back a quite a few years ago, you couldn’t get stamped repop rails. Pro rod builders used to build them something like this and some still do. It gives you lots of options for body contour and rear cross member kick-up. These rails will follow the 30-31 Model A body contour.





I start with a print downloaded from Westcott’s web site. Then I blew it up to full size in MS Publisher and printed it. I then taped all 16 pages together for a full size print. The lines were a little thick so I just flipped it over and refined them on the back side. I modified it a little to suit my needs. You need to subtract the thickness of the top and bottom frame pieces and also for your plasma tip. Transfer the contour onto some cheap luan underlayment and cut it for a plasma pattern.





To make the top profile, I drew a centerline on the garage floor and put the floor, cowl and front cross member in place using the dimensions on the print.



I then traced the contour onto luan underlayment and cut it. This pattern stops short of the rear axle. The frame is straight back there and it will be easier to add that section later.



Take both patterns and lay them together with the rear axle marks in line. Make a mark somewhere midway to help locate the top to the side when you tack it together.



I pieced together some .125 cold roll so cutting would be minimized. These short ends are scrapped where I work so I grabbed quite a few. The free steel was a big factor in starting this project.



I happened to have this long table left over from a canoe I built but any long platform will get you off the floor.



Leave a slight gap and chamfer both pieces on both sides.



Finally…ready to fire up the plasma.



You’ll need to make 4 of these.



I put these cuts in to help align the top with the side and also to square the frame when the cross members are installed.



To make that purdy reveal, we need to cut the 2 pieces that will be the outside. It’s cut just ahead of the line on the print.







Make a cut about 3 inches up from the bottom at the rear of the reveal about an inch behind the line on the print.



I made a form to hammer the reveal line into the rail. It’s made out of 1 ½ inch square tubing .125 thick. The pattern is made from the print.

[flthd31]

Align the form with clamps and tack weld to keep it from moving.



I also bolted them together at the rear.





Clamp the whole thing to a work bench and start pounding the edge down using a template and straight edge as guides. IMPORTANT NOTE: Remember to make a right and left by bending the edge in opposite directions. Take your time and don’t try to bend it all in one pass.









Align the rear cut, weld and finish grind.











Weld the pieces back together using the template as a guide.





Grind smooth.





I made mine a little oversize so I could trim off some of the hammer marks.

[flthd31]

Now for the top and bottom. Same as the sides.













Now let’s put it together. I cut some scrap wood to help hold things a little. They don’t have to be too perfect because it’s the top and bottom pieces that give the frame its shape as you tack it together.



I tacked a piece of tubing on the front of the rail to keep it straight.



Tack both the top and bottom. The front will be too long and the back will be added later.



Next, I trimmed the top and bottom inside edge with the template clamped to it.





Square everything up.





Tack in the insides. I cut them into 2 pieces for easier alignment.





Don’t force anything too much, It should fit pretty good.



Now I finished up the front. Just hammer it around while tacking.

[flthd31]

Use up some of that scrap to finish up the bottom and top









Finish the top rear the same way





Weld everything up except where the x’s are marked. Take your time and skip around a lot. Do a few welds on a side and rotate. I like to position the weld joint so the ”V” is straight down (in the trough).





All done, now get out the grinder.







I tapered the horns on the inside edge using a scrap piece of metal as a guide to cut out a wedge.









There you have it. A pair of 32 rails pinched, kicked and boxed all in one. The main thing here is to end up with both rails the same.
I eventually got the cross members welded in.







The frame fits the body perfectly. It sits right up inside the body subrails to give it a slight channel.



Oh, and don't worry, that grill shell will get dropped a couple of inches.

[flamedabone]

Holy shit man. That is some fine fabricating.

-Abone.

[-Brent-]

Welcome to the H.A.M.B! Your fabrication and quality is astounding!

[BCR]

Wow, very nice job.

[NealinCA]

Very nice work...and a great tech piece.

Neal

[Chris Casny]

Wow, superhero, simply the best of the best right there.

[brady1929]

that is amazing!

[Duke]

Thank you for posting that, excellent tech!!

[solid]

Wow!!!

[The37Kid]

WOW! That is one hell of an intro! Welcome to the HAMB!

[charleyw]

Great work, You sir are a craftsman!

[chaddilac]

WOw! that is awesome!!!

[brigrat]

2 hands clapping! Bravo........................ take a bow, your the man!

[Ron Mayes]

i hate you

[Harms Way]

Great post !,..... And exceptional work !

[paperdog]

the idea of winning tech week tools has spawned the winner...
everyone raise yer hand tha t agrees ...

oops hope its not too late

total time for build?

