29 roadster on a no good 31 frame

E

eeyore

Senior Member
Well I just got back to my nightmare 31 frame and since it looked shiney and black with lots of new parts when I got it, I spent time on the body now I see the rear 18" of the frame is bent upward on both rails about 1-1/2", how much can a frame be repaired? It maybe time to throw in the wrench:eek:
 

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The front crossmember is different between to 28 29 and 30 31 frames. this is due to the different radiators. 30 31 being the taller of the two. If you really have a 31 frame you are going to have problems lining up the hood if you are building a 28 29 car.
 
eeyore said:
now I see the rear 18" of the frame is bent upward on both rails about 1-1/2"
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How can that happen? There is not much stress in that area. Perhaps the problem is really the rear bumper brackets? They might be bent, or perhaps they are not installed correctly.

Doug
 
If you run a strin (taut) from one end of the frame to the other what does it look like?? Do a search about frame/straightening. As others have said 28/29 and 30/31 front crossmembers are different but have nothing to dowith what I'm asking you to check.
Paul in CT
 
If you look at the Service Bulletins the front cross member was changed to the 30=31 style in Oct or Nov of 29. Even if it is a 30-31 style frame all you have to do is add extra pads under the radiator to line it up. Frames supplied for 28 -29 cars after the introduction of the new style frames for repair service were of the new style with the added pads.
 
Picture 001.jpg the white subrail is sitting were it should be on top of the bent frame leaving a gap of 1-1/2" at the rear of the frame on both sides, the bumper bracket are off completely, the frame channel does show a buckel were it seems to be bent upward:(
 
Is it really that hard to just find a good 29 frame?
I see them at swap meets on a regular basis for 2 or 3 hundred bucks. Heck there's 2 leaning against the back wall of my shop right now, both 29's...except we're a few states apart.
Why not throw an add in the Fordbarn swap section?
I bet you'd have a good 29 frame before the weekend.
 
Thanks for the input thats why I am asking what I might need to do. I (thought) I had a good rolling frame so changing everything over seemed a big set back, but I guess after finding as many problems as I have by work I did not do myself I had better get a new frame and go over everything as I change it out. If I find a frame does it need a serial number or title, or just a bill of sale for me to be able to use it? thanks Dale
 
You didn't hear it here, BUT if the frame you have has a good title, and engine matches, etc. I would procure a new frame and restamp it. If the new frame comes with a title(doubtful), and you're not a matching # person, just go ahead and build. Take pictures of frame # BEFORE mounting body. JMO
Paul in CT
 
I took a better picture of the right inside rear of rhe frame both sides have about the same bend, should I remove the spring if I try to strieghten the frame, and could I do one side at a time or try to work both togeather? thanks Dale
 

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from what i see,it looks very repairable.looks like the top flanges are bent,bottoms look good.a three foot adjustable could straighten what i am seeing.then do some x measuring and look for sway.
 
Thanks I think I will give it a try before I give up on it, nothing to loose but some time, and I may gain some experience either way. I will still keep my eyes open for a good 29 frame just in case.
 
I would suggest you find a correct frame and put your effort and money into that. It will work better for you in the long run, when you're trying to get your hood and doors aligned, and now is the easiest time to do it.
 
I'd do a bit of research with your state's law on titles, as you stated you have a salvage title and if you aren't building a true numbers matching full on restoration, I'd just buy another frame and get a new title. Kansas is great about getting antique titles, all you have to have is a bill of sale with good clear numbers and your set to getting an antique title without an inspection for $10 bucks. There are tons of model a frames out there, you should be able to buy a good one for a couple of hundred.
 
Ya gotta wonder how that frame got bent in that area.

After looking at the burnt model A on another thread, could that frame have gone through a fire and sagged in a similar fashion?
 
Any collision that bent the frame on both sides in that area must have taken out the rear of the body and the rear axle! Maybe the frame spent some time in a scrap pile with heavy stuff thrown on it?

Doug
 
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