Experienced advice/help.

hardtimes

hardtimes

Well-known member
Anyone relate to the 'restless soul' syndrome? IT has been with me forever..and I can not shake it!!
Well, because of IT, I'm leaving the banger thing behind(that's right..mechanical brakes/expensive banger) (divesting ?). Anyway, In my current state of mind...I want to start an AV8 project. Problem is I don't have experience that way and need advice. First what should I expect to pay for a basic rebuilt 59AB or 8CM flatty..long block or complete? Which, if either, would you start with?
Secondly, would you recommend starting with a '32 type frame or will an A frame suffice(cost considered).
I know that the requested input is very subjective, but please feel free to give your advice, to a beginner, as you would do it, based on your experience, trial/error!
 
Get hold of the book "How to Build a Traditional Ford Hot Rod" by Bishop and Tardel. It will answer a lot of questions. Also, I find the Barn here to be an invaluable source of info! Further, there's an AV8 "social group" here, but it hasn't been too active.
 
What Pete said.
Read the book over and it will narrow down your field of questions. They are readily available from Amazon or ebay without much effort.

The engine thing depends on your wallet and where you are, along with how good a scout you are and how patient. Lots of ways to secure a good engine. If you buy a used lump on the floor without hearing/seeing it run, it's not worth much unless the seller is a very trusted friend. With patience you can sometimes find a good take out, running engine that you can inspect before buying. Watching the ads in craigslist or kijiji are a couple sources, either sell or wanted on your part. Rebuilt long blocks can be had in the $2500 +-, but be aware of quick and dirty vendors. Then building out the accessory needs can add up in a hurry if you don't have a well equipped donor engine or parts stash.

As for the frame, once you've read Bishop's book it may be more clear to you. My personal preference is the Deuce frame, both my '28 and '30 have them, but that's because they fit the image in my head. You should make yourself real familiar with both configurations to see which one more fits your image of the quintessential AV8 (there are some hard core folks who would argue it's not truly an AV8 unless it's on a Model A frame). Good/useable A frames are still relatively available, Deuce frames much less so (and much more competition for the comparative few left), but good quality repop '32 pieces are very available. Some will say new metal is a better start than 80ish year old fatigued stuff. In most circumstances the Deuce frame will cost you more than the A, but after that the costs will be the same based on the choices you make.

If you're not stealing from your rent money this is a good time to be looking for building material......or complete cars or projects for that matter (might be the more economical way actually). While some people are still asking 3 year ago prices (when the economy wasn't as bleak), others who have to sell are taking offers much lower because they're motivated sellers. If you make yourself knowledgable and are somewhat patient you can put together a car comparatively (to just a couple years ago) cheaply.
 
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Uncle Bob said:
What Pete said.
Read the book over and it will narrow down your field of questions. They are readily available from Amazon or ebay without much effort.

The engine thing depends on your wallet and where you are, along with how good a scout you are and how patient. Lots of ways to secure a good engine. If you buy a used lump on the floor without hearing/seeing it run, it's not worth much unless the seller is a very trusted friend. With patience you can sometimes find a good take out, running engine that you can inspect before buying. Watching the ads in craigslist or kijiji are a couple sources, either sell or wanted on your part. Rebuilt long blocks can be had in the $2500 +-, but be aware of quick and dirty vendors. Then building out the accessory needs can add up in a hurry if you don't have a well equipped donor engine or parts stash.

As for the frame, once you've read Bishop's book it may be more clear to you. My personal preference is the Deuce frame, both my '28 and '30 have them, but that's because they fit the image in my head. You should make yourself real familiar with both configurations to see which one more fits your image of the quintessential AV8 (there are some hard core folks who would argue it's not truly an AV8 unless it's on a Model A frame). Good/useable A frames are still relatively available, Deuce frames much less so (and much more competition for the comparative few left), but good quality repop '32 pieces are very available. Some will say new metal is a better start than 80ish year old fatigued stuff. In most circumstances the Deuce frame will cost you more than the A, but after that the costs will be the same based on the choices you make.

If you're not stealing from your rent money this is a good time to be looking for building material......or complete cars or projects for that matter (might be the more economical way actually). While some people are still asking 3 year ago prices (when the economy wasn't as bleak), others who have to sell are taking offers much lower because they're motivated sellers. If you make yourself knowledgable and are somewhat patient you can put together a car comparatively (to just a couple years ago) cheaply.
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I AGREE

About five years ago, I built a A-V8 using a '32 frame and 59-AB Engine. I did a good job on the chassis but to expedite the process and watch the budget, I used a running, but mostly worn out 59-AB engine I salvaged from an old Pick-Up I sold.

This allowed me to get it on the road and enjoy it for the summer. I built a better engine for it over the winter when I had a little more time and funds. This also allowed me time to accumulate some nice speed Equiptment for it.

I feel the '32 Chassis is a better platform to start from. It may be a little more expensive going in but is easier to do and I feel you wind up with a better car in the end.

DEFINATELY, buy the Book, it is well written and has a world of information. :)

Read up and Press on!!!!

Chris
 
CWPASADENA said:
DEFINITELY, buy the Book, it is well written and has a world of information. :)
Read up and Press on!!!!
Chris
Click to expand...

A few words about "the book." Yes- The old magazines said to use a '40 rear and a '39 trans and F1 brakes. Bishop and Tardel give a lot of the same information with a lot more explaning, BUT they leave a lot is issues NOT explained. One thing I wrestled with was using the OLD Ford standard 1/4" brake plumbing and somehow connecting with the F1 front wheel cylinders. Yes, I found brake hoses with the required fittings, but later learned that I should have run 1/4" a short distance from the master cylinder, reduced down to 3/16" tubing and then I would have been able to use standard F1 hoses. Lots of stuff like that, but it would have made the book a whole lot thicker!
 
THANKS, all of you guys for sharing! Valuable answers..all, and I will compile your help/answers going forward. I will obtain and study Bishop/Tardel. I know of a guy who has a '30 five window AV8 coupe done by Tardel..hmm, sounds like he might be a good source and to study his coupe.
 
hardtimes said:
I know of a guy who has a '30 five window AV8 coupe done by Tardel..hmm, sounds like he might be a good source and to study his coupe.
Click to expand...


:DThere's a guy who has something to do with this forum that has one of those too. Built by son Keith.........the apple didn't fall far from the tree.
 
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