[cadillacoffin]

holy shit batman,........cant wait to see what the rest of your car is like. top shelf stuff right there!


how many hours did that take?

[flthd31]

Everyone, Thanks for the positive replies. I lurk here every day and never get tired of reading other guys tech and seeing all the great rides. Hope somebody can use this post.
As far as time of build… for me…the more time the better. I hate when a good project is over! Actual fabricating was less than a week. The planning and pattern making took a couple of weeks. Don’t get caught up in trying making them perfectly identical to Henry’s rails. Just try to make both the same. They will look great under your car.

[Mart]

Fantastic work.
Mart.

[Nobodys Hero]

Amazing...love it..

[fortynut]

I'm going down a similar road with '40 rails and it's inspiring to see your simplified technique. I'm using the Wescott blueprint myself, as a reference. (I'm using a really nice frame as a reference.) I hadn't thought of blowing it up, but will. And, I can see that 'wood is good'. The Welders book suggests using it, and being a metal oriented person I have a block against it, but seeing your use of it, I'm having second thoughts. Thank you for sharing.

[Hackerbilt]

Beautiful job...and a great writeup too!

What are you shaping your welds with, and how do you get that final finish on the metal after grinding? Looks almost too nice to be just a DA!
Handheld belt sander maybe????

[8-Track]

this looks like a tech week winner!
Great job!

[indawaitinroom]

this post is amazing!

[irondoctor]

Outstanding!!
Great finish work!

[aussiesteve]

Great post,great job and an insane amount of work.

[Crazydaddyo]

You sir are talented!!!!!! Very nice

When you say it took a week to fab.... you meen you took a week off work to build it...right?

[Church]

WOW!!!!!!!!!. Now that's how to do a tech piece.

[Chad s]

Definitely beautiful work. I think this deserves to prize!

[Lucky77]

You sir are one talented mofo. Outstanding tech post!

[scrape]

Nice work!!!!!!

[flthd31]

Thanks again guys.

Hackerbilt: you guessed in, that finish is the result of a hand held belt on a 5 inch dia. string buff, adapted for use on a variable speed 4 inch <st1lace w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Milwaukee</st1:City></st1lace> grinder. It has to be run pretty slowly but needs good power and variable speed is a must. I’ve done a lot of stainless steel finish grinding and this is what we used quite a bit. It does a nice job of smoothing those corner weld joints.

And Crazydaddyo: that was a week off work.

[Jeem]

Yeah, how many hours are in your rails, and how much did it end up costing in materials (not your time, 'cause dang....)?

Fantastic rails, great work for sure!

[Twisted Minis]

I think you just won Tech Week.

[sloppyjoe]

Jaysus..... Incredible.

I've got a trailer with a roadster body headed your way, I bet you can't do it again.

[tub in da dirt]

after seeing the fab work on the frame how could you be worried about putting that coupe body together
awsome work
tk

[Mullda]

WOW has been said several times, but what else can you say! Fantastic work!!!

[Dirk35]

Ill add to the "WOW" responses.

WOW!

Fantastic work.

[zibo]

You gotta make a couple sets of those while that jigs built!
That end result looks great.
TP

[Flipper]

Beautiful work ......I just hope this doesn't start a 80's hi-tech rod movement.

[Tman]

Very nice work! This is the stuff we like to see on the board, NOT rusty crap!

[sy1356]

Impressive. I wish I was that talented. I would really like to put a 32 frame under my A coupe.

[amsvette]

Simply amazing! I too would like to know what you have invested in materials. I thought about buying rails, but I like this because you can make your reveal fit the Model A body better (never cared for the reveal going farther than the cowl). Great work indeed.

[KreaturesCCaustin]

AAAAaahhhh, I could do that. All I would need would be tools, talent, skill, know-how, time and money. Nothin' to it! haha, Just tuggin' your chain.

Great job, man. Those rails look better than most of the after market stuff out there.

[T McG]

Nice work. Just shows you Pennsylvania guys aren't all fishin'. What part of NW Pa?

[HemiDeuce]

Incredible skill and execution, absolutely the best tech post I've ever seen.
You are the winner in my opinion.
HemiDeuce.

[koolkemp]

Beautiful!!!!!!!

[Deuce Daddy Don]

Very NICE!!!----Shows what a real craftsman you are!!---Good Pix!!----Reminds me of having to fabricate many items on my roadster in the early 60's when you couldn't just turn the pages of car mags. & practically build a car as you went thru the magazine!!-----Didn't have the hi tech plasma's then either--HA!!-----------Don

[JRODHOTROD]

I bet you think highly of yourself. You should.

