Using a '32 chassis on a full fendered '31

J

Joe Altieri

Member
Is it possible to use a '32 Ford Chassis on a '30-'31 tudor sedan, and still use the fenders?
I am looking at a full fendered, '30 sedan, which is in need of a new chassis. I don't want to buy it and then stick another "A" chassis under it. I was wondering if anyone out there has used both the '32 chassis and full fenders? I like the idea of the strength of the '32 chassis which would also allow for the easy installation of a '32 gas tank.
I spent many hours trying to figure out the biggest tire I could get under my '31 wide bed pick-up and now am faced with the same situation if I buy this sedan. If anyone has any ideas on how wide and how tall a tire can be used under stock rear fenders, without tubbing, I would greatly appreciate your input
MAny thanks.
Joe Altieri
josephaltieri@att.net
 
The wheelbase on the 32 is longer, so you will have to do some fitting somewhere.
You will get a lot more response if you will post this over on the HAMB.
Good Luck.
 
Speedway and I believe TCI (may be others), make a street rod chassis that body will bolt to. Also, a 32 frame needs to be "pinched" at the cowl area for the body to fit right.
Paul in CT
 
I have done it twice.
Once with a 30 2 door and
once with a 31 roadster body.
I did not channel either.
No pinching or body mods.
No fenders in the pic but I added them later.
 

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The 32 frame has a kickup over the rear axle... the body is designed for a flat frame. While some of the frame will fit under the rear seat some modification will be needed.

The 32 frame also kicks up from the door hinge post to the radiator, without modification there will be a gap between the frame and body, as well as the radiator sitting too high.

1928-29 bodies are narrower at the cowl than 1930-31 or 32. They look better on 32 frames when the frame is pinched. 1930-31 bodies are about the same width as the 32 frame and no need to pinch.

To use model A fenders you would have to fix the above frame kickup, and make custom splash aprons and running boards (and lose the nice 32 frame side treatment). To use 1932 fenders and running boards... well the 32 rear fenders just will not fit the body... one or both would need to be modified.

The stock model A sedan rear fenders pinch to about 6" at the top... you could get to 10" if you "tub" the wheelwell.

It is going to be a lot of work to get thing right and looking good. Make sure this is what you want before you start cutting. This is probably not a good choice for a restorable A, but might be fun if you are starting with a rust bucket or a pile of pieces.
 
I like your idea it would give a stock A little more of a coachwork feel to the car. Narrowing the frame and modifying the rear sub-rails fro the body is fairly common for the hot rodders. Blending in the fenders into the 32 frame would take some studying to get them to flow and make it feel like the car came that way from Ford.
 
If you are buying a new frame, use one of the aftermarket frames made for the A. It will be just as strong as the 32. With fenders nor one will see the frame anyway. I guarantee you will be riding a lot sooner considering all the time and work to make the 32 frame fit.
 
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