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-   -   Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic (https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=798674)

gigamanx 12-25-2019 09:03 PM

Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
Taking all my experience from my prior truck build and applying it to a more ambitious and more complete hot rod. I've always dreamed of a Model A Sedan, but was always intimidated by the build. Now I feel confident with the help of my trusty welder, all you fine folks, and YouTube that this will be a success! I'll catalog the build for anyone interested below and feel free to comment and put your thoughts in. I just received the body from a guy in Minnesota and, after looking it over, very pleased with how solid the metal is.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...2cf8eb6f_c.jpg


So why is it more ambitious than the 1949 Chevy 3100? Well, glad you asked! This bad girl is going to get a custom chassis, LS engine and 4L80e transmission. I'll be bagging the rear end and completely finishing out the interior and paint. Lots of new skills I need to learn, but a lot I can transfer from the truck.

The best news so far, it fits in my garage better than the truck did so I have way more room to work haha

12/25/2019: Current state, floor is out, engine and transmission got sold today to get it out of the way (SBC350/TH350 combo)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...94cec1de_c.jpg


end goal is something like this...
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...b842e584_c.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...f6078142_c.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...a5249a99_c.jpg
Credit to builder Denny Terzich

mongocanfly 12-25-2019 10:17 PM

Re: Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
Chop top?..
LS power will make that thing a rocket..
Full steam ahead

jkeating1 12-26-2019 10:03 PM

Re: Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
I'm in!

twinshadows 12-27-2019 05:03 AM

Re: Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
Oh yeah, I'm in, too.
I've had my Model A 5window for many years …. just another project.
But, I'm going SBC & 4speed … if and when that happens.
Keep going..... we're watching

jim

gigamanx 12-28-2019 07:36 PM

Re: Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
Update time! I don't waste much time haha. Trying to start on a solid foundation and have done LOTS of research in chassis design. Pulled the car entirely apart today ready for blasting. I also designed my garage paint booth so when the fresh metal returns from the blaster, I can lay down an epoxy primer to seal it all up. Decided on the Devilbliss finishline gun as my first one and some Eastwood epoxy primer.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...8982fcc1_c.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...daaa134b_c.jpg

Before taking the body apart, I mocked up the rails, lengths, and angles needed for the chassis to snuggly fit inside the rocker panels. This is the suggested way for the rat rod style because it maximizes floor space between the transmission tunnel and door. Also learned that using 2x4 wood is the same as using 2x4 steel which will be used for the final chassis.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...1d35d63d_c.jpg

gigamanx 12-28-2019 07:41 PM

Re: Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by mongocanfly (Post 8648877)
Chop top?..
LS power will make that thing a rocket..
Full steam ahead

Top was already chopped 4" previously. I'm pretty happy with it, so I think its going to stay as is.

mongocanfly 12-28-2019 07:41 PM

Re: Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
You moving along..!!....just remember that the wood will only be 1-1/2×3-1/2 as compared to the steel 2x4

gigamanx 12-28-2019 08:39 PM

Re: Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by mongocanfly (Post 8650205)
You moving along..!!....just remember that the wood will only be 1-1/2×3-1/2 as compared to the steel 2x4

I didn't realize that. I thought they were one and the same. May change my measurements a little then. Thanks for the tip!

gigamanx 01-01-2020 07:58 PM

Re: Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
Sent the body off to the soda blasting shop. They do all the cars for the local rod shop, so I trusted things would work out. While I'm waiting, I decided to build a paint booth in my garage. I built it with three sections of PVC. The idea is that each section can fold into the next so if I need to open up the garage I can essentially slide the sections together.

For now, it's setup for some primer once the body returns.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...6cd5f94b_c.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...78083618_c.jpg

Also settled on 2x3 3/16" box steel for the chassis. Having some trouble figuring out how tall front suspension is going to be so I need to sort out what options I have for a solid i beam front axle. The current axle is not a dropped axle, so I may not be able to fit it under the car and keep the radiator shell "beer can" height.

mongocanfly 01-01-2020 10:05 PM

Re: Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
Like the paint booth....I'm fixing to do something similar in mine...

gigamanx 01-04-2020 07:28 PM

Re: Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
Blasted and ready to go. Brought home the body and got it ready for priming in my new paint booth. Here's my experience as a first timer...

The good...
1. Eastwood Epoxy Primer is great! 1:1 ratio and a quart size is just enough to do a whole body.
2. Paint booth worked great! My spray arrestor filters were covered in gray primer and the rest of the garage stayed clean. Air flow seemed strong as I didn't notice any build of of fumes until I was almost finished with the whole body.
3. The $15 spray gun from Harbor Freight works just great for primer. Was pretty impressed by the consistent spray pattern. 1.4mm tip was fine for the Eastwood Primer.

