Evening all, I just picked up a Model A project. Other than scrolling and searching the forum what are some good sources of info for building a Model A Chassis. I have the Tardel book, any other recommendations? Specifically info about methods for a really low build
Something like this but with a Packard Straight 8. I like the idea of using period parts and techniques. No airbags or anything modern.
@Slo5599 the frame under that car you posted isn't likely running a modified Model A frame. 2x3 or 2x4 steel, with a suicide perch up front, on a tube crossmember and definitely a tall z in the back.
For me as a retired builder I would not start with any stock Frame for your style of build. Rectangle tube of your choosing, suicide front perch, frame would end ahead of rear Axle housing with just body supports extending back to rear Body main structure. I would make it a Low Slung chassis in lou of doing a Channel to the floors. A frame Z'd on both ends is just a lot of unnecessary mitered joints for a build like your headed for. Let someone else start with your nice stock Model A frame.
How much sitting space is left between the rear Z and the Packard straight-eight (roughly 9" longer than a flathead V8)?
Pist-N-Broke has spot on advice, You'll enjoy the torque w/far less frame rack! I've used 2 X 4 stl tube, even 3/16" wall for strength when needed.
A real bonus of hand building your Frame Rails is that you can add length ahead of the firewall if you choose and not creep inside the Body at all.
Suicide front perch! That's exactly what I was looking for. What would you call a rear end setup like you describe? Building a chassis from scratch does seem like a much better approach. I like where this is headed
Depends on what you plan to use for a rear spring or springs. Most people think rear springs must be mounted behind the rear Axle. That's not true. You understand that for a Car to sit as low as your photo shows it must have a full length drive shaft tunnel, right?
Have you sat inside a car like the one pictured? Have you ridden around in one? You may like the look, but not enjoy the end result.
I ran a double Z'd rectangular tube frame under a '33 fiver... I stopped the rails just ahead of the 9" housing...[channeled and sectioned 10.5"...] built [1] 4" tall frame kick in the center of the trunk area with a '47 rubber bump stop over the pig... rode good... . pothagorian therum [sp]. never thought I would ever use it... but the vertical leg of a right triangle is the drop, the horizontal leg is how long the z will be... the hypotenuse is how long to cut it with the chop saw... divide the angle you need in two, set your saw at that angle... after you cut and bevel the ends flip one piece upside down and hold the cuts against each other... perfect fit as they were from the same cut... I think its - alternate interior and exterior angles are equal ? it was 1970 geometry class... Miss Philitaz ? Webster JR. HS.
Some years back I had a potential Customer talk to me about doing a basic Frame and mount the Body for him for a build like this. I told him before I would he needed to find a cardboard box two foot square and a skateboard. Then sit on the skateboard and hang onto the box in front of his face, now have a friend that would tow him around the block at 30 miles an hour. After doing that if he thought it was fun or smart come back and we'd talk more. He just stood there for a few seconds with a strange look on his face, then said sounds like You don't want my money. I just told him it's not about your money.
The Jalopy Journal
