The Ford Barn

Martinbuilt · 10-17-2023, 10:15 AM

I'm finally beginning on my subrails. They need a bunch of repairs.
I'll need to replace everything behind the rear crossmember.

If the subrails were new and complete, would they lay flat on a table?
What remains of mine seem to have a subtle curve that could be sag.

Thanks.

rotorwrench · 10-17-2023, 03:11 PM

Subrails should be repaired on a good straight frame with the body blocks in proper locations so that everything will fit together in proper location.

It's a good idea to disassemble and repair body panels that have a lot of corrosion then refit everything as it goes back together. Use clamps, magnets, screws/bolts, or clecos to hold everything for best fit before nailing it all back together with rivets. A person may get a better fit this way.

Check out the Model A B Ford Garage site for a 30/31 coupe type in photos and using this procedure. It's in the body section of that site.

A person could forgo that procedure by just repairing it in sections but fit should still be checked during the process. It's nice to have the bolts fit and the doors all fitting with good alignment.

Is this a standard coupe or a special coupe?

Martinbuilt · 10-17-2023, 03:19 PM

Thanks.
Business coupe
Here's where I am as of today.

rotorwrench · 10-18-2023, 12:57 PM

The Business Coupe, much like the Sport Coupe, may need to have new wood fitted to the upper body & top locations that use it as structure. It will certainly be necessary to fit the doors.

The soft top coupes are springy at the belt line with no wood to help hold things together better. Even the Special Coupe needs it's wood in place since the sheet metal is more or less nailed on for the top.

Martinbuilt · 10-18-2023, 06:57 PM

Blah.
Thanks, though.
This is my first early ford. The amount of wood in this car is shocking.
That said, it's a fun project.

rotorwrench · 10-19-2023, 11:41 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

The Fordors and the Cabriolets have a lot more wood but I know what you mean. The soft top coupe tops are a real challenge to restore. The top kits from Classtique have some information but there is also information here on the barn if a person has the patience to search. Volume 5 of the MAFCA Restorer series of restoration manuals is a must on the Sport Coupes and Business Coupes. The Business Coupes are a bit more simplified but the 29 models with the oval side windows are a fair bit of difference that isn't covered in Volume 5.

10-17-2023, 10:15 AM	#1
Martinbuilt Member Join Date: Nov 2022 Location: Near Pittsburgh Posts: 79	'29 coupe subrail repairs I'm finally beginning on my subrails. They need a bunch of repairs. I'll need to replace everything behind the rear crossmember. If the subrails were new and complete, would they lay flat on a table? What remains of mine seem to have a subtle curve that could be sag. Thanks.

10-17-2023, 03:11 PM	#2
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,565	Re: '29 coupe subrail repairs Subrails should be repaired on a good straight frame with the body blocks in proper locations so that everything will fit together in proper location. It's a good idea to disassemble and repair body panels that have a lot of corrosion then refit everything as it goes back together. Use clamps, magnets, screws/bolts, or clecos to hold everything for best fit before nailing it all back together with rivets. A person may get a better fit this way. Check out the Model A B Ford Garage site for a 30/31 coupe type in photos and using this procedure. It's in the body section of that site. A person could forgo that procedure by just repairing it in sections but fit should still be checked during the process. It's nice to have the bolts fit and the doors all fitting with good alignment. Is this a standard coupe or a special coupe? Last edited by rotorwrench; 10-17-2023 at 03:17 PM.

10-18-2023, 12:57 PM	#4
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,565	Re: '29 coupe subrail repairs The Business Coupe, much like the Sport Coupe, may need to have new wood fitted to the upper body & top locations that use it as structure. It will certainly be necessary to fit the doors. The soft top coupes are springy at the belt line with no wood to help hold things together better. Even the Special Coupe needs it's wood in place since the sheet metal is more or less nailed on for the top.

10-18-2023, 06:57 PM	#5
Martinbuilt Member Join Date: Nov 2022 Location: Near Pittsburgh Posts: 79	Re: '29 coupe subrail repairs Blah. Thanks, though. This is my first early ford. The amount of wood in this car is shocking. That said, it's a fun project.

10-19-2023, 11:41 AM	#6
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,565	Re: '29 coupe subrail repairs Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) The Fordors and the Cabriolets have a lot more wood but I know what you mean. The soft top coupe tops are a real challenge to restore. The top kits from Classtique have some information but there is also information here on the barn if a person has the patience to search. Volume 5 of the MAFCA Restorer series of restoration manuals is a must on the Sport Coupes and Business Coupes. The Business Coupes are a bit more simplified but the 29 models with the oval side windows are a fair bit of difference that isn't covered in Volume 5.