[Salty]

Wow.........




just Wow.......

[slepe67]

uh, maybe somebody should get rid of the FNG status to the bottom of his avatar..hahah

[ed_v]

That is really impressive work. Nice Job !.

I've seen Troy Trepanier and the guys at Rad Rides build frames by boxing flat sheets together like that. I've always just wondered how strong the rails would be though. I really want to try something like this to do a Mustang II crossmember for my '50 Chevy AD pickup.

Thanks for the inspiration. Beautiful work.

Ed

[metalshapes]

Very cool...

[captainjunk#2]

outstanding , great job and i enjoyed your photos of the build

[retroridesbyrich]

Outstanding job ! Way to go.

[Hot Rod Ron]

Bad ass.. Keep us posted on the build on that coupe.

[spiffy1937]

Great post!!! Fantastic workmanship! Your quite a craftsman!!! It wouldn't work for me, it would take me forever and probably never be close to being righton. Better for ME to buy rails!! Now I want to see your canoe. I probably should have used more exclamation marks, you deserve them!!!!!!!!!!

[grouchy]

Those are nice! WOW!

[movingviolation]

Droooooooooooooooooool

Ok so you have more skill in a finger than i do in my entire body.................

Kick ass tech tip

[ratster]

dude you win tech week.......

[flthd31]

I’ve had a few questions about the cost of materials. It really only cost me the price of MIG wire, Argon/co2 and 1 sheet of luan underlayment. The steel was free so I don’t have a cost estimate. I can tell you how much steel I used.

8 pieces – 66 inches by 6 inches
8 pieces – 66 inches by 3 inches

The table really was left over from a canoe I built. Here’s a pic for spiffy1937.

[Cshabang]

sweet!

[Chris Casny]

Originally Posted by flthd31

I’ve had a few questions about the cost of materials. It really only cost me the price of MIG wire, Argon/co2 and 1 sheet of luan underlayment. The steel was free so I don’t have a cost estimate. I can tell you how much steel I used.

8 pieces – 66 inches by 6 inches
8 pieces – 66 inches by 3 inches

The table really was left over from a canoe I built. Here’s a pic for spiffy1937.

Looking at this canoe, and the 32 frame, I have to say, you are probably one of the most talented guys here on the Hamb.

[tikidiablo]

Originally Posted by ratster

dude you win tech week.......

That's what I'm sayin'.

[buffaloracer]

Amazing work. Thanks for the inspiration.

[Pir8Darryl]

Wow! Now that's cool! If it was mine, I'd remove that crusty old ford body off of it so your art-work could be viewed by all! [just kidding ] I love how well it flows in the curves, and the clean weld joints using the belt sander is just icing on the cake

You got MAD skills dude! Just a shame your wasting them in your 9-5... You should be building rods fulltime.

I'm pretty sure we now have a tech-week winner....... Unless someone can show us how to construct a 500 horsepower 392 HEMI out of old beer cans for $30... Cuz that's what it's gonna take to top this one!

[Tony]

VERY impressive!

[SanDiegoJoe]

ruler.

[Cajun Kenny]

wow! excellent tech post , thanks..

[Circus Bear]

HOLY CHIT!!! That is amazing. Gotta love this place!!b

[fordcragar]

Very nice tech article, thanks!!

[gas pumper]

As a guy who modifies existing things to my use, seeing what youv'e done here is way beyond what I could ever dream to attempt.

Congratulations,

I do hope that in your work life you are using your skills and are appreciated and compensated for this by your company.

WOW

[TexasHardcore]

Hah, that fuckin rules! MIG welded & home-built... fuck the naysayers.

Keep us posted on the progress of your build, as well as your great tech write ups.

[KernCountyKid]

you're a badass. do people catch on fire when you look at them?

[Squablow]

Unreal talent and patience to build that all from scratch. My mind blew chunks through outer space into the milky way. One of the best techs since the guy who made a 32 shell out of a GMC truck grille surround.

This would have been great even if you bought the steel, but somehow it's made even sweeter by the fact that it's all built out of dumpster scraps. I'd really like to know what you do for a living.

[Speedrome]

True inspiration for us wanna-be fabricators!

[Flipper]

That canoe qualifies as porn in some states.

[Brewton]

Daaaaamn! You are THE man! Great work!

[carbon guy]

I'll throw in another WOW, for ya. That is very nice work. Thank you so much for the time you put in making this tech thread for us. Now, when is your next one comming out?

[47 jailbar]

Awesome thread. I hope you show your car as you build it. I would like to know what you do for a living also. To scratch build frame rails and a canoe shows you have incredible talent with your hands and your mind. Thanks for sharing both...

