I've been a lurker on here for a long time but finally have something to post. i bought myself a 1930 model a coupe. im planning on building as traditional as i can. i bought a complete rolling 41 frame for the rear end, spindles and brakes. but i also found a great deal on a complete 55 f-100 front suspension with the steering box. right now im leaning towards using the 55 brakes but I've read about a problem mounting early wire wheels to the 55 brakes... anybody have any details on this? im about to start putting the frame back together as a roller and need to come up with some wheels. I've done the vern tardel rear crossmember step and also bought one of his stock a model drop axles for the front. im 90% sure im gonna run a t5 behind my flathead im just unsure about what to do about a k member/pedal set up yet. sorry about rambling just wanted to say hey
Looks like a great starting point. Many here, including my own, come home in apple boxes. why the t-5 as opposed to a 3-sp toploader? would be an easier fit (pedal assembly, shift linkage, and should be fine behind a flathead...
i have access to a couple 3 speeds and i agree it would be much easier for pedal and k member options. i want to be able to get in my car and drive anywhere i want to go. i figure the 5 speed would do better on the highway. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
yea I think I agree, but dont know personally...atleast not yet. trying to track down a s10 t-5 myself.....
Not to be the thread police, but if you build it with a t5 then this build belongs on a different sub forum....since you've already posted here, you might as well grab that three speed.
Man that is a great start, go for the T-5. You will appreciate it when you take the car on a long trip. Good luck with your build.
Thats a really nice coupe body! I'd go with the 5 speed too. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
As always this is my $.02. The HAMB is for traditional Hot Rods and pre 64 only, philosophically. Nothing wrong with building just what you want but if you hang here you will be much happier thinking traditionally. In otherwords, a T5 means street rod not hot rod. You will get much more input building to an era and a style. Put another way, If you want more driveability at interstate speeds, build an early 60,s coupe with your choice of v8 power and a 4 speed trans that was available in 64 or a little earlier., like God forbid a 61 Vette 283 and 4 speed! Alternatively a 3:31 or 3:54 rear will give you a much more cruisable flatty even with the regular 39 top loader if you are building early 50's coupe. Bear in mind that the whole "traditional" thing is sort of like going back to an era and doing what the hot rodder did then. My car is just an example: 31 A, 51 Merc flatty, 38 top loader 36 rear 4:11 gears. I can't do 80 all day on the interstate but in 1950, when my car was or could have been built there were no interstates! Get it? If you want the creature comforts, this ain't the place! Good luck best regards, Tony
Yep, 5spd. Good friend of mine has had a 31 coupe for years, Merc flatty, twin carbs, headers et et. with a vintage toploader. Last year he swapped in a T5 from an S10. It's a completely different car now, in a very good way. Much more drivable in todays traffic. Unless you crawl under the car there is no way of knowing what kind of trans is in it.
the story i got about the car goes like this... the old man who owned it died in 1970. the car shoes 80k miles so he drove the piss of of it. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
The Jalopy Journal