The bad...
1. The internet is full of opinions on what to do with sand blasted metal. In the end, the only thing that worked was using a brush and a shop vac to get all the sand/media off the metal. Acetone didn't work, Metal prep didn't work, "rinsing" with water was a terrible idea and immediately rusted as I dried it with a heat gun.
2. I should have stopped there and decided to tack cloth the metal. I didn't see until after paint, but the epoxy now has a bunch of tiny fibers sticking out that will need to be dealt with. The only places that worked out were the inside panels since I didn't care to tack cloth them. They look great

Lessons.... Have all the stuff to mix your paint and clean the gun inside the booth so you don't have to leave to mix more.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...8218e1b4_c.jpg

Furry body paint that now needs 200grit wet sand before the next step. Not too worried as I assume a thin coat of bondo and sanding will fix it anyway.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...67476ebf_c.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...99b93526_c.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...775be5c4_c.jpg

No runs though so I was happy :)

55.1 01-07-2020 11:07 AM

Re: Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
I like your collapsible paint booth. I may have to use your design for my garage. Where did you get the exhaust fans?

gigamanx 01-07-2020 07:57 PM

Re: Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by 55.1 (Post 8655973)
I like your collapsible paint booth. I may have to use your design for my garage. Where did you get the exhaust fans?

Exhaust fans are 20 bucks on Walmart. I got three and only used two. I may add a third when its time for clear coat. 20x20 filters on the inlet side and I used some 20x20 paint arrestor filters on the exit out the garage door.

gigamanx 01-07-2020 07:59 PM

Re: Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
Currently working through some metal shaping. Got myself some 18ga and a bead roller. I already had a hammer and dolly set. Anything else I need to make my own patch panels? The pre-pressed ones for the Model A are just ridiculously expensive for a piece of sheet metal, so I'm trying to do them on my own as much as possible.

mongocanfly 01-07-2020 08:44 PM

Re: Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
I got a shrinker/stretcher to help with my patch panels..its amazing what it will do
a small metal brake as well
some pics of what youll be making will help

gigamanx 01-07-2020 08:55 PM

Re: Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by mongocanfly (Post 8656226)
I got a shrinker/stretcher to help with my patch panels..its amazing what it will do
a small metal brake as well
some pics of what youll be making will help

Thanks man. I've been thinking about adding a shrinker/stretcher. Seems like HF has a decent manual one. My patch panels are, for the most part, about 3" of the lower cowl, rear wheel wells, and a firewall. I'll eventually want to do all the flooring panels also.

mongocanfly 01-07-2020 08:58 PM

Re: Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
I got my s&s from eastwood...the one at harbor fright looked exactly like it except for the eastwood sticker...but the ones I saw the other night at hf are a little different...probably good enough for home building

gigamanx 01-07-2020 09:03 PM

Re: Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by mongocanfly (Post 8656237)
I got my s&s from eastwood...the one at harbor fright looked exactly like it except for the eastwood sticker...but the ones I saw the other night at hf are a little different...probably good enough for home building

Ha! Exactly the one I had in my cart. Eastwood loves me right now because I got all my paint stuff from them and my bead roller. Just wish they would sauce me a discount code and I'd probably keep shopping!

gigamanx 01-16-2020 04:54 PM

Re: Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
Watched a TON of videos since my last update. Who knew there were so many schools of thought on patch panel welding. In the end, I formulated my plan, made a sweet patch panel and welded it in. Painted POR15 anywhere that wasn't going to get welded to help seal the patch. A small amount of oil canning happened between the patch and the original metal. I think its because when I cut the old section out, the remaining metal folding in a little. Almost like it let go of some tension. I couldn't get the tension back in the panel, so closed up the weld and hope epoxy filler will smooth it out before paint. Thankfully its considered a "low spot" as opposed to a high spot :)

Very pleased with the results. Also welded some holes shut after researching if I should lead solder, body filler, or patch panel it. My restoration buddy said just to clean out small holes and fill weld it slowly. Seemed to work nicely on the pinholes. I used a copper backing plate on the larger ones so the weld would pool instead of falling through the hole.

Edit: Might have used the wrong terminology. Not oil canning...I have a valley where my weld is. The valley existed when I cut the old metal out and it bowed in a little. When I welded in the new metal, the bow/valley stayed.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...c299e84f_c.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...587982d8_c.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...d8cf44c3_c.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...bd1e28f4_c.jpg

jkeating1 01-17-2020 09:00 PM

Re: Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
Keep pluggin'-I'm watching

gigamanx 03-07-2020 09:54 PM

Re: Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
Bet you were wondering if that guy gave up......nope.