[3dnsouth]

If ya don't mind, and have time, throw up pic of that grinder that you contoured the welds with. (unless, of course, it's secret weaponry!!)
Absolutely beautiful work. Thanks for takin' the time for us.

[dirtbag13]

holy s#!t . you sir are one tallented s.o.b , i think tech week has a winner ! nice clean work !

[kustombuilder]

you've got way too much time on your hands!! LOL... nice job!!

[roosters hot rods]

sweet looking rails..wow!!!

[Richard D]

That's not fabrication, that's art. What a kick ass Tech week!

P.S. Please don't wait another year to post again.

[brandonwillis]

those are the prettiest frame rails ive ever seen. You put some serious time into those things. Extremely quality work man. What did you use to polish all your welds off in order if you dont mind me asking. grinding wheels, flap discs, and then scotch brites?

[maccustom]

I was just daydreaming today about maybe trying to make my own frame rails. Great photos of the process. Makes me feel like I could do it.

[spiffy1937]

Originally Posted by flthd31

I’ve had a few questions about the cost of materials. It really only cost me the price of MIG wire, Argon/co2 and 1 sheet of luan underlayment. The steel was free so I don’t have a cost estimate. I can tell you how much steel I used.

8 pieces – 66 inches by 6 inches
8 pieces – 66 inches by 3 inches

The table really was left over from a canoe I built. Here’s a pic for spiffy1937.

Thanks for the pictures of the canoe. This canoe/kayak (paddler not builder) guy is really impressed! My Dad used to build boats but I never picked up on that and was more interested in cars. Again, you are one talented guy!
Equally amazing is the fact that even though you are working on these time consuming projects you must still have time to go fishing!! (Rods and reels on the wall)

[Devin]

you are the fuckin' man!

[sliderule67]

The man has nothing on me except talent.....amazing craftmanship.....slide

[cowboy1]

WoW!!!!! My jaw just hit the floor! That is some great work !

[patman]

Wow. Impressive...and no really bizarre tools or supplies either. You made it seem actually doable. Bravo!

[Wyle E Coyote]

Very nice work!!! Those are a thing of beauty!

[D-Russ]

Good gosh, man, that frame is awesome. You're a hell of a fabricator. How many hours do you have in it?

[racemad55]

You just raised the bar on this site for fabrication skills! Unbelievable! Now why not use the rusty body for a pattern and bang out a new one! Holy shit!

[skwurl]

That's amazing. You do great work. Hope you win the tech week.

[Racrdad]

WOW! I always marvel at the skills of some of the people on this board but this is amazing. You are da man!!

[Revhead]

damn... that is incredible.. amazing work

[32 Barn Car]

Its so good I've already looked at all the images at least 3 times.Curious,whats your real job?......Thanks for sharing........

[Matt Franklin]

Wow! Shock and Awe!

#1 tech? I think so!

[Rusty]

WOW!!!!! You must have some serious spare time

Very nice!!!!

[Mule Farmer]

You have mad skills. I have been wanting some 32 rails for model A pickup project, but didnt want to spend the coin. Thanks, hope you win tech week.

[Uptown83]

WOW....what a awesome tech!

[HOTTRODZZ]

Excellent work

Creative set up

Fantastic results

Ausome job...!

[Toast]

Wow!! Holy Crap, I will never post my worthless crap on here again, I am not worthy! That is amazing, you have incredible fab talent!

[dehudso]

You are the man!

[Jethro]

Excellent well written and photographed tech piece. Nice Traditional canoe also!
Good work!

[Stevie Nash]

Wow, that looks pretty easy... Awesome post tho, really.

[pan-dragger]

great tech, amazing.

[brewsir]

Thank you. I love it when people show what can be accomplished without spending huge piles of worthless american money....and investing some sweat and labor!

[AnimalAin]

Bitch'n. That is some great work. Thanks for showing us how you did it.

[Zombie Hot Rod]

Those look god but....

Ha, no but's... Awesome post.

[Minewithnoshine]

Amazing work! Just gave me the inspiration I needed to get back to working on my '32, THANKS!

[EHBoy]

easyly the best tech i've seen amazing skill and quality workmanship i bow in awe you are truely a master craftsman.

[Littleman]

KILLER................... More proof that the backyard garage is King.!!!!....Thanks for taking the time to post.....Littleman

[flnudistcpl]

Now if you could do that with a 34 frame and send it to me We'd both be happy.

You for building such a nice peice of work and
Me for having such a nice peice of work.

