Technical Tardel style Model A frame step

I'm getting ready to step my Model A frame, per the Bishop/Tardel book it says to make the cut "4" from the forward face of the rear cross-member" the problem I have is that the frame rail and cross-member is not at a right angle. So where / how do I take my measurement? Maybe I'm being too precise. Any advice would be appreciated.

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Measure on the outside.

 

Thanks, that was my original approach.

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Your worrying a little too much about the measurement forward of the crossmember , the idea is to slice it before those gussets as not to disturb them although make sure you cut in the same place both sides

I use a square on the top side of the rail and scribe down , use a scribe not a sharpie as it makes for more precise cuts

I weld something in the frame to keep it from springing when it gets cut loose , and when you weld the cross back in make sure it’s on the same plane as the frame is

I just did one Friday I can take pics tomorrow if you want

 

I kind of figured I was thinking too much. I'm used to .003 tolerances at work.

Thanks for the advice!

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Yeah , I used to work in machine shops also, I worked for tardel awhile and learned perfectionism can be paralysis on a hotrod ...also that book is a guideline more than anything , a couple of measurements were printed wrong originally and he got all kinds of calls that something was 1/16 off from his measurements , or whatever..

while it is kinda a how to book you still have to let you conscious be your guide if the book says something fits but you see the fan poking past your radiator , time to regroup on the moch up

 

Anyone have any photos of the body and sub frame/rails modifications to fit around the step? I see in the tardel book and I think I get how it works. You basically cut the subframe/rails to fit the step correct? My body has a 1x1 shit subframe i am going to cut out as soon as i get the subframe i purchased from brookville matted to the body. So i am trying to set the subframe down make the cuts then mate up the body. Any advise i will take gladly.


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