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First build 28-29 roadster..need some opinions on grille

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by kasultana, Oct 28, 2012.

  1. kasultana
    Joined: Oct 27, 2012
    Posts: 162

    kasultana
    Member

    Like to get some opinions from members on their preference between 28-29 and '32 shell. Stance is low to ground, channeled over frame. Same rubber on all 4 corners. I'm leaning to '32 but like to get some input. Know I'll have to chop the grille as well but not sure if it will look right.

    I'm going to build a 8ba flathead with 3 carbs for it. This is my first build and appreciate input from those who've been there done that.

    Thanks
     
  2. poboyross
    Joined: Apr 29, 2009
    Posts: 2,142

    poboyross
    Member
    from West TN

    I'm doing a 28/29 roadster build, too...and I'm STILL debating what shell to use. I'm considering the 30/31 because its tall like the 32, but I like the flat front and boxy look. Then again, I've put a 32 on mine and the look is so iconic. Argh! I'll be watching this thread.
     
  3. get with the times and use one off an old tractor in the hedgerow.
     
  4. Mark T
    Joined: Feb 19, 2007
    Posts: 2,033

    Mark T
    Member

    I like the 28 or 29 Model A Truck radiator shell, the one that came painted not plated.
    Its shorter than a '30-'31 Model A and the '32 shell.
    If I didn't already have a '32 Rad shell for my Roadster that's the one I'd use.
     

    Attached Files:


  5. motoandy
    Joined: Sep 19, 2007
    Posts: 3,334

    motoandy
    Member
    from MB, SC

    Run model A shell. Some much cheaper especially if you plane to cut one down and paint it.
     
  6. kasultana
    Joined: Oct 27, 2012
    Posts: 162

    kasultana
    Member

    Like the tractor/truck ideas. I think I'll hunt one down. Thanks for the inputs. Model A version it is. I'm planning on painting vs. running bare metal so will keep you posted and add a few pictures soon when I get there.
     
  7. Wooly
    Joined: Jan 17, 2007
    Posts: 41

    Wooly
    Member

    I'm doing a 1928 Roadster build, and just got a 1932 Grille shell. Looks like a little fun
    to get it all on there but I think it will be worth it.
    Trying to get some info on the install on the H.A.M.B. but not too much luck yet.
    Any body out there done this?
    It's running a Model B Motor and hoping to use the stock 1929 Radiator.
     
  8. mow too much
    Joined: Nov 20, 2008
    Posts: 906

    mow too much
    Member

    My thoughts are, full fender I would use the model A. Fender less use the 32.
    Channeled 32.
     
  9. VoodooTwin
    Joined: Jul 13, 2011
    Posts: 3,453

    VoodooTwin
    Member
    from Noo Yawk

    I vote 32 shell. The curvaceous design matches the rear deck design of the roadster, in my eye complementing the entire package.
     
  10. brokenspoke
    Joined: Jul 26, 2005
    Posts: 2,968

    brokenspoke
    Member

    On a 28-29 a Model a looks better....on a 30-31 a 32 grill looks better...my 2 cents worth
     
    Last edited: Nov 2, 2012
  11. kasultana
    Joined: Oct 27, 2012
    Posts: 162

    kasultana
    Member

    Thanks for input. Here's a few pictures of a mock up we did yesterday on the roadster. Grille is from earlier T but gives the idea. My 28-29 shell is on the way. Tried out a couple sets of headlamps. Going with smaller ones. Also started on 4 link. 8BA block at machine shop now.
     

    Attached Files:

  12. ibuild
    Joined: Nov 30, 2010
    Posts: 83

    ibuild
    Member

    i used a truck shell on my roadster, had to cut it up but it is different and i think sometimes we have to be different
     
  13. Dreddybear
    Joined: Mar 31, 2007
    Posts: 6,084

    Dreddybear
    Member

    Channeled over the frame like that needs a chopped 32 shell.


    Posted from the TJJ App for iPhone & iPad
     
  14. propwash
    Joined: Jul 25, 2005
    Posts: 3,857

    propwash
    Member
    from Las Vegas

    this forum is NOT about getting "with the times" unless one means olden times. Tractor grilles are for ratty rods and other so-called vehicles that have been assembled for shock value rather than building a hot rod.