Very good job done there

[martin]

I always say theirs nothing wrong with making one. But my lord, this bloke
is taking the piss,,, Rock-on . never seen workmanship like it.

[Taildraggin]

Great bit of Tech
Thanks for making the effort to post it up for us

[Bert]

great post, great metalwork...........nice finish and attention to detail. Cheers, Bert

[flthd31]

Ive had a few questions on grinding tools and time involved.
The air powered stuff is for the big shops but for home I use electric. This Milwaukee variable speed 4 1/2 inch angle grinder is literally unstoppable. With that hard rubber Spiralcool back up pad and those 7 inch Norton 50 grit disc that whole rail can be ground pretty smooth in 20-30 minutes with only 2-3 discs. Another 15 minutes with a 120 grit belt on the string buff and done.

The 80 gritt square pad in the other pic is something I use for inside joints like the reveal area. Its an old school thing that seems to baffle alot of guys. Very effective but needs a little practice to master.

This grinder wasn't designed to do any of this stuff. This and most other angle grinders will turn at 11,000 RPMs which is way too fast for these things. BUT with the variable speed control it all works great.

Lastly, if your gonna try any of this stuff, put on a face shield and respirator. When this shit flies apart in your face, its gonna leave a mark!

[Dirty2]

WOW !!!! Thats all I can say ! WOW !! Over the top .

[thunderbirdesq]

Good Lawd! Great work, unbelievable.

[bct]

hats off to you....i can tell by your jigs construction that you are a woodworker....?

[HomemadeHardtop57]

hardcore

[brpowel4]

unbelieveable!!! you are awesome!

[lost39]

You made my day with your craftsmanship.
Keep on the good work and postings!!!!!

[Sparkswillfly]

Way cool!
Great work!

[Gambino_Kustoms]

thats crazy bad f$^%%n ass great fab skills

[Gigantor]

Imagine a long, low whistle right now ... cuz that's all I can say. Nice work. Nice.

[KATFISH]

FNG in name only...

Too bad your'e in PA.

Beautiful work.

[myke]

WOw. That's awesome!

[captain scarlet]

just to add to the ego stroking.....

Great job awesome set of rails. Keep the pictures coming. The car should be awesome if you carry on that way.

Again Great work!!!

[oldrelics]