Solid progress and just put things back together today. Got the front ibeam dropped 4" by Okie Joe. Fixed all the sheet metal issues and installed the firewall. There will be a "final firewall" after I know where the steering column and fusebox is going to go.

At a bit of a crossroads now though. I have some expensive parts to purchase and not sure what I should get next. I'd like to get her sitting on a solid foundation, but that's around $2000 for some wire wheels and tires. Problem I have with getting wheels is that I need to get disc brakes in the rear and front. When I do that, I'll have to choose my bolt pattern. Maybe that's the next step?

Spent a few minutes this afternoon with a steering wheel and a seat pretending I could drive. Getting a feel for where pedals will be, steering column placement, exhaust placement (because it might interfere with the steering).

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e4f884bc_c.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...fc4740bf_c.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...9a60f206_c.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...6ff3bdab_c.jpg

mongocanfly 03-07-2020 10:34 PM

Re: Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
Axle drop looks good...I had faith that you were still at it...

gigamanx 03-29-2020 09:11 PM

Re: Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
Update! Front suspension is almost all back together. Dropped 8" by sweeping the frame upward.

Onto the rear end where I cut out the entire back section of the frame to put a bigger hump in. Pictures are a little scary as there is almost no car left haha.

Figuring out the age old problem now of how the heck I'll fit a gas tank, 4 link, coil overs, and rear axle all behind the seats. Not a lot of space there. I've mocked up the rear of the frame to try and figure out where everything needs to go.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...04da69ace0.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...d0ce2452e0.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...0a00400348.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...4951d9c99f.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...5657fe2d_c.jpg

gigamanx 04-06-2020 01:33 PM

Re: Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
The good news about COVID is solid progress every weekend in the garage. This weekend was wishbone repair time. The previous owner cut the wishbones but never finished them. I needed to weld on new tie rod end mounts on the frame and needed to pie cut the wishbones upward to match the new front sweep and lowered suspension. Turned out pretty nice!

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...87646fc7_z.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...142c3fc1_z.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...62afdc08_c.jpg

gigamanx 04-15-2020 04:02 PM

Re: Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
Not very exciting updates lately. This project is definitely not for the faint of heart. Having issues finding pictures, examples, parts, things that fit. So I'm having to get creative on some engineering of the chassis, seating position, pedal position, steering. It all has to work together in the limited space between the frame rails haha.

Man, does it look like crap in the garage right now :( Gonna have to find some motivation to push through. transmission cross-member next.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...c1a6c78a_z.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...416a3426_z.jpg

Rear frame rails are in. 4 link will be next back there. Test fitted the gas tank and coil overs to make sure there was room back there.

gigamanx 04-17-2020 08:12 PM

Re: Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
This is the first hurdle I've really scratched my head on. Done a bunch of research and came up with not a picture of example of how to overcome. Hoping I can get some feedback from you fine folks.


I planned and bought a 4 link rear suspension kit with panhard. After setting up the brackets, I realized the forward bracket is basically right where the seat is supposed to go. I need about 3" of clearance which puts my head basically out the top of the roof if I raise the floor that far. Problem two, the lower connecting point is below the scrub line and dangerously low for ride height.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...60436443_c.jpg

I looked at converting the kit I bought to a ladder bar setup, so I only have to fit one bar under my butt. along the frame rail. What other options would there be to give me some clearance above and below the 4 link? I read that shortening the bars and moving the bracket back to maybe 12" is a really bad idea?

Current bars are 24" in length.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...a844749d_c.jpg

gigamanx 04-17-2020 08:18 PM

Re: Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
Something like this maybe gives me the clearance I need? Triangulated 4 link. I would just need to cut the upper bars and build new brackets for them.

https://www.progressiveautomotive.co...f-IMG_3673.jpg

mongocanfly 04-17-2020 08:48 PM

Re: Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
exactly what I was gonna say "triangulated 4link''...or trailing arm style

gigamanx 04-17-2020 09:11 PM

Re: Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by mongocanfly (Post 8718898)
exactly what I was gonna say "triangulated 4link''...or trailing arm style

Thanks man. Triangulated does seem to be the right approach as the picture I posted is almost exactly the setup I'd be aiming for. I have a set of coil overs to go behind the axle with enough room to fit the gas tank also. I am trying to find some articles on where that upper mount needs to be placed on the frame as it seems there would be some geometry issues if I put it in the wrong place.

Love this guy... he talks about it a bit on how to setup the upper section...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnD40fmlKOA

mongocanfly 04-17-2020 10:30 PM

Re: Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
there are tons of write ups on t-4links...but the top link should be about 70% of the length of the bottom link ..so if your bottom link was 24" ,your top link should be about 16.8",,and for a street car the bars should be level and parallel

gigamanx 05-12-2020 08:36 AM

Re: Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
Hey all, would love to give you an update via pictures, but I've upgraded! Hope this doesn't break any rules, but I've started posting YouTube videos as I go along. Partly for updates, partly so other people can learn from things I've tried and failed at.

