Getting a start !

[PatrickGrant]

Frame differences I have read. This took me back some !! Need to get it going and I need to start right. Don't need anything but stock or good repo items on my A. Frame is a good place too start Any good sites where pictures are incorporated with the upgrades on the frame ?

 

[Bob C]

Might try this link http://www.plucks329s.org/frame.htm

Bob

 

[PatrickGrant]

I've read this site and think there should be something more simple, but that's just my opinion.

 

[PatrickGrant]

Wanted !! Pictures of known year frames please !! I'm 57 and time draws near. Need correct frame for a Aug 28 CCPU

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

Here is a picture of my 1928 front crossmember motor mount, which is what you need to look for. Until November 1928 The front crossmembers should look like this.

 

[PatrickGrant]

Thanks for the picture Tom. The 3 frames I have are a no match Frames !!!???!!!

 

[Bob C]

Have you checked the serial numbers on the frames you have?

Bob

 

[100IH]

Also, the service bulletins for Nov. of 28 showed several pages of procedure to convert over to the newer yoke and spring system. Many frames might have been converted at dealerships because there were complaints about vibration. It was not a required change, so no one knows how many were modified. A very different situation from factory recalls today. Also, the brake system went through changes, most evident at the center cross member when considering the frame. Possibly most of them were changed over the years. Think of it as an update. Maybe because of safety, driver satisfaction, or availability of parts after old systems were obsoleted. Just decide how correct you have to be, could these modifications be an upgrade? Decide, then go to Steve Plucker"s timeline and the service bulletins. I think one of your frames will do fine if it's in good condition otherwise.

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

Your middle picture shows the correct center crossmember for the split brake linkage, so someone must have cut the solid motor mounts off the front crossmember, or they changed the front crossmember.

 

[100IH]

Yes Tom, That one.

 

[PatrickGrant]

That's it Tom !! Does have the split brake linkage !! Frames a little tough, but I think I will start to work on it. Linkages are in pretty good shape. Think the car was in an accident, because there is some horn distortion. Different front crossmember 30-31 I believe. Very few if any numbers were found on my frames.

 

[PatrickGrant]

100IH, Bob C, Tom, and the Ford Barn "Special Thanks". I can see my nightmare has begun and I haven't even really started dreaming yet ! P.S. my best frame is on the top 1&3rd pic. Why is the frame 4" narrower on the rear crossmember? Some rivets/some bolts and I'm thinking somebodies hack job now.

 

[midgetracer]

Yes that frame has been hacked. See the original rivet holes.

 

[DJ S]

In the third picture you can see the frame rail bend inward quite significantly as it approaches the rear cross member.

 

[PatrickGrant]

What are the chances of these rails going back into original holes and the frame being square ? I guess I'll find out tomorrow.

 

[100IH]

Correct me if my observations are not correct. It appears that both side rails have been sucked in, and reattached at the rear member. The old holes appear to exist on both. --- no now I think I am wrong. As you were. Now, do an advanced search for "straighten frame" and how to measure diagonally, and how to use a string line to indicate sag near the rear engine mounts. I would loan you my I beam, jacks and chains but you are so far away.

 

[PatrickGrant]

Pulled the rear crossmember off expecting some spring movement on the rails, nothing happened !! Put one bolt on one side, spread rails and put another bolt in. 1/4" out of square at this point and an 1/8" sag at the emergency shaft. I can see the last star and 6 numbers, missing the most important ones!! Thanks guys !!