Model A doodlebug

R

Randy Lausch

Member
I’m thinking of building a doodlebug every time I see one they seem to always shorten the frame does anyone know why I hate to cut down a good frame. But there must be a reason they do that.
 
Randy Lausch said:
I’m thinking of building a doodlebug every time I see one they seem to always shorten the frame does anyone know why I hate to cut down a good frame. But there must be a reason they do that.
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Their reasoning was to shorten the turning radius and make their 'tractor' more agile. In your case, substitute a stick of new 3" or 4" channel iron in lieu of the Model-A frame, and use a butchered Model-A front crossmember for the front. Typically a truck-style rear end is used and it is usually bolted solid to the frame rails, -and as such, no rear crossmember will be needed.
 
Randy,

Where are you located? Someone local to you may have a frame that's already been butchered.

Red
 
there's no right or wrong way to build it.
keep the stock frame length if you wish.
add a cowl and a flatbed then you have it!
A or AA rear axle depending on what you have available and what your ultimate purpose is.

I have been considering a doodlebug as my next Model A since I don't really have any more interest in long distance touring.....we'll see.
 
Quite a few come up for sale in upstate NY. There is even a club for them.


I would suggest buying one already built and pulling it out of the "forest" and saving it.


Have even seen them in 1929 chevy form with a double trans.
 
Bought one years ago that had a flathead v8 a 39 - 41 truck engine. (81T) paid 75.00 and engine turned. It had a decent 32 grill shell but the rest was butchered pretty bad. Wife bitched when I drug it home. Engine is now in my 39 and runs great. Sold the rest and all parts found new homes.
 
I see them on for sale on CL and FB out here in California now and then but asking prices tend to be in the $3-4k range which I think seems too high? I guess it depends what you're into. They are really cool little machines though. I've thought about building one out of my leftover parts eventually. Good luck with it!
 
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