Rear Radius Rod Strengthening

M

mollydog

Member
I have an open drive shaft in my Model "A". What is the best way to strengthen the rear radius rods to handle the torque? What have you guys done in the past and what works?

Mollydog
 
mollydog said:
I have an open drive shaft in my Model "A". What is the best way to strengthen the rear radius rods to handle the torque? What have you guys done in the past and what works?

Mollydog
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We refer you over to the Hot Rod Forum.
 
Here's a picture of one.

Bob
 

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I used 1/4" x 1" mild steel spot welded on both sides on the seam. It's worked fine for 7 years. Engine is a B with a CRAGAR head and lots of go fast goodies. Wonder if mikeinnj realizes how many parts hot rod guys sell to A restores for five cents on the dollar?
 
WestCoast said:
Lol there is always one on every post that is never willing to give any help
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It's hard. This query may be from someone who has a relatively stock Model A but been upgraded by Sonny when he was in his Archie & Jughead stage of life. Sonny now probably in his mid 70s.

I think the recommendation was apt though. Who can do it better than someone who has done? Best would have been to give a link.

Like http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/forums/traditional-hot-rods.57/

There may be other good places to go. I confess I'm not all that current in these matters. I'm more a John Boy Walton type of Model A admirer.

Joe K
 
We used a set off a V8 when we did my open driveshaft conversion. I was advised they were significantly stronger. They certainly look so.

Cheers,
Gavin
 
Get rid of the entire original, now internally rusty sheet metal tubes. Save the ends, weld/rebuild it with THIS STUFF. You can order the two pieces cut to length. They will be several times the strength of the originals. If you're an overachiever you could make new, heavier ends, too.
 
Your best bet is to look at the Hotrodworks.com site. The sell a torque arm that does exactly what you want to do. Or, you could easily make one yourself.
 
WestCoast said:
Lol there is always one on every post that is never willing to give any help
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Hey "Left Coast" read some of my previous entries on Fordbarn concerning helpful replies. I have often contributed to the Forum and have often helped some of the "newbees".

In this matter I felt that the question concerning an open drive line would be better answered on the hot rod forum where such applications are more common.

Try to think before you comment......
 
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denis4x4 said:
Wonder if mikeinnj realizes how many parts hot rod guys sell to A restores for five cents on the dollar?
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I believe this is generally because THAT is all the money those parts are worth! I typically find Model-A items that are Mint or NOS seem to sell for fair market value --or at least that is from my perspective. It all works out in the end.
 
BRENT in 10-uh-C said:
I believe this is generally because THAT is all the money those parts are worth! I typically find Model-A items that are Mint or NOS seem to sell for fair market value --or at least that is from my perspective. It all works out in the end.
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Brent, that was a cheap shot. Did you ever stop and think that there are a lot of us out there that sell some damn good A stuff for pennies on the dollar for no other reason than help people out?
 
V8 arms are stronger than A and will probably suffice if not abused, like on hill climbs. kahuna offers the best answer (above)
 
I want to thank everyone for there advice. I bought a half completed project that had a T-5 in it. I thought that would be a good fit for me since I have arthritis in both knee's and double clutching is painful. It's either that or drive a new lexus and watch everyone having fun in there "A". I'm past my Archie & Jughead stage, and yes, Sonny is in his 70's. Sorry if I ruffled any feathers by asking this question.

Molydog
 
mollydog said:
I want to thank everyone for there advice. I bought a half completed project that had a T-5 in it. I thought that would be a good fit for me since I have arthritis in both knee's and double clutching is painful. It's either that or drive a new lexus and watch everyone having fun in there "A". I'm past my Archie & Jughead stage, and yes, Sonny is in his 70's. Sorry if I ruffled any feathers by asking this question.

Molydog
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Hey Molydog,
You didn't ruffle **** :mad:! And, you didn't do anything 'wrong'. I read what you just wrote here and empathize with you, more than you know. Some people have a propensity for shooting others in the foot, before even looking to see whether their victim even has a foot :( ! I am impressed with the number of fellow barners who have considered your possible circumstances and gave direct helpful information. At this moment, I'm considering buying a friends automatic trans equipped Model A, and yeah I have my maladies like you state and more. Some have had gold spoons in their mouth lifelong, and cannot believe that there are others that do not.
Keep asking your questions, as most do not want to have to walk in your shoes, but understand and want to help:).
 
mollydog said:
I have an open drive shaft in my Model "A". What is the best way to strengthen the rear radius rods to handle the torque? What have you guys done in the past and what works?

Mollydog
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Hi,
Here is what many have done in your case. I am running an exact copy of this.
The size of the tubes will depend on how much horsepower will be applied to the rear wheels. The dimensions given are plenty adequate for up to 200 hp.
Ignore the dimwit comments on the forum.
PM me if you need more info.
Pete
 

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Pete, I like your simple solution. Do those rear mounts bolt to the backing plate as the stock arms do?
And thanks to everyone for you suggestions and encouragement.

Mollydog
 
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