I have been thinking about rebuilding one of my old cars (EDIT - I don't own this car anymore and am talking about building ANOTHER one from scratch): Only this time I would like to use '32 rails instead of a Model A frame. BUT... I want to use as many Model A parts as possible. Here is what I am thinking - new rails, Model A front crossmember, stock Model A front mount, Float-a-motor mounts on the flywheel housing, simple frame mounts to line up with the Float-a-motors, and a Model A rear crossmember to line up with a stock Model A rearend. I estimate the rear crossmember will have to come forward about 10" from where it would sit in a stock '32 frame. I would probably box from the Float-a-motor frame mounts back to the rear crossmember and make a simple tubular (or channel) center crossmember. I would leave the front part from the Float-a-motors to the front crossmember unboxed. Any potential problems? Stock Model A rear wishbones might hit the frame? Might make the rear too low? Any other thoughts? Thanks, Will Kimble
I hear you, but I wouldn't touch that car. It looks great as is. Having said that… what you want to do can be done without a great deal of problems. I think the rear might look a lot different with the modifications you have proposed. Perhaps an artist rendition might help you decide. Change for the sake of change is what gets us in trouble but what the heck, go for it.
With the kickup, it's going to sit front-high, and if you straighten it, it's going to look odd. To me, it's an awful lot of work for a car that doesn't need it. If you're just doing it for the look, consider cutting down a set of Model A fender aprons, will give you a bit of sweeping body line without redoing the whole chassis, I've seen it done and it can look nice. I know you're not looking for styling opinions, but if that were my car, the only things I'd do is get rid of that awful seat, and maybe a shortened pickup bed to put that trunk in. The rest of it looks great.
Unless you really need something to do....I don't think 32 rails will do anything but add some styling and weight; but to me be a lot of work for not much gain? If some style is needed I would do tubed holes in the A frame...What I am saying is if you gave the car to me I wouln't change a thing; it probably goes plenty good and must be a fun car...
New seat, pickup bed, and PAINT would make that car a stunner not rebuilding with a 32 chassis. The car is also fine as as but just doesn't reach its full pizzazz factor yet.
I don't have the car anymore, and am thinking about building another from scratch - not rebuilding that one. Thanks for the thoughts, some helpful opinions and ideas.
I can understand the A front and rear crossmembers to get it lower and make room for a quickchange. But putting the A motor mounts and rearend in '32 rails is silly. Guys backintheday would get a '32 chassis to upgrade all the drivetrain, not just the outer rails. If you want to build it "your way", then do so, but I bet you won't find many who agree with putting that A stuff inside the newer rails. As for cutting the rear of those gorgeous '32 rails off, I think that's a sin. Keep the full rail and make good use of it. A nice short bed, or maybe a trunk deck of some sort would be perfect back there.
Find a Deuce frame and build it while driving the wheels off of what you've got. Never take a running hot rod off the road until you have a drivable replacement in place. Those are my thoughts!
I'd leave that car alone and start another project on '32 rails. That's a nice little short you have there. JMHO Bangers look better on the 'A' style rails and I think the wheelbase is too short for a '32 frame
I totally agree with Tommy (post #10 above). That looks perfect the way it sits. As others have said, build another. Don't destroy the one you now have.
I like you thoughts of using 32 rail for your new car. I think that Duce rails have great look and really bring a nice finish to a lakes style car. I would not box the 32 rails at all as they will be plenty strong if you are going with another banger, be sure to fab a good K member for the rear engine to mount on and it will provide plenty of torsional strength. Clip the rear of the frame to match your cross member placement and don't hang anything from the lower part of the frame as it really messes up it's natural line. The real trick is to make sure that nothing hangs below the frame rails, but if you use a banger engine that may be a challenge. Rex
I know this one is on 32 rails from the front back so far. Like so many others have told you though, I wouldn't change the one you have. Build a new one.
Just to repeat what's already been said, Will doesn't have this car anymore he's looking to build the next version. Ron
You don't see many 32 frames with A or B motors. A stock 32 chassis with a B motor and trans might be something to consider. Could be the start of a neat modified.
Some where on here is a thread with Model A bodies on 32 chassis - May give some ideas. I always thought that if you could channel an A body about an inch over a 32 chassis it would look better than just sitting the body on 'top' of the rails.
I say if your building a new one, then throw a 32 frame under it and roll with it! Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
I wouldn't think twice about using a '32 frame. Instead of the bother of moving the rear crossmember forward, however, I would just shorten the frame to achieve a reduction in length, saving the trouble of reforming the kickup. Then bob the rear frame horns as is done with 'A' highboys. They don't call 'em Modifieds for nuthin'!!!
Kind of funny how many can't quite figure out you don't own that car anymore. I kind of like the idea of 32 rails with a banger. Something different.
How could you move the rear cross member forward around 10"s without shortening the frame,wouldn't that put the rear axle to far forward into the frame kickup? Unless that is plan of your plan.
Hey Will, dont feel bad about all the weird answers. I get that often when I ask a question. Sometimes its so bad I wonder if I didnt say it right. One time I asked a question and got a response that didnt fit at all so I rephrased the question. He wrote another nonsense reply I finally asked if he could understand my question and he said, "Yes, but I dont know the answer and just wanted to say something." I was about to start screaming
Ha,ha..very funny , in an odd way ! Hm, pot was just legalized,huh Will, I've always wanted to do what you have in mind ! Mabe someday I will. Go for I say ! BTW, the one the YOU GOT RID OF, was something very cool !
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