29 Roadster Body Does Not Fit 31 Frame

[VCS2]

Hello All,
Very frustrated because I tried to fit a 28/29 Brookeville Roadster sub frame and wood body/frame mounting kit to a 31 frame yesterday.

The subframe and wood holes matched, but not one frame hole lined up with the body! Also the forward cowl mounting brackets seem to be set to far back. I tried to mock up the hood and grill as well to the cowl and there was a huge gap.

What should I do? Redrill the frame mounting holes to match the body? Relocate the cowl and hood latch brackets farther forward?

Thank you in advance for all advise.

 

[msmaron]

i suggest finding a 29 frame to calm the frustration.. it wont fit the 31 no way no how.

 

[pat in Santa Cruz]

the cowl mount was moved back in 31. There are different holes to accomodate 31 body styles. I would get the correct frame. Since 31 frames are more scarce, you should have no trouble selling or trading it. You will find your radiator sits too low on that frame too, unless you shim it higher.

 

[Marco Tahtaras]

I also recommend a '29 frame. However, if you want to continue with what you have then start by locating the body the same as they did a mid-late '31 Roadster. Where the double carriage bolts at the cowl attach to the bracket, align the rear most carriage bolt hole in the cowl with the front hole on the bracket. Most if not all bolts in the body will now align with holes in the frame. Again, this is how a late '31 Roadster or Coupe was done.