A very slow, very long Model A Ford build.

Dragged home the start of a project today.

A Ford Model AA truck engine produced in May 1928.

It's been rebuilt, allegedly and seems to be in good shape. The previous owner removed it from a snowplane.

Not sure exactly what it's going to end up in. 

I'm currently hunting for a transmission for it. Model A is OK, I'd prefer a 32 to 39 transmission but I need a Model B bellhousing to make it work.

More to come as I find bits.

When I saw the thread title (A very slow, very long Model A Ford build), I was going to jokingly suggest that it sounds like you're building a Model AA, but it looks like maybe you are! I'm still kicking myself for not buying a very original, low mileage AA two years ago, but it was a week before I was scheduled to have rotator cuff surgery, so I probably made the right decision.

Minor confession: I looked at a late '31 Model A pickup within the past 24 hours...

Have fun with your build!

In reply to Woody (Forum Supportum) :

Lol. That would be appropriate but no, I'm not building an AA.

I'm thinking more of a cycle car / speedster sort of thing.

In reply to Woody (Forum Supportum) :

I almost bought a 32 ford PU back in late 1982. I was a young apprentice at NN Ship. , living in an apartment ($300/month rent) parking in a gravel parking lot at work, and making a big $6 / hr. 
Woulda had to sell the 71 elcamino (bout a grand at the time) I was driving in them days, and wiped out every dime I had. 
Woulda been cool and fun, but I did the adult thing and passed. Saw it 13 years later - looked the same - 3 times the price!

Ah, well. I doubt it'd a still been around if ida bought her then. 
Found out years later, I'd rather have an AA anyway

In reply to 03Panther :

Knowing what I know now, I'd start with an AA, shorten the chassis to Model A pickup length, C the rear of the frame and add airbags, and use a dropped axle in the front. You'd end up with a much stronger frame with no need to box it. 

"My" 32 (the one that got away) was steel cab and bed sides, fiberglass fenders for the wide rubber, lowered, 12V and juice brakes. 289 under the one piece hood/no sides. 
I wouldn't even be able to fit in it today 

So. I was thinking while having my morning coffee... "Didn't you find an old (car) body in the dump in the back 40 last year?".

Went for a walk this morning and had to go back and get my tractor. 

It's a late Ford Model T Touring body.

It's pretty much a wreck but the cowl is pretty solid and that's what I want.

By some miracle, nobody has shot holes in it in the last 100 years.

My dump has everything, including the kitchen sink.

Dragged home a 28 A two door sedan and a 28 AA truck today.

Between the two I've got enough bits for a decent frame, a good fuel tank and cowl, axles, suspension and steering, plus a two-door body to sell.

If anyone is looking for an unmolested Tudor, I have one. All steel, rust free, original motor. Even has the original interior. 
 

Watching for cool build!

Sorted the pile yesterday.

Compare Model A rear axle:

To AA rear axle:

Found some cool parts the other day.

Zepher twin carb manifold and a pair of Holley 92 carburetors. 

Body is assembled and up for sale if anyone wants it.

Chassis nearly ready to go into the shop.

Been a while.

The chassis is in the shop and stripped down to a bare frame. Front crossmember is out and being repaired to fix cracks and assorted damage.

Took a trip back to B.C. and do some horse trading.

Swapped a closed car swing-out windshield for a good transmission with a friend of mine.

Picked up a bellhousing and pedal assembly.

Bought a balanced crankshaft with matching lightened and balanced flywheel and a starter motor from another friend.

Now I just need to get some free shop time to work on it all.

Well, time for an update.

No paying work in the shop right so might as well work on shop projects now.

Made one good crossmember from two. This is an early 1928 crossmember with the early style motor mount which has not been cut off and upgraded with a later mount. Some purists are probably having a heart attack right now.

Here's why they were cut off. The early style mounts like to crack. Ford issused a service bulletin to hacksaw the mount off and replace it with an updated mount that bolts through the hole in the center of the crossmember.

Next up, I'm going to narrow the rear of the frame. I want to build a speedster body, single seat or maybe two place, offset seating for a riding mechanic. You can see how the frame flares out at the back, that has to go.

To do that, the rear crossmember has to come out.

So, knock the rivets out with my trusty air chisel.

Crossmember out.

Here is where the flare in the frame starts and this is where we make a slice in the top and bottom flange of the frame so we can pull the frame rails in a bit. The 1/16" slice from the cutoff wheel is just enough.

With the slice made, I pull the rear part of the frame in and clamp a piece of tubing to the side to keep it straight, then tack weld the slice in the frame rail.

Once the frame is tacked, measure diagonally from the rear corner to one of the center crossmember rivets. Do the same for the other side.

Got it square! Frame rails are nice and straight.

Now I can test fit the rear crossmember and see what sort of trimming I want to do to it.

I moved the frame in 2.5" on each side so 5" narrower at the rear. Woo!

I'd like to end up with something like this when I'm done. Not following any sort of plans, just doing what seems right in my head.

Holes are drilled and crossmembers temporarily bolted in place:

Great updates!