Not for the faint of heart - Model A chassis

[Marshall V. Daut]

A local friend had me build a Model A chassis in a mild souped-up form, which will now be sent to Arizona for a 1918 Model T roadster body that's being modified to fit a Model A chassis. Some of the more purist of you in the crowd may cringe at these photos, but rest assured - this rebuild was performed on one of the most rusted Midwest chassis I have ever seen. Most guys would have junked the frame and front/rear ends. A LOT of filling, sanding, primering and final black paint went into making the chassis look like what you see in the photos. Once the chassis comes back to me in a few months with the body in place, I'll post more photos - if I haven't been run off this website by then.
For particulars, the engine is an AER job from Rich Falluca in Skokie, Illinois with a polished Thomas head, Weber 32/36 downdraft carb, cast iron header manifold, modern 12 volt electronic distributor and a 1939 Ford transmission with synchromesh gears. I am guessing this engine is in the neighborhood of 75 horsepower, maybe a little more. With the lightweight Model T body and no fenders or hood, this little number ought to really scoot!
Comments? Questions? Threats?
Marshall

[Roadster62]

All that power and time spent in a self admitted JUNK chassis? Not something I'd want on the road with me. Bob

[Hotrodfil]

I'm rather a fan of a T bodied A chassis myself. Will it be fendered?

[james hitchcock]

Wowie. I think you've done a great job. Almost a shame to put a body on and cover everything up. I'll bet she will scoot.

[Marshall V. Daut]

"All that power and time spent in a self admitted JUNK chassis? Not something I'd want on the road with me. Bob "

Yes, the chassis components were rust-pitted, not rusted-through. Only one rear radius rod needed to be replaced because of structural weakness due to rusting. The other chassis parts suffered mainly from pitting and were not materially compromised. Had this chassis been unearthed from two feet of a dirt grave or pulled out of a creek, I'd agree with you that the finished project might be suspect. But I think we're good to go.
Marshall

[Marshall V. Daut]

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"Hotrodfil" -
No fenders, hood or running boards. Just an upholstered black T roadster body, the way my friend wants it to be.
Marshall

[Juggler]

Like it

Plan to do the same thing myself. No complete Model A's or T's will be hurt in the process.

Keep the pictures coming

Cheers

Juggs

[700rpm]

Don't say it, Ray. Don't say it... don't say it.

[cradlescyth]

looks darn good to me.

Lots of work with good results.

[C26Pinelake]

ill bet the people on Hamb love you ! Wayne

[colin1928]

Marshall well done work to be proud of

[Big hammer]

Looking good!!! Keep us up dated,if you need someone to test drive her :-)

[George Miller]

Nice work. Another running gear saved.

[Dodge]

Looks great, can't wait to see the completed car.

[Jwilli]

Nice job.

[2manycars]

What cam did you use? How about a polished stainless steel lower radiator pipe? I am surprised you did not use an over head valve setup like in your car.

[Rex_A_Lott]

I like it all except the plastic fan, it just looks goofy and out of place on such a nice chassis. Nice work, thanks for sharing the pics.

[Fordors]

Very nice work, the attention to detail shows. Regarding any modifications done to T's or A's it seems those that might be opposed never read up on automotive history. Did they never hear of a Mercury body conversion, or Frontenac, Roof, Winfield, Riley or Dreyer speed equipment? Modifications for more power and speed, or even just to individualize a car have been going on forever.

[pgerhardt]

It is beautiful and I am in awe of the level of craftsmanship, but IMHO it has little in common with a model A, and will have nothing of the model A driving experience left. Different strokes for different folks.

[my2nd40]

Beautiful, that's something you can have fun with right there. Thanks for posting, gives me inspiration!