Register now to get rid of these ads!

Projects 1929 Model A Coupe

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by jjsound, Apr 20, 2016.

  1. jjsound
    Joined: May 27, 2008
    Posts: 424

    jjsound
    Member

    Found this for sale last week and brought it home today. I'll be utilizing the Bishop/Tardel publication "How To Build A Traditional Hot Rod", McNicholl's "How To Build Ford Flathead V-8 Horsepower", and Remus' "How-To Chop Tops". I'm looking forward to this project.
    IMG_6586.JPG
     
    Squablow, kiwijeff, clunker and 3 others like this.
  2. Don't blindly follow the measurements in the bishop trade book is about the only piece of advice I can give ya.

    Sent from my SM-G900T using H.A.M.B. mobile app
     
    scrap metal 48 likes this.
  3. jjsound
    Joined: May 27, 2008
    Posts: 424

    jjsound
    Member

    Noted, thanks.
     
  4. Good luck on your Model A build, I'll be watching.
     
    jjsound and lothiandon1940 like this.

  5. waxhead
    Joined: May 11, 2013
    Posts: 1,172

    waxhead
    Member
    from West Oz

    Subscribed.
     
    jjsound likes this.
  6. J'st Wandering
    Joined: Jan 28, 2004
    Posts: 1,772

    J'st Wandering
    Member

    Looks like a nice start. Will follow your build.
     
    jjsound likes this.
  7. Russ Tee
    Joined: Sep 2, 2012
    Posts: 106

    Russ Tee
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Florida

    I'm subscribed.
     
    jjsound likes this.
  8. jjsound
    Joined: May 27, 2008
    Posts: 424

    jjsound
    Member

    A couple of low quality engine photos to keep this thing moving forward. I'm looking to disassemble the engine this weekend and get it to the machine shop for a bath and magna flux. I have a Mercury crank that will be usable after some machine work.
     

    Attached Files:

  9. jjsound
    Joined: May 27, 2008
    Posts: 424

    jjsound
    Member

    Moved shops this summer and finally got back at it.

    Stripped the frame down and had it blasted.

    Repaired some cracks on the front crossmember.

    Today I started the rear frame step.

    Sections of the frame are too thin and will be getting repaired.

    IMG_8097-1.JPG IMG_8098.JPG IMG_8097-1.JPG IMG_8098.JPG IMG_8099-1.JPG IMG_8100-1.JPG IMG_8101-1.JPG IMG_8102-1.JPG IMG_8113.JPG IMG_8114.JPG
     
  10. Oldbill51
    Joined: Jun 12, 2011
    Posts: 284

    Oldbill51
    Member

    Watching with great interest!
     
    jjsound likes this.
  11. jjsound
    Joined: May 27, 2008
    Posts: 424

    jjsound
    Member

    Worked on the frame step and spring reversing today.

    IMG_8119-1.JPG IMG_8123-1.JPG IMG_8125-1.JPG IMG_8134.JPG IMG_8142.JPG
     
  12. jjsound
    Joined: May 27, 2008
    Posts: 424

    jjsound
    Member

    Here's a time-lapse of today's work.

     
  13. Jimmy2car
    Joined: Nov 26, 2003
    Posts: 1,707

    Jimmy2car
    Member
    from No. Cal

    Before you spend a lot of money on machine work for the engine, try your best to have the block sonic checked & pressure tested. It'll be money well spent
     
  14. dwollam
    Joined: Oct 22, 2012
    Posts: 2,322

    dwollam
    Member

    That is how I reverse my springs for the front but never tried the rear. Did you heat it? Seems like a major re-bend on the rear main leaf.
     
  15. Aaron D.
    Joined: Oct 27, 2015
    Posts: 1,037

    Aaron D.
    Member

    Hi JJ, we are in about the same place in our builds, you're slightly ahead of me. I'll be following your lead! Looks great so far, keep posting your progress.
    Aaron
     
  16. Binger
    Joined: Apr 28, 2008
    Posts: 1,734

    Binger
    Member
    from wyoming

    Looks good! Subscribed!
     
    jjsound likes this.
  17. jjsound
    Joined: May 27, 2008
    Posts: 424

    jjsound
    Member

    We did the front first then moved to the rear. No heat, just worked from the center out either direction. We went with multiple passes of small bends. Worked quite nicely. If you look closely it's not perfect but awfully close.


    Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
     
  18. jjsound
    Joined: May 27, 2008
    Posts: 424

    jjsound
    Member

    Aaron, I just subscribed to your build as well. Looks like you have some serious hot rod goodies gathered. That body is CLEAN. I'm interested in seeing how different our projects turn out while following the same book.


    Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
     
    Aaron D. likes this.
  19. jjsound
    Joined: May 27, 2008
    Posts: 424

    jjsound
    Member

    If I build anything it'll definitely start on the magna-flux bench. I have a few "runners" in the ever-growing sea of mills.

    I should add this is 100% a budget build. If I had the loot I would've started with a much straighter body. It'll be a learning experience.


    Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
     
    Last edited: Mar 14, 2017
  20. Binger
    Joined: Apr 28, 2008
    Posts: 1,734

    Binger
    Member
    from wyoming

    Do you have any more pictures of the body? The one pic doesn't look too bad. How much are you going to chop it? Is it a Special coupe or a standard? Plans to put any of the wood back into it? Lots of questions. HAHA. I am almost finished with my '29. I have some wiring, top and upholstery left to do this winter.
     
  21. jjsound
    Joined: May 27, 2008
    Posts: 424

    jjsound
    Member

    I'll get some up later.

    It's the coupe with the leather back. I don't remember the names anymore, been out of the game for a few years. The body actually has sedan windows tacked to it. I have a compete coupe driver's side and roof and will be getting the passenger' side as well. I want a steel coupe.

    As far as chop, we haven't really discussed in depth. Likely 2-2 1/2". Subtle. The whole build is based on tradition and subtlety. Oh, and budget. Have I mentioned that?


    Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
     
  22. Binger
    Joined: Apr 28, 2008
    Posts: 1,734

    Binger
    Member
    from wyoming

    The Leatherback one is called the special coupe. I understand about having a steel one. Plans for filling the roof also? I like subtle chops too. I like chopping enough for the quarter windows to be square. I didn't chop mine because I am a big and tall guy and didn't think I could spare the headroom.
     
  23. jjsound
    Joined: May 27, 2008
    Posts: 424

    jjsound
    Member

    Right, the car is small enough to begin with. This is being built in the "hi-boy" style. I don't like losing the leg/foot room.

    I've always liked to upholstered roofs but that is aways out.
     
  24. Binger
    Joined: Apr 28, 2008
    Posts: 1,734

    Binger
    Member
    from wyoming

    Sounds like a plan. for more room I moved the front seat back 6" too. I used a stock seat riser and cut the package tray. I am going to have to shorten the cushion springs to get a bit more room too.
     
  25. alchemy
    Joined: Sep 27, 2002
    Posts: 20,406

    alchemy
    Member

    I hate to be a Debbie Downer, but that main leaf is way too rusty/pitted to trust. Especially since it was reversed (added stresses). Model A springs aren't expensive or hard to find. You should find a nicer one to trust your life on.
     
  26. jjsound
    Joined: May 27, 2008
    Posts: 424

    jjsound
    Member

    Today I'm working on horn and front crossmember repair. Finding TIG to work well on the bottom side since there's no room to grind. Those springs fit snug.


    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]


    Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
     
  27. jjsound
    Joined: May 27, 2008
    Posts: 424

    jjsound
    Member

    I appreciate you thinking of our safety, Debbie errr…Alchemy. I'll search for some quality springs.

    [​IMG]


    Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
     
  28. jjsound
    Joined: May 27, 2008
    Posts: 424

    jjsound
    Member

    Frame repair progress. Cutting out the rot and replacing with 3/16" material. Are the original rails 10 gage? They don't seem to be 1/8" or 3/16".


    [​IMG]


    Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
     
    Aaron D. and redoxide like this.
  29. redoxide
    Joined: Jul 7, 2002
    Posts: 756

    redoxide
    Member

    Great project and excellent progress. loving the quality of your work too.

    looking forward to seeing your progress.
     
  30. jjsound
    Joined: May 27, 2008
    Posts: 424

    jjsound
    Member

    Thanks, Redoxide.

    Finally having the facility, time, and tooling to do the project efficiently is making it productive and enjoyable.


    Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
     

Share This Page

Register now to get rid of these ads!

Archive

Copyright © 1995-2021 The Jalopy Journal: Steal our stuff, we'll kick your teeth in. Terms of Service. Privacy Policy.

Atomic Industry
Forum software by XenForo™ ©2010-2014 XenForo Ltd.