Have bought a really nice Model A coupe that is pretty much stock but with some nice upgrades likes 35 wheels, 6.1 head, OD tranny, Model B carb, cab and dizzy. Hopefully get it shipped out me in Japan next month with my 33. Plan is to leave it mechanically as is and just enjoy having a simple car. Im toying with the idea, although a long way from being certain about it, of perhaps going to a highboy with it. Its a really nice looking car and it would be hard for me to do that if at all but if I was I'd like to buy what I need now and have it come over with the car. Just in case of a rainy day or long winter. Having not done this before so far my shopping list consists of Smaller Non Model A Headlights Headlight stands Tail lights 550/750 16 tyres Im thinking Im missing something Is that all I'll really need to do that? Thanks Pete
I'm just throwing things at the wall to see if they stick, if it were mine I leave the fenders, lower it front and rear, remove the spare tire, add a dropped headlight bar, remove the quail radiator cap. add some big and little tires and call it done. HRP Disallow the step plate. What ever you do it looks like you found a nice car. HRP
Why a high boy, it's cool the way it is. Besides (and I'll no doubt get flack for this), a Model A frame looks out of proportion (too spindly) to be exposed, unlike a '32 frame which looks proportionally correct. Don't mess with a good thing!
This place is getting a bit soft. Take the fenders off and drive it ! He is in Japan. Would neat to see a fenderless A running down the street. You will be very happy if you did that. Sometimes making a big decision is hard but do what makes YOU happy. If you sell it, the next owner can put them back on. If you don`t like it, you can put them back on.
Keep the fenders and the top; big 'n' little steelies; ditch the bumpers, the exposed spare, and the hood. Detail the flattie (yeah, that's an SBC in the pic, work with me). Add a deuce shell.
I’d leave it alone and enjoy it as is! That’s a nice looking coupe Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
You're right on the flack. Think I would have added an "IMO" to that statement. A lot of bad ass highboy A's on here with A frames. Not bashing anyone for stating an opinion but also not agreeing with your blanket statement. Don't disagree that a 32 frame doesn't look good, it looks great but it's not the only option. This isn't Pete's first rodeo, I'm positive he knows what he wants. Just a few spindly rides below....
Wow looks like an awesome car to start with thats great! My old model A is in Japan maybe you'll stuble upon it not sure how tight the scene is over there. I think your plan is spot on as well. Good luck!
As per the pics above, unless you take a few inches out of the roof a hiboy coupe looks out of proportion. Leave the fenders on, that is a great looking coupe.
All she needs is an altitude adjustment. Toughest looking coupe for many many kilometers - even with the spare!!!
Thanks all. I appreciate everyone's input. I agree it looks great as is and that's why Im far from certain that it would be changed as per my original post but there are 2 factors at play here. All my hotrods to date have been in Australia where I have had to run fenders and I have another full fendered car coming too that wont be changed . So back to my original question. IF I was to do this is all I need to have sorted is??? Smaller non A headlights Some sort of headlight stands Taillights 550/750 16R Firestones as currently its running radials. And any other parts to lower it should I want to. (still researching that as want to keep the mechanical brakes at the moment. Thanks for all the input so far fellas.
I did a similar build on a stock Model A I purchased. Made all the upgrades Anthony Myrick mentioned. LOL You can read all about it here... https://www.hotrod.com/articles/model-a-altitude-adjustment-2/
Not to steal the post but do you know more about this car and tire sizes and rims on this car? Love the stance.thanj you
Pete, If you want to keep the mechanical brakes, (yes I agree with that idea) it is a bit more complicated when you get to the dropped axle. If you are going for a big drop You either need to fabricate an inner mount extension for the brake actuating shaft housing , or use 32- 34 parts . That shaft is the one which goes between the socket ball on top of the king pin and the top of the perch bolt. The bracket I am on about is part of the Model A perch bolt . The brake rods rotate the shaft in its housing and press on the brake pushrod through the kingpin. The whole shebang has to remain parallel so that it will operate. When you drop the axle it will alter the angle and prevent the brakes from working properly. http://www.fordgarage.com/pages/frontbrakeactuators.htm I find the best drop is to actually put a complete 32-34 front axle into the car, you get the better /bigger cast iron brakes, the correct perch bolts with extended mount, and about 2" drop. (35 and 36 axles are the same but have different brakes and wishbone ,spring etc) . 16" wires bolt on , all other dimensions are the same except for the thickness of the axle 32-36 = 2" Model A is 2 1/4 at the perch bolt. Either machine the axle or the wishbone...you will need to use the Model A wishbone if you are going to keep the rest as is. Add some good quality linings, and Ted's floaters and you should be sorted. There are lots of post on HAMB and Fordbarn with full explanation. Its not hard to do just finding the parts might be a bit of a 'Mare from Japan. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/any-way-to-easily-lower-my-model-a.580975/
Congratulations Pete and great looking model A . Your going to have a bitchen garage with the coupes . I think 97 hit it on the head with the drop . Using a stock 33-36 axle with 32 spring perches hangers and with a bit of rubber rake your look is going to be perfect. My buddy Tom did a few car as such and looked awesome..
Cheers 97, yep trying to get all my shopping done before the car ships so it can all come together. Still got a lot to learn to pull all that off. I REALLY appreciate your detailed response and have done some reading myself today. Im pretty keen to keep the mecahnical brakes and I dont plan to fit a dropped axle for a variety of reasons with complexity, as you mentioned, being the key one. I also want to be confident I can do this, maybe with a little help so the KISS principal comes into play. Ideally I'd like to keep it in line with pre war parts as much as possible too even though its already drifted from that. I saw a post by @gwhite that would apparently get me 4" which is in line with your post and a start for a shopping list to which Id add king pin kit and a reamer. 'Front suspension - 32-34 axle (1 3/4" drop), 32-34 spring perches (to maintain alignment for mechanical brakes), reverse eye spring (1" drop), #'s 2,3 & 4 leaves removed (1 1/4" drop) - total 4" Rear - Stock A crossmember with 1916-1927 8 leaf T spring - approx. 4" drop. If you need more rear drop you can reverse the main spring eyes or heat/bend the spring.' Perhaps I misunderstood but if the A axle is 1/4" thicker at the spring perch bosses wont I need a spacer or similar when fitting the 32 axle to my A wishbones or have I got that ass about?? Are the 32-36 Axles all the same thickness? Once again thanks!