The Ford Barn

JohnB · 11-11-2023, 04:08 PM

Anyone ever put a 46-48 passenger car frame under a full-fendered Model 'A'??

Thanks in advance,
John B

ModelA29 · 11-11-2023, 04:23 PM

I don't think it will work. Or I should say I don't think it's feasible. Anything can be done if you throw enough money at it. It's 10" wider and has a shape that would be difficult for the squarish Model A body to mount.

nkaminar · 11-12-2023, 07:47 AM

Possible but lots of work. I have seen a Model T body on a Model A frame. That seems more feasible.

rotorwrench · 11-12-2023, 10:58 AM

There is a lot of wheel base difference too, 106" versus 114" on a 1946. The width and shape would make it look odd. The 1932 frame would be a better choice but full fenders are even difficult on that frame due to it's curved shapes.

ronn · 11-13-2023, 12:45 PM

why many guys use s 10s when building a "modern" model A.

rileyracing · 11-18-2023, 10:17 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Not quite Model A, but shows what whittling to the frame needs to be done to fit under a smaller car. In this case, he used a T.

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...ree-t.1104506/

I actually kinda dig it.

v/r,
jason

Joe K · 11-19-2023, 09:06 PM

This, like many things, has been "made easy" by repeated interest and those willing to pay the price for others to do it.

Like full boxed frames with the V8 Motor Mounts already installed.

Like beam axles which replace the easily bent Model A front axle and get away from the "wishbone" substituting full radius rods. (which are geometrically superior to a wishbone.)

Like "quick change rears" which make "tuning" the response of the car for maximum acceleration given one's use, weight of car, geartrain ahead of it, even tires/road "stick."

I'm reminded of the guy I recently bought a "real nice" Model A front axle from. He set the Model A axle aside in preference for a stronger "Sacramento" axle. We are talking 6x the Model A horsepower behind it.

He had bit the bullet earlier and set aside the Model A Frame for the Sacramento "ladder."

The body was in "good shape." He had no plans to chop it preferring to go the "sleeper" route.

It's all but money - or effort on your part.

The three axioms of production: do you want it quick, do you want it quality, do you want it cheap. You get only two out of three.

Joe K

larrys40 · 11-20-2023, 08:12 AM

Why? They are totally different animals. Speaking as a flathead v8 and Model A guy in familiar with both … nothing wrong with a Model A frame and everything fits. The much larger 41- 48 frame would never be right and would make your car worthless to the Model A buyers when you sell.
If you want a 48 ford buy one . If you want a Model A stick with Model A. The simplicity of their design is the charm of the car.

Flathead · 11-20-2023, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larrys40

Why? They are totally different animals. Speaking as a flathead v8 and Model A guy in familiar with both … nothing wrong with a Model A frame and everything fits. The much larger 41- 48 frame would never be right and would make your car worthless to the Model A buyers when you sell.
If you want a 48 ford buy one . If you want a Model A stick with Model A. The simplicity of their design is the charm of the car.

Well said! That sums it up in my opinion. I too have worked with both platforms.

Charlie Stephens · 11-20-2023, 06:48 PM

I have had Model A's since 1962. What you are suggesting is A VERY BAD IDEA.

Charlie Stephens

11-11-2023, 04:08 PM	#1
JohnB Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: VA Beach Posts: 4	46-48 frame under Model A?? Anyone ever put a 46-48 passenger car frame under a full-fendered Model 'A'?? Thanks in advance, John B

11-12-2023, 07:47 AM	#3
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 3,900	Re: 46-48 frame under Model A?? Possible but lots of work. I have seen a Model T body on a Model A frame. That seems more feasible. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.

11-12-2023, 10:58 AM	#4
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,440	Re: 46-48 frame under Model A?? There is a lot of wheel base difference too, 106" versus 114" on a 1946. The width and shape would make it look odd. The 1932 frame would be a better choice but full fenders are even difficult on that frame due to it's curved shapes.

11-13-2023, 12:45 PM	#5
ronn Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: NNNNNNNNJJJJJJJJJJ Posts: 6,792	Re: 46-48 frame under Model A?? why many guys use s 10s when building a "modern" model A.

11-18-2023, 10:17 AM	#6
rileyracing Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Southeast Michigan- FORD country! Posts: 16	Re: 46-48 frame under Model A?? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Not quite Model A, but shows what whittling to the frame needs to be done to fit under a smaller car. In this case, he used a T. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...ree-t.1104506/ I actually kinda dig it. v/r, jason __________________ Barnstormers VSC- Celeritate Est Vita Antique Vehicle Mechanic- Greenfield Village Sometimes Docent - Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Member #347- Early Ford Registry rileyracing on the HAMB

11-19-2023, 09:06 PM	#7
Joe K Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Cow Hampshire Posts: 4,188	Re: 46-48 frame under Model A?? This, like many things, has been "made easy" by repeated interest and those willing to pay the price for others to do it. Like full boxed frames with the V8 Motor Mounts already installed. Like beam axles which replace the easily bent Model A front axle and get away from the "wishbone" substituting full radius rods. (which are geometrically superior to a wishbone.) Like "quick change rears" which make "tuning" the response of the car for maximum acceleration given one's use, weight of car, geartrain ahead of it, even tires/road "stick." I'm reminded of the guy I recently bought a "real nice" Model A front axle from. He set the Model A axle aside in preference for a stronger "Sacramento" axle. We are talking 6x the Model A horsepower behind it. He had bit the bullet earlier and set aside the Model A Frame for the Sacramento "ladder." The body was in "good shape." He had no plans to chop it preferring to go the "sleeper" route. It's all but money - or effort on your part. The three axioms of production: do you want it quick, do you want it quality, do you want it cheap. You get only two out of three. Joe K __________________ Shudda kept the horse. Last edited by Joe K; 11-19-2023 at 09:12 PM.

11-20-2023, 08:12 AM	#8
larrys40 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: St Charles , Missouri Posts: 1,998	Re: 46-48 frame under Model A?? Why? They are totally different animals. Speaking as a flathead v8 and Model A guy in familiar with both … nothing wrong with a Model A frame and everything fits. The much larger 41- 48 frame would never be right and would make your car worthless to the Model A buyers when you sell. If you want a 48 ford buy one . If you want a Model A stick with Model A. The simplicity of their design is the charm of the car.

11-20-2023, 06:48 PM	#10
Charlie Stephens Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,033	Re: 46-48 frame under Model A?? I have had Model A's since 1962. What you are suggesting is A VERY BAD IDEA. Charlie Stephens