I guess I'll have to save my tech for the next one....

~~~~~~~~white flag~~~~~~~~~~~

[Spedley]

WOW! What else can be said? Just goes to show that with some time, tools, some scraps and ingenuity, damn near anything is possible. I wont believe for a second that this is all you have in that brain of yours.... Post more, we crave it... Fantastic tech... Thanks.

[The Brudwich]

Wow!! Absolutely the coolest/best tech I've seen in years. I can't wait to see the rest of your build. Please keep us updated on your build.

[willysguy]

Wow! That is some nice work.

[tomcantdoit]

i think this guy won tech week!! man that is some awesome work!!!

[X38]

Fantastic tech! What is it with you woodworker guys? (eg Dreadman too) You sure make nice metal.

[pfzilla]

I wanna job that throws away that much metal.

[Roadsir]

Yep..You Win.
Nice Tech, your fabrication skills are astounding!

[Roadsir]

When I was a kid I had a neighbor that was a retired bodyman. From him I learned to take round discs and cut them into hexagons or octagons. I assume you are achieving the same thing with a square disc?

Youre right...When one of those flats catches on something the shit hits the fan in a hurry.


The 80 gritt square pad in the other pic is something I use for inside joints like the reveal area. Its an old school thing that seems to baffle alot of guys. Very effective but needs a little practice to master.

[woodbox]

...AND ON THE SEVENTH DAY HE DID REST!

Awesome work!

But on the matter of all those tools.....if you can do all that with just a welder, some clamps and a big hammer, why would you want to clutter up your shop with a bunch of fancy machines?

I'll tell you what.....I can do you a great deal on some storage until you find some one that needs to buy them!!

I will be watching this thread with great interest.

[skunx1964]

holy crap

[flynbrian48]

Damn. Absolutely amazing. You should be proud of that job.

Brian

[flthd31]

Originally Posted by NUROADSIR

When I was a kid I had a neighbor that was a retired bodyman. From him I learned to take round discs and cut them into hexagons or octagons. I assume you are achieving the same thing with a square disc?

Youre right...When one of those flats catches on something the shit hits the fan in a hurry.


The 80 gritt square pad in the other pic is something I use for inside joints like the reveal area. Its an old school thing that seems to baffle alot of guys. Very effective but needs a little practice to master.

Sorry I didn't post this earlier...had a camera problem. Anyway, the square pads I was referring to are made by Norton. They are abrasive belt material folded over with a threaded (1/4-20) rivet in the center. They are pretty tough and stay together pretty good but they really create alot of dust and dirt.

[continentaljohn]

WINNER WINNER chicken dinner great tech that's how the Roadster Shop and a few other make them for big $$$$$$ ....

[toddc]

Originally Posted by NUROADSIR

When I was a kid I had a neighbor that was a retired bodyman. From him I learned to take round discs and cut them into hexagons or octagons.

What was the reason for cutting them into hexagons?

[mattcrp1]

holy sh*t, that is beautiful!

[gnarlytyler]

soooo... can I be the first to place an order

[striper]

Originally Posted by TexasHardcore

Hah, that fuckin rules! MIG welded & home-built... fuck the naysayers.

No. Those rails won't be any good. You can't do good work with a MIG. If you don't use a TIG you're just a hack and your welds will definitely break

[wlspdshop]

...Holy crap is that cool!

[Artiki]

Simply incredible. My hat is off, Sir.....

[sodas38]

This is a tech that has been asked for by many of us. Lots of talent and lots of time in these. I know some may think after all that you may be ahead by just getting some american stamping rails but you'd still have to box those and you didn't sink any money into your metal. Take out your labor and you've got a free frame worth a ton in the end. Hell of a job!!

[stealthcruiser]

Sniff....Sniff....Whats that smell?

Tech week winner,gotta' be!

Awsome craftsmanship and forming skills.

Lemme' see that forearm,young man!

[DirtyThirty]

Damn...thats amazing.
Looking at the raw, but smoothed/finished rails, after all those pix actually made me want to cry...
Mostly because I can't do it, but also because they are so beautiful.
Incredible...things like this remind me of how far there really is to go...how far you can take your skills/learning.
Incredible, and inspiring...I've always been kind of preoccupied with the drivetrain of the vehicle, but lately metal work has been fascinating me!
I need lots more practice at both...
Those are unbelievable....

[matt 3083]

Real craftsmanship here. Reminds me of the stuff Bugatti and
Harry Miller built. You really should be proud of your work, I know
that I am.

[Sellers Equipped]

Perfection at its Finest! Hands down to you Sir!

[Roadsir]

It Keeps from making an arc shaped disc mark in the material you are grinding. The longer flats cut more gradually into the surface.

You can also use this technique to trim back the disc into an area less worn.

Originally Posted by toddc

What was the reason for cutting them into hexagons?

[moefuzz]

Great Tech Article!



Approximately how many hours were involved?

I'd suspect 60 hours or more?




.

[FINKSTR]

That's great tech or should I say art. Please post updates on the project. If the rest of the project is anything like the rails it will be perfect. Tech like this inspires me now if I just had the talent or patience. Thanks!

[blackmopar]

wow - that is truly fine work

[BAILEIGH INC]

Great tech! Thank you.

[KIRK!]

Amazing work! Your labor must be cheap. That's WAY more work than I'd do to save $600. More power to ya!

[Steves32]

