Re: boxing plates
I have a coupe that was reconstructed from parts - 1929 frame with 30-31 front crossmember, 1931 indented firewall body on 1930 fenders and running boards - go figure. The guy who put it together straightened the frame and welded in 1/4 inch steel plate on both frame rails just aft of the engine mounts to box and stiffen the frame. He had planned to drop in a V8 but never quite got there, so put back the Model A engine and drivetrain and drove it to work every day. He also installed 1940 Ford brakes with some more welding on the steel plate for a master cylinder mount.
The car rides and drives well but has a slightly different feel than a Model A. I think its the opposite of what happens when somebody puts in Float-A-Motor mounts, because some of the usual flexing of the frame is missing and so the ride is a bit stiffer. I see no advantage other than a frame that is not likley to sag in the midsection. The car looks very original from 10 feet away but, due to all the modifications, the value of the car will never approach that of an original Model-A.
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