Projects fixing a smashed 31 model A pickup cab.

uncle Charlie has been gathering parts for another model A hot rod. he had found a frame and a really rotten cowl to go with other chassis parts he has stowed away. we found this AA truck that a tree had fallen on and the price was right. I am going to be getting it in shape for him.
hauled the cab and his frame to the shop.

 

tack welded the frame to my chassis cart and slid the cab off the truck and onto the frame. when the wood mounting blocks come in we will mount it solid to the frame and start getting it straight.

 

you can really tell how bent it is on the level frame.

 

Looks like a fun little project. The good news is that no knot head with a Ball peen hammer got to it first.

 

actually, a knot head did. he laid it on it's back and beat it with a small sledge just above the belt line. you can see the outward crease. fortunately he stopped before it ruined it.

 

As nobody's said it yet : "that'll Buff out!" LOL!

 

Cool and with the indented firewall wouldn’t that be a Bud all steel cab? Look forward to seeing you bring her back buddy

 

I know the indented firewall is for a late 31. I don't know about a Budd body. this truck has a wood framed roof perimeter and wood along the inside of the back of the cab.

 

Looks solid other than the dents.

What is that freaky looking statue beside it??

 

That's a mid to early 31. they came from Henry with the cloth tops and the steel tops did not come out until late 31.

 

Slow and steady wins wins this race.

This can be saved.

 

Your probably aware of the basic rule of exact reverse of damage going in to get correct repair coming back to correct. If it becomes a battle your probably out of sequence.

 

Pull rods, lag screw in slide hammer, 8 pound sledge, all metal and kitty hair.
edit; Just kiddin', I actually am straightening out an OT [cooger] fender that had all of the above applied to it, literally, and liberally.

 

Nice project! The late '31 Ford Cabs had a one piece steel top and sunvisor. I think someone had a top wood kit in the classified section. Bob ……………..stole these photos from 36 Vick & Gene's Hot Rod Parts ads.

 

Plan B:

 

I like it, and ya got good metal to work with from what I can see.

 

...nice pop holder...

Well TB nothing like a challenge...
It reminds me of those barn collapse patients recently...​

 

the truck has the usually rot at the lower panels, the pan under the seat is rotted and the front mount at the firewall is gone.
I restore more than just vehicles, the table and statue are on the list. The statue is a "dutch girl" from a local fair grounds/racetrack in Danbury ct. she was holding an umbrella and was on display on the path to "dutch village". I need to repair some de-lamination. the fair and track are gone to make room for a maul.

 

yeah, I was really pissed when I heard my buddy's brother beat on the cab.
I will post the repair as I go, my plan is to repair and bolt the sills down and push/pull the damage up from there. if you see something I should do different please post.
Charlie is not looking for a "pebble beach" restoration..........he just wants the doors to open.

 

I could not remember when model A's trucks had a steel roof, thanks for posting.

 

hah, within the last 6 years Charlie has built 2 other roadster pickups and a closed cab pickup, starting with just cowls and some door parts.

 

Take six inches out of the top and you will have less to repair.

 

Indented fire wall started in May 31, the steel roof in July or August of 31. The metal tack strip along the roof looks like the one for the metal roof.


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Shaken AND stirred

 

Keep us posted on your progress!

 

Holly Smokes Man, your supposed to say " Not really guys, just kidding here. I wouldn't think of doing it that way" If not some of the younger and less informed might actually try it. You wouldn't want that on your conscience would ya?

 

I was gonna but I'll just say that if there's paint on it, it's New England Mint! LOL!

I'm excited to see this one come back into shape!

 

Uncle Sam is under restoration in a hanger at Danbury Airport. Maybe there is hope the Racearena will return too.

Bob

 

Good luck with the project. HRP

 

Bob, did you ever finish your massive clean up where you can get started on that steelback? HRP