The Ford Barn

Randy Lausch · 12-10-2021, 12:31 PM

I’m thinking of building a doodlebug every time I see one they seem to always shorten the frame does anyone know why I hate to cut down a good frame. But there must be a reason they do that.

BRENT in 10-uh-C · 12-10-2021, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randy Lausch

I’m thinking of building a doodlebug every time I see one they seem to always shorten the frame does anyone know why I hate to cut down a good frame. But there must be a reason they do that.

Their reasoning was to shorten the turning radius and make their 'tractor' more agile. In your case, substitute a stick of new 3" or 4" channel iron in lieu of the Model-A frame, and use a butchered Model-A front crossmember for the front. Typically a truck-style rear end is used and it is usually bolted solid to the frame rails, -and as such, no rear crossmember will be needed.

Reds34 · 12-10-2021, 05:42 PM

Randy,

Where are you located? Someone local to you may have a frame that's already been butchered.

Red

Chris in WNC · 12-11-2021, 07:22 AM

there's no right or wrong way to build it.
keep the stock frame length if you wish.
add a cowl and a flatbed then you have it!
A or AA rear axle depending on what you have available and what your ultimate purpose is.

I have been considering a doodlebug as my next Model A since I don't really have any more interest in long distance touring.....we'll see.

ronn · 12-11-2021, 08:03 AM

Quite a few come up for sale in upstate NY. There is even a club for them.

I would suggest buying one already built and pulling it out of the "forest" and saving it.

Have even seen them in 1929 chevy form with a double trans.

fordwife · 12-11-2021, 11:45 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Here in the northwest they were known as ''puddle jumpers''.

marko39 · 12-11-2021, 02:31 PM

Bought one years ago that had a flathead v8 a 39 - 41 truck engine. (81T) paid 75.00 and engine turned. It had a decent 32 grill shell but the rest was butchered pretty bad. Wife bitched when I drug it home. Engine is now in my 39 and runs great. Sold the rest and all parts found new homes.

101Scout · 12-30-2021, 10:45 AM

I see them on for sale on CL and FB out here in California now and then but asking prices tend to be in the $3-4k range which I think seems too high? I guess it depends what you're into. They are really cool little machines though. I've thought about building one out of my leftover parts eventually. Good luck with it!

12-10-2021, 12:31 PM	#1
Randy Lausch Member Join Date: May 2021 Posts: 36	Model A doodlebug I’m thinking of building a doodlebug every time I see one they seem to always shorten the frame does anyone know why I hate to cut down a good frame. But there must be a reason they do that.

12-10-2021, 05:42 PM	#3
Reds34 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Eastern, CT Posts: 527	Re: Model A doodlebug Randy, Where are you located? Someone local to you may have a frame that's already been butchered. Red

12-11-2021, 07:22 AM	#4
Chris in WNC Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Spruce Pine, NC Posts: 1,458	Re: Model A doodlebug there's no right or wrong way to build it. keep the stock frame length if you wish. add a cowl and a flatbed then you have it! A or AA rear axle depending on what you have available and what your ultimate purpose is. I have been considering a doodlebug as my next Model A since I don't really have any more interest in long distance touring.....we'll see. __________________ our next Model A is out there in the unknown......

12-11-2021, 08:03 AM	#5
ronn Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: NNNNNNNNJJJJJJJJJJ Posts: 6,787	Re: Model A doodlebug Quite a few come up for sale in upstate NY. There is even a club for them. I would suggest buying one already built and pulling it out of the "forest" and saving it. Have even seen them in 1929 chevy form with a double trans.

12-11-2021, 11:45 AM	#6
fordwife Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 287	Re: Model A doodlebug Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Here in the northwest they were known as ''puddle jumpers''.

12-11-2021, 02:31 PM	#7
marko39 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: harpursville ny Posts: 1,040	Re: Model A doodlebug Bought one years ago that had a flathead v8 a 39 - 41 truck engine. (81T) paid 75.00 and engine turned. It had a decent 32 grill shell but the rest was butchered pretty bad. Wife bitched when I drug it home. Engine is now in my 39 and runs great. Sold the rest and all parts found new homes.

12-30-2021, 10:45 AM	#8
101Scout Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Yosemite Posts: 29	Re: Model A doodlebug I see them on for sale on CL and FB out here in California now and then but asking prices tend to be in the $3-4k range which I think seems too high? I guess it depends what you're into. They are really cool little machines though. I've thought about building one out of my leftover parts eventually. Good luck with it!