    As to your choice of grilles, the 32 won't look right unless you shortn it AND narrow it proportionately. The cowl opening on 28-29s is substantially smaller in relation to 30-31-32. Use the 28-29 shell, the car will look much better.
     
  15. Dreddybear
    Joined: Mar 31, 2007
    Posts: 6,084

    Dreddybear
    Member

    Agree about the tractor grill, disagree about the narrowing of the 32. I've got one. So do a bunch of pretty sweet channeled model a's. In fact, I can't think of a channeled model a that looks good with a model a shell.




    Posted from the TJJ App for iPhone & iPad
     
  16. koolkat269
    Joined: Jun 5, 2011
    Posts: 172

    koolkat269
    Member

    Be different, use the 28-29 shell on the model A
     
  17. bct
    Joined: Apr 4, 2005
    Posts: 3,154

    bct
    Member

    use a 32. they are pretty.
     
  18. mandriano
    Joined: Mar 20, 2008
    Posts: 261

    mandriano
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    How about a 33-34 grille. remember seeing one from the 70's or 80's that was cool
     
  19. kasultana
    Joined: Oct 27, 2012
    Posts: 162

    kasultana
    Member

    I might try both. Have a 28-29 on the way and might get a 32 and mock them both up. I'll save the extra parts for my next car. Pretty much hooked on this.
     
  20. xix32
    Joined: Jun 12, 2008
    Posts: 593

    xix32
    Member

    Bud Bryan, Detroit `72

    [​IMG]
     
  21. kasultana
    Joined: Oct 27, 2012
    Posts: 162

    kasultana
    Member

    Looks good like that look. Thanks for the picture.
     
  22. dad-bud
    Joined: Aug 22, 2009
    Posts: 3,884

    dad-bud
    Member

    Use the deuce grille - they're sweet on an open wheel rod.
    JMO
     
  23. Dreddybear
    Joined: Mar 31, 2007
    Posts: 6,084

    Dreddybear
    Member

    That car is not channeled and not Z'd. If that first set of pics is your car, a deuce shell would complement it. Opinions may vary.
     
  24. falcongeorge
    Joined: Aug 26, 2010
    Posts: 18,341

    falcongeorge
    Member
    from BC

    I'm with you on all counts. Except a chopped duece shell can even look damn good on a Model A WITH fenders...
     
  25. modified
    Joined: Sep 21, 2006
    Posts: 326

    modified
    Member

    I used a '32 shell on my channed '29 Pickup. I don't like the look of a chopped '32 shell. It took a hell of alot of work to get everything together and low enough to look "right".
    You don't want the shell higher than the firewall/cowl!
     

    Attached Files:

  26. kasultana
    Joined: Oct 27, 2012
    Posts: 162

    kasultana
    Member

    The bare metal car in pics above is my car. Channelled and z'd. Should have a grill to work with this weekend and can finalize then. Like the '29 pickup it looks good. Agree on the stance going to keep shell a little lower than firewall/cowl for sure to rake the hood down a few degrees
     
  27. keep it up! and remember, its your car! you desides what goes on it :) dare to be diferent ;)
     
  28. 32Tudor396
    Joined: Sep 14, 2010
    Posts: 181

    32Tudor396
    Member

    Saw a 35/36 truck grille on a 29 that was layed back...looked neat!
     
  29. zibo
    Joined: Mar 17, 2002
    Posts: 2,361

    zibo
    Member
    from dago ca

    I battled that decision as well,
    and ended up going with a plated 28/29 shell.
    [​IMG]
    It's not on a traditional frame though.
    Besides the obvious shape,
    the big difference is the thickness or depth of the 2 shells.
    The model a is barely 4 inches with the radiator,
    but the 32 with the grille insert is like 7 inches front to back.
    It changes the little things like hood, headlights etc.

    Either way looks good to me.

    TP
     
  30. Dreddybear
    Joined: Mar 31, 2007
    Posts: 6,084

    Dreddybear
    Member

    This looks good. I have to revise my statement. This looks real proper.
     

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