Technical '31 Model A Frame

I decided to use the frame my '31 Ford has. Before I sand it, I'll make it's safe and square. My plan is to box it in and add a cross member for a T-5 transmission that I plan on using. Other than those two mods, what else should I do to make it safe and sturdy? Just a cruiser with the hopes of having a Cadillac 365/390 with tri power and a rebuild. My car will be a fair weather cruiser. Plan on using a 9" rear with a lowering spring and a dropped front axle.

 

Dagel’s makes a x- member kit that stiffens them up.


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Make sure to either weld nuts in the body and fender mounting holes before boxing, or you could drill access holes into the boxing plates later.

 

the weak point in the A frames is at the rear motor mounts. almost always a sag in the rail there. pull a string or other straight edge there...you will see it. not a big deal to push it back up with a bottle jack, chain and I beam. pay attention while jacking!

 

Thanks for the information and tips!

 

Above all make sure to have the frame level and square, and keep it that way while welding in the boxing plates. Measure left front to right rear and left rear to right front to check it for square. Take your time and move around while welding.

 

One easy tip for you before welding plates in.

Get 2 saw horses, set your bare frame on the saw horses, one on each end. Now get 2 aluminum yard sticks. Set one up on side on the front. Put the second one, on its side, on the rear.

Now bend over and look down the frame, across the tops of both yard sticks/ straight edges now, are they flat with each other? If so you know your frame is flat end to end and your ready to weld plates.

If not just add a shim between frame and saw horse on the low corner until your straight edges are flat with one another. Again now your ready to weld.

As you place tacks, occasionally look across your straight edges to make sure it's maintaining level.

Hope it makes sense, if not look up my featured threads and you'll find one of my home built 31 frame, it has pics and step by step instructions on the above.

I ended up 1/8" within square in 112" and within a 1/16" flat across my entire frame. I'm a frame man with almost 40 yrs experience.