I’m in the process of starting a build of a very traditional (pre-war) 29 roadster pickup. This project was given to me by my grandfather (in boxes) prior to him passing. I am hoping to get some advise / resources for the following options / improvements from factory. Description of project at end of this post (just for your reference / curiosity): 1. Braking - Any good resources for ‘39 Lincoln (self adjusting) brakes - where did you mount your master cylinder (assuming not on fire wall) 2. Steering - what is a good upgrade option (pre-war) from factory? What steering column / box did you use? What were the modifications required? - note: I am hoping to keep the stock steering wheel and wrap in “Bentley-type” racing wrap. 3. Gage Cluster - I am going to keep the stock tank functional and therefore do not want to modify the NOS tank I have in anyway. However, would like to give the gage cluster a different look. What have you all done with respects to modifying the gage cluster (without modifying the tank)? 4. 1932 Grill Shell - What modifications are required to run a 1932 grill shell on an otherwise stock 29 model A body? 5. Lighting Any suggestions for period-correct (again, pre-war) headlight and tail light options? REALLY appreciate everyone’s input and thoughts here. Getting extremely excited about this project now that I am in a position (of time) to get after it! Description of Project (for those interested): Traditional 29 roadster pickup with pre-war modifications (as if inspired by that era race cars) Power train: 4banger with Riley 2 port overhead backed up by a Mitchell dual shifter overdrive unit Chassis: 4” dropped front axel, upgraded steering and brakes (pre-war), otherwise stock Body: only real modifications considering are a 32 ford grill, chopped windshield (and maybe a “lay flat” option). Paint either black or a 1929 correct DuPont paint code for a dark gray. Wheels: still working out tire selection, however, going with black wire KH’s. Considering a mild “big and littles”
Hi J.Leedom, Would be nice to see some pic's of what you've got. I would say; search the hamb for ideas, if you want it to be unique, use your imagination in Style and apperiance . Technically it's allways good to know your limits and take advise. Manny things are up to ones taste, therefore i would use a F-1 Steeringbox , i guess the F-100 looks a little oversized, but depends if you run fenders or not. 7.00 and 5.50 Tyres are nice. Anyhow the grate fun starts here, right now.
Thank you for the response! Attaching a picture of the project so far. Not much going on...yet. The Mitchell dual shift overdrive is supposed to arrive in May and then I can start pulling the chassis together.
34 front axle gives you cast iron brake drums, and a slight drop...pre war! Use A rear axle or early 32 , maybe 34 , but use the 32/34 brakes....no need for a mastercylinder ...all rod brakes...you can improve them with Ted's floaters, but Ted wasn't around before the war! Well not WW11 anyway. If you must use hydraulics (would have been just prewar and very high end) you will have to find a 32-39 K or X member to mount it on, or once again if your strictly pre war is slightly flexible a F1 X member will work, it is all documented here if you just use the search engine. Mitchell overdrive is not pre war! Better off using a fabricated quickchange... or a later cast one would possibly be acceptable. Is your OHV setup pre war? I dunno , because bangers are flatheads in my cave. F1 steering, or late 30s Hudson to be strictly prewar ( see HAMB member NealinCA) https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/members/nealinca.477 Dash? Could be anything if you use your imagination, but fitting it with the stock fuel tank in place will be tricky. 32 shell trim and fit...look at pictures on HAMB. The rest of it? Search search search, is the only answer ....too many options for one definitive answer.
Nice looking start to a cool project... There is a lot of very useful information in Vern Tardel's book Chappy
I agree that a 32 K member or an F-1 crossmember would be wise to allow corresponding pedal sets and a later (39) transmission. I'm pretty sure the 42 pickups had the same frame setup as the postwar F-1, so you wouldn't really be cheating if you used the parts from a postwar F-1. Steal the steering box from the same F-1. If the part number cast on the outside indicates a postwar date, grind it off. I can guarantee the innards are the same parts used since the late 30's. And you could modify the top of the shaft with a taper and install an early wheel, along with the horn button/rod. I did this on my sedan. For the dash you might want to see if you can float another dash in front of the tank. Otherwise there isn't really any room for a modified panel that will work with the tank's tight space. Look at 38 Oldsmobile, I think I remember seeing a pic of them being used before. Or at the very least you could use one of the accessory gauge panels that screw in place of the stock panel, but allow a couple extra gauges to be hung below. I think the repro houses still sell these things.
Appreciate all your feedback! A lot to iron out on the plan / overall look for sure. HAMB looks to be a great resource. Will start digging! Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
I guess my only question is when did dropped axles actually appear? I'm not sure that a late 30's early 40's build would even have one.
Clings Aftermarket Products has brakes, master cylinders and trans adapters. You shouldn't have to change your cross member with their kits.
Here is a pre war banger that I built a couple of years ago. In my searches, I couldn't find anybody doing dropped axle's back then. I did mine the "old school" way using 1930's Ford parts. I also went with the mechanical brakes on mine like 97 mentioned. My build thread cover's most of what I did, there are several others that have documented theirs with build thread's.
Much appreciated! I’ll take a look at your build link as well as others! Great looking A! Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Here's my 29 Roadster Kevin Gill built it. I have a Model b motor, riley 4 port and Halibrand 101, 39 trans that's going in it. It has juice brakes, blc headlights and model a rear tail light..
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