Holy shit! Simply amazing.

So what do you do for an encore? Hammer out a roadster from a sheet of flat stock?

[bustingear]

Great work. When does production start???

[BAILEIGH INC]

Originally Posted by Steves32

Holy shit! Simply amazing.

So what do you do for an encore? Hammer out a roadster from a sheet of flat stock?

Ha ha

[LUX BLUE]

Admit it. this is actually "Norm" from the "New Yankee Workshop" Isn't it?

[flthd31]

Originally Posted by BAILEIGH INC

Great tech! Thank you.

And thank you for the sponsorship. It definitely brought this tech week to a new level.

[mtlcutter]

That is some F*#$ing beautiful work. Welcome to the community. Great tech thread!!!!!

[Doctor Destructo]

Fantastic step-by-step text-book style tech article. Thank you.

[jj mack]

Why don't you show us how to build a nuclear powered submarine while your at it!!!!!

Great work and thanks for the tips and inspiration.


Jimmy

[kustomizingkid]

Awesome work man!

Waht do you do when you want to bolt something to the frame though?

[Clutched]

Bravo! unreal fine job!

[flthd31]

Originally Posted by kustomizingkid

Waht do you do when you want to bolt something to the frame though?

There are a couple of options for body mounts. Here’s what I did. I have a bag full of these threaded bushings. They're ¾ inch outside dia. by ½ inch thick with a 3/8-16 thread inside.

I drill a starter hole, and then plasma cut a 1 inch dia hole with my luan pattern.





Next, chamfer for welding.





Screw something into the bushing to hang on to and hold it in the hole a little below flush and tack weld it in one spot. Plumb it up square and tack again directly across from the first tack. Plumb it again and then put two more tacks between the first two. Now weld it up. I leave the stud in the bushing till I’m done welding to keep spatter out.



The frame can be drilled and tapped for small stuff like brake line hold downs. For other things like fuel pumps etc. your best bet is to make a bracket with the holes you need and weld it to the frame.

...Or you can do like Rolf did and put some holes thru the inside boxing plates and work thru them. Here’s a link to his excellent build:

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=104922&highlight=rolf[/FONT]

[Brickster]

good job. It's posts like this that make the HAMB what it is.

Brick

[wicked willys]

Great tech. Very good pics and captions. The talent here just amazes me.

[Big A]

Originally Posted by KIRK!

Amazing work! Your labor must be cheap. That's WAY more work than I'd do to save $600. More power to ya!

There's something to be said for doing it yourself, it doesn't have to be about money.



This is beautiful workmanship, and thanks for the excellent pictures and commentary too. Inspiring.

[Larry Pearsall]

If you could build another how much? I'd consider 1 ... Thanks Larry

[BAILEIGH INC]

Congratulations flthd31!

Very nice work. You have won your choice of the prize machines. What machine are you going to pick? Let us all know! Give me a call and let's get your machine shipped out to you right away! 920-482-3220

Thank you Ryan for all of the help.....and a BIG thanks to all for contributing to the Baileigh Tech Week. I think everyone learned plenty from it.

Please visit our website www.bii1.com for all of your metal fabrication needs!

[VanHook]

Wow! Inspiring work man, keep it up!!!

[Pir8Darryl]

Originally Posted by Larry Pearsall

If you could build another how much? I'd consider 1 ... Thanks Larry

Only one? You dont want the pair?

Congrats!!! You got my vote, and I'm damn glad 'ya won the big enchelada!

[Crazydaddyo]

Congrats!!!!!!! Well deserved

[farm boy]

Amazing, WOW, This is one reason I love the HAMB!!!!
OLY

The cancer car lives
Give to cancer research

[KIRK!]

Originally Posted by Big A

There's something to be said for doing it yourself, it doesn't have to be about money.



This is beautiful workmanship, and thanks for the excellent pictures and commentary too. Inspiring.

I agree, but my time is so limited that I'd spend those many hours on other parts of the car.

The work is art!

[BAILEIGH INC]

COOL!

I just spent some time on the phone with John (the winner). Could not ask for a nicer guy, very humble and very appreciative. It's nice to see people like him win our contests.

Thanks again John and let's see some pictures of the new brake in your shop!

[eye bone]

This is why I love the H.A.M.B.!!! Thank you very much for sharring this valuable info & with such skill! Way Cool!!!

[flthd31]

Originally Posted by BAILEIGH INC

COOL!

I just spent some time on the phone with John (the winner). Could not ask for a nicer guy, very humble and very appreciative. It's nice to see people like him win our contests.

Thanks again John and let's see some pictures of the new brake in your shop!

Wow, I'm a happy fabricator!... just want to say thanks again to everyone that voted for me. All the positive comments mean a great deal. H.A.M.B. is a tremendous resource with so many skilled members I feel a bit lucky especially being a new guy on the block.

I also would like to extend a grateful thank you to Shane Henderson and Baileigh Industrial for sponsoring tech week.

Pictures of the brake will be comming soon!

[kookee]

Read it twice.. Still amazed. That is some skill and craftsmanship!

[MIKE47]

Congrats John. This is an awesome thread. I've made my share of A rails, But these are just awesome. I know a shit-ton of hours went into them. Nice work and a well deserved win!

[wild32hotrod]

that is some awesome fab work and even in a home garage great work

[Cymro]

Nice work Congrats , great post!!!!!!!

[ProEnfo]

Originally Posted by MIKE47

Nice work and a well deserved win!

Yep !

CC

[Rude Dude]

