We are in the first steps of creating a new Model A frame to offer to the public. I'm looking for some input on what you want for your next frame. Is it worth making a new jig to provide our customers with a Z'ed front end? How much of a Z and how big of a notch in the rear do you want to get these frames closer to the ground? Here are a couple pics of our current frames.
Anything you build in will be for the quick kit builder or turn-key buyer. They can get all they want already. The rest will build their own to particulars only they know. You can offer the newbie trend crowd an easy entry into shock & awe rodding with extreme Zs and sweeps, but then you'll have to support them when they have no idea how to combine parts to make something that far out of the norm function. I'm not sure I see a nitch to be filled. It's all been done for a long time now.
If your area is like most areas of the country, there's always a need for a good frame. Especialy if you can build some to order........Good luck........
From what I see, The current trend is the shittier the better. Make it crooked, make it nasty, rusted and the welding should be shotty at best. Put the Rat Rod label on it, and a disclaimer. Genius...I know. In all seriousness, I would make a jig for adjustment of front and rear Z or kick up. Each build is different. It would be nice to get a quality "made to spec" frame.
I am not sure having another Model A frame on the market is a wise decission. There are so many people out here making Model A frames and even with extreme Z's I think it will be a hard sell, especially trying to support suspension parts and pieces that would make the frame useable. Although I have built an A frame, if I were to do it again I would build a frame with 5" 32 style frame rails with flat tops that would allow the Model A body to fit. I only know of one person building 32 style rails and they are really expensive.....................I think they could be made cheaper. In my opinion the 5" look many times better than the standard 6". IMHO
I am not sure having another Model A frame on the market is a wise decission. There are so many people out here making Model A frames and even with extreme Z's I think it will be a hard sell, especially trying to support suspension parts and pieces that would make the frame useable. Although I have built an A frame, if I were to do it again I would build a frame with 5" 32 style frame rails. I only know of one person building 32 style rails and they are really expensive.....................I think they could be made cheaper. In my opinion the 5" is has a better proportion than the standard 6". IMHO
A jig that is adjustable in the front and back for the kick is a good idea that way our customers would be able to have a couple different options when choosing their frames. I know there is a lot of companies out there offering Model A frames, we are trying to develop frames that stand out from the crowd. In the Northeast there is a large demand for these since Total Performance went out.
Maybe it's just me, but I always liked the stock A rear crossmember. I've gotten over the whole coil-over thing and just happen to like the leafs. I never had a coil-over perform on bit better anyway...
A Z'ed in the rear only, space tube frame with mounts for transverse stock springs AND a parallel rear design option for trucks would be the only niche not covered. Damn, I occasionally have a great idea. I would almost loan you my pickup frame for RD purposes.
nice...but i too love the old original type of rear cross member..these layed down members dont have any personality. there are still plenty of A frames out there just waiting to be boxed and stuffed with your favorite mill..
for me personally, money plays a big issue. i actually saw a stock mustang II complete front suspension on craigslist for 100 bucks and a complete rebuilt ford 9 inch rear for 500 bucks. so if i had the spare cash i wouldve picked both those items up and welded them onto my model a frame....and finish boxing it.
Like what has already been stated, there are many people out there building model a frames stock, Z'ed, etc. Don't know if it would be a good place to get into right now but if you did I would definitely make an adjustable jig. And those who are true rodders will probably build their own how they like it. Good luck though.
I know VAPHEAD builds custom model A frames to order and has all the product to finish the chassis Recently i saw one of his frames with a repop model A rear cross member