Early model A frame?

D

deadelvis2000

Senior Member
Fellas,

I just picked up this chassis from a guy who was going to cut it up for a RAT Rod. Fortunately, the project failed and I was able to bring it home. I am a little puzzled as it is not like any other model a frame parts I have encountered. Here are the clues. Any insight would be helpful.

1) Front crossmember shape
2) center crossmember top holes
3) ford script on rear spring near shackle
4) interesting frame mount outer plates with raised numbers
5) 3/8 thick wishbone ends (where perch pin goes through) my other model A wishbone is 1/2" at this point.

That is all I have noticed so far. Here are some pics
 

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Try to raise the VIN number. It's on the top of the frame under the drivers side cowl. It will tell you everything.
 
I don't see anything that would indicate a very early frame. You might want to post a few more photos though.
 
Based on what I see, I would say it is likely in the March-May 1928 time frame. Just a guesse , but the number on the frame will tell for sure. Rod
 
The Frame has the 3 holes behind the Center Cross member for mounting a Emergency Brake Cross Shaft so I would say it is not a very early 28 Frame. It is good that the front cross member has not been modified for the flexable front motor mount.
Question: at the back of the center cross member is there two tabs punched forward to act as stops for the floating brake system ? When the change was made to the non-adjustable brake rods these tabs were eliminated, when it was found they were still needed the factory started again punching out the tabs. For the frames with no stop pads Ford issued a Service Letter showing how to install the stops; this Service Letter appears only in the Fargo Service Letters. This could help you to pin down the Frame date.

Ron
 
Ron is correct. As much as we can see by the pictures posted, your '28 frame has the three holes on the side frame rail for the emergency brake cross shaft, which would put it a June 1928 or later frame.
 
I think this is the same plate, but on a May 22, 1928 Tudor. The rubber gasket is in the same condition, too.
How much of a job is it to replace the gasket on a car with the body attached to the frame?

Thanks
 

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ModAfan said:
I think this is the same plate, but on a May 22, 1928 Tudor. The rubber gasket is in the same condition, too.
How much of a job is it to replace the gasket on a car with the body attached to the frame?

Thanks
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Easy, but the engine is more in the way than the body. You can unbolt the motor mount from the engine, then unbolt the motor mount from the frame and replace the rubber parts. I bought my motor mount rubber from Snyder's and the fit was perfect. Of course you'll need a board on a floor jack to support the engine, and you may need a frame spreader. I've only needed a frame spreader twice for the mounts I've installed.
 
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