This is one of the best informative tech that I seen so far great job and thanks for posting!!

[mcload]

Wanted to add my kudos...great craftsmanship and write up!!
I'll never complain about one of my own custom pieces taking too long to make! Thanks for sharing that.

[bobx]

nice job.
hopefully there'll be more like that as you go..

thanks.

[2Hep]

wow...so much for picking up the catalog and ordering some repops...
amazing! and very nice craftsmanship!

[Stuffengineer]

How could I add something that has not already been said. An amazing piece of work. Congrats!

[stealthcruiser]

Originally Posted by stealthcruiser

Sniff....Sniff....Whats that smell?

Tech week winner,gotta' be!

Awsome craftsmanship and forming skills.

Lemme' see that forearm,young man!

Can I pick em',or what!

[loc8tor]

D A H M !!!!!! those are some SWWWEEEEEETTTTTT rails.......

[Dan Hay]

Amazing, I just read and studied all that, and I'm sure I still couldn't do that, even if I studied it a hundred more times..

[Old Roadster]

speechless.....................

[55 dude]

not only does he have great tech skills he also has talent in the camera department! heres food for thought: the hamb needs to find a sponser that would pony up a really nice digital camera also (nothing against the current sponser at all) to keep the tech rolling with even better pic's. read through the post 3 times and....

[deuceguy]

Great fab work man!!

[mosimpson]

Originally Posted by flthd31

Ive had a few questions on grinding tools and time involved.
Another 15 minutes with a 120 grit belt on the string buff and done.

Can you elaborate on what a "string buff" is? I'd love to learn how to finish metal like that.

[flthd31]

Originally Posted by mosimpson

Can you elaborate on what a "string buff" is? I'd love to learn how to finish metal like that.

The string buff with the belt on it is something that I kind of invented on my own. The belts are normally used on a pneumatic rubber tire but I never cared for the finish (streaky looking). The string buff is normally used by itself with a greaseless abrasive on it to help finish odd shaped stainless steel pieces. When you put a belt on it the strings hold the belt with centrifugal force. The belt is very unstable when doing this and will easily fly off. It takes a bit of practice to master it but it gives a very nice finish. I guess I’ve had too many years finishing stainless steel…that’s why these rails kind of look like stainless.

[Dubbzilla]

Impressive enough for your first set of homemade deuce rails....but next time I'll expect to see stainless or aluminum...I mean cmon....you call yourself a Tech Winner?!?!?!

lol

j/k...but it would be really cool to see them built to last till jesus comes back.

-Dubbzilla

[ewallac1]

:dfoose who ???

[M.D.]

Amazing!

[Dznuts]

well in case you didnt get the hint from the last 1000 replies......... great work man! you put more work into your rails than most of us put into our entire cars!!! amazing tech article man.... ill be looking for more from you so please keep em coming! my moto in life has always been spend more time than money and you have nailed that one!

[gmgrunt]

Verrrrrrry impressive work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[seesko]

Oh. I was stunned at your metal wizardry. Amazing.
Better than sex.

[bct]

any updates? on the coupe?

[scootermcrad]

I almost forgot about this thread. Totally a superhero in my book! Bravo!!

[retroridesbyrich]

Great job!

[decker]

From one "Canoe Guy" to another... WHOLLY CRAP MAN... you built a flippin' Deuce frame at home... in your garage... how totally cool is that!!!!! I don't have the time or space in my garage right now to try this and I'm buying some pre-fabbed 32 rails for my "A" soon... but wowsers... what a great and well deserved Tech-Week buffet you served up. Incredible! Congratulations!!!!!






Here's my design... stage I testing is completed... stage II tweaks and refinements and one more prototype over the winter and we should be ready to go into production by late spring. This one is for whitewater of course... fast water, steep gradient and big drops feed my soul.

[flthd31]

I was searching the forum for info (like I do every night) and this thread happened to come up. I noticed that it had been resurrected a week ago and I missed it. So here are a couple of pics of where I’m at now.



This is my winter project so progress seems slow, but I did get all the body work done which seemed endless. The drivers side in the pic was put together from pieces of 6 different cars plus the patch panels. Plus all the door hinges had to drilled out, removed, and repaired and reinstalled. The top was chopped 4 inched. The cowl was channeled about 1 ½ inches in front so I tapered the bottom cowl patch up on the front to compliment the reveal line in the frame. The rear wheel wells bottoms were contoured for axle and spring clearance.
I’m bucking the HAMB trend and installing cross steer. It’s gonna be tight but the 59AB Flatty should fit with the stock heads as planned. The mount had to be embedded in the frame rail to get engine head clearance. The box is a 40 with a 35-36 column tube and wheel. I also went with the 35-36 dash and mounted it at a slight angle so it penetrates the cab space a bit. Original gauges will go back in.



Tranny will be a T-5 on a hogs head mated to a Dwight Bond adapter.
Rear will be a 40 on a model T spring with a NOS Halibrand Quickie I have squirreled away.

[kiwicowboy]

grate work,this is the tread I was looking for about a week ago. Thanks for the re post

[tinmann]

Phew!!! ...... I'm spent!!! Somehow I missed this thread the first time around. Let me echo the sentiments already made fairly clear..... you've done awesome quality work with limited tools.

[Hot Turkey]

Ya know what? I can dig it!