I'll keep posting on here for everyone but may link to videos also. Update is the install of a cross member with exhaust pass through.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjBF7trVBRo

You may notice in the intro a silhouette of a 3100. Tip-o-the-hat to my original build "Where there's a Will, there's a way!"

Ol Blue K20 05-17-2020 05:20 AM

Re: Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
A little late to the party but I'm in to watch.

gigamanx 05-17-2020 06:04 PM

Re: Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Ol Blue K20 (Post 8740840)
A little late to the party but I'm in to watch.

Welcome to the party man!

Current state of things after finalizing and installing a triangulated 4 link suspension in the ole hot rod...

4 link suspension install: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQpCUedI8_g

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...db76e8dc_c.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...dc7af8d3_c.jpg

mongocanfly 05-17-2020 08:05 PM

Re: Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
All the way thru your video I was hollering.. NO NO NO..then you added that last brace to the pinion..
I know your limited by space..With your top bars at the flat of a angle I'd take the coilovers off and check your articulation

gigamanx 05-17-2020 08:57 PM

Re: Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by mongocanfly (Post 8741341)
All the way thru your video I was hollering.. NO NO NO..then you added that last brace to the pinion..
I know your limited by space..With your top bars at the flat of a angle I'd take the coilovers off and check your articulation

Certainly has taken a lot of thought and once I started building I could tell there was no strength in the horizontal bar. Most of the rigidity is now coming from that bolted section on the front.

I do have another issue though, maybe you have some input. I measured my angles and I have 35, 110, 35 degrees on the upper arms. I'm told that is too wide to be successful, but can't find any details on what it should be.

mongocanfly 05-17-2020 09:14 PM

Re: Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
My internet is acting up and I cant load what I'm looking for...I've got a bunch of stuff saved o suspension setup...I think this is one of the better ones...http://www.trucktrend.com/how-to/cha...ension-design/
But with those bars spread out like that its certainly not ideal...
Where are you getting your angle measurements?

gigamanx 05-17-2020 09:39 PM

Re: Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by mongocanfly (Post 8741418)
My internet is acting up and I cant load what I'm looking for...I've got a bunch of stuff saved o suspension setup...I think this is one of the better ones...http://www.trucktrend.com/how-to/cha...ension-design/
But with those bars spread out like that its certainly not ideal...
Where are you getting your angle measurements?


Not sure if you can see it, but measuring down the roll center and each upper arm, I get 32 degrees, 58, 58, 32.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...0bfe9509_c.jpg

I can find articles that suggest 30 is fine, some that say 45 is fine. Now is the time to get it right though cause once I've build a floor, seats, exhaust, it will really suck to have to change it.

doowoppwer 06-24-2020 02:33 PM

Re: Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
I'm in. Lots to learn.

Roger

gigamanx 06-25-2020 09:20 PM

Re: Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
Haven't updated my videos, but Roger reminded me I need to update you guys.

4 link was totally removed and redone. After some input including Mongocanfly, I went back to the drawing board literally. Found a 4 link calculator to do all my measurements and calculations. I'll have some videos getting posted soon, but since this is my crew, you guys get some sneak peek photos :)

New 4 link design. Now has a 90 degree angle between the upper links
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...772f0d0b53.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...75682f03_z.jpg

Working on framing the car body where the wood used to go with 1 1/2x 3/4 rectangular tubing. Fits quite nicely in the gaps. Its slow going as I'm still trying to figure out where each piece mounts to both the body and itself. I also try to design it so I can remove the frame for paint and reinsert it.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e299c96571.jpg

Car was completely missing steering when I bought it. Purchased a full speedway kit with Wilwood brakes. Just mocking up the vega steering box under the engine so I can check clearances and alignment. Starting to look like a real car up front there :)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...fa3ba6b96c.jpg

Ebay plasma cutter going strong. Really glad I dropped the $200 on that. So much easier to cut steel than a zip disk.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...62e07155ef.jpg

gigamanx 07-15-2020 06:53 AM

Re: Ford Model A Tudor Modern Twist on a Classic
 
Falling behind on the updates, but not on the work. Each time I was almost finished making a video, I found I needed to work on some other part of the car that was in the way.

Hot summer day, got the new spindles on after painting the axle
https://youtu.be/B0ak6Q1hnSw

Working on the floor braces, aligning the body and doors, along with bead rolling practice on a new firewall.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...9f126d81_c.jpg

oh, and goes to show my garage is not always a complete disaster :)


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