Looking to locate the '26 roadster body on my '29 A frame. Is there an aprox location for where the firewall goes on the A frame? I need to modify the rear spring perch location before I place body as I am using a '36 banjo rear and the A spring in now behind the axle as a-posed to the top of axle. I want to get the rear tire placed in the right place. So I will use the location to determine wheelbase. I will be using a '48 Flathead V8 and form Tardel's book I know where to place front engine mounts. Is it best to base off the rear of the engine to firewall? I searched but came up empty. Thanks
To make life simple, I would start with the engine location and work backwards. Try to stay within the stock wheel base +/- a couple inches so things don't look weird. You're on the right track. I would set the motor in place, then place the body behind it and move things around until they look good. As you said, the center of the rear wheelwell will determine rear axle centerline.
This is an ancient thread but scroll down to post 12. Jetmek nailed it as far as getting everything in the right spot. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/26-27-t-roadsters-on-model-a-frames-photo-thread.265824/ Post 65 by Paul Hebert on page 3 shows that car an another nifty one without the photobucket watermark. then scroll on down the page past Squablow's nifty 27 front half of a tub with an early turtle deck on an A frame (saving those photos) on down to post 69 Where Paul's roadster is. I've got a photo or two of that one in my billetroof coverage on Photobucket. Then over to page 4 and post 101 where Woodsie posted some good shots of his. I saw that car at deuce days last year. He had been doing some work to it. shot from the front here. https://robertdavison.smugmug.com/Deuce-Days-Victoria-BC-2019/i-WXBGZHM/A
There is a hole on the rear spring crossmember that lines up with the T body. One on each end of the member. I just bolted it there and made mounts for the fronts. Centers the rear wheel.
well I just went ahead and mocked up suspension and placed body on. I used Inked Monkey's idea and well I have some cutting to do, I even mocked up the Flatty... feels good to see it looking like a hot rod.
Simply put, put it where it looks good. I’d give yourself about a thumbs worth of room from the fire wall to motor. Over all though just line up the rear tire with the wheel well please. Nothing looks worse than a rear tire outa place. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
I figure one of the reasons for doing this swap is to gain a longer engine bay. So if you do as Mr Monkey says that is what you will end up with. What engine are you intending to use???
Both the A body and the T body have body bolts on the centreline of the rear crossmember. They’re very slightly a different distance apart but I fixed mine down with a 5/16” bolt each side and clearanced through to 3/8” once all the other body bolts were sorted. It puts the wheel central in the arch with a spring over axle.
Sure passes the eye test, but I need to get back 20- 30 feet to see if I like the proportion... just me...
photo update on the difference I will need to stretch the A frame - Looks like 7 1/2" maybe 7 3/4" I measured wheelbase as it sits mocked up - I am 1/4" off stock Model 103 1/2"