If you properly restore the A to factory tolerances, not Judging Standards, you will expect to have a car that runs 60 MPH all day long, comfortable to be running 60 MPH, and stop confidently. Other then regular lubing, occasional adjusting of the points and keeping the gas tank full you should not expect to have any problems for decades.
In Chiefs' era, they were called "STRIP DOWNS" & RACING them was common on the country roadsI think if you read his initial post again, he is not thinking of a "rat rod" as we have seen recently. He is a "back yard tinkerer" just as a lot of us are and is looking for the same original parts that a restorer would look for like "nuts, bolts, fasteners" and wood pieces. That doesn't sound "rat rod" to me.
OR STUDEBAKERS?????????????????????????????????Indiana A. Lover, you come from a great state.........the home of Studebaker, but why come to a RESTORATION site to defend rat rods?
OR STUDEBAKERS?????????????????????????????????
Bill W.