Friday’s Frames

I have always enjoyed building my own frames and improved my skills over the years where I can actually trust the finished product. Starting with an original chassis has always been my preference, but today I use the aftermarket rails from ASC for 32-34 Fords and stick with original rails for the 40-48. I have built all of these year model cars with the help of some very talented friends over the years. Prior to learning how to TIG weld, I used the old Lincoln Buss Box which got the job done but needed some grinding in places. A few years ago, I was given a nice frame jig that can be used on any of the aforementioned chassis. What a difference this makes in building a chassis from doing it on the ground on jack stands. I can work standing up rather than bent over which is the only way I can work today. I use P&J parts plus some of my homemade parts to do most chassis. I use Heidt’s front ends when I install an IFS on the later model chassis. I am a retired engineer so I love the fabrication part of building a Hot Rod. I have been a groupie at some of the best shops in the country over the years and owe all of my knowledge to watching them work. The professional shops have some very talented employees who turn out impeccable work. Learn from them, hire them when needed and you will be on your way to a great build of your dream Hot Rod.

Today, the internet sites can provide some great narrative and photos of chassis construction for the novice like me. If I want to see how something goes together or is fabricated, I simply Goggle the question and presto several articles are available. The HAMB has lots of information for those who seek to do yourself. You will note in the chassis featured today, that I like quickchanges in 32-34 Fords. They just look correct to me. In my old age, I don’t like the noise but my hearing is bad so I get along just fine. Don’t ask the wife! The chassis is the foundation for your ride and must sustain the roads you travel over so build it like you expect to drive it. If you don’t the for sale sign will soon be on the window. Just sayingâ€¦..!

Stay Tooned!

Lynn

Click on Photos for Larger Images

1932 Ford Chassis

I built this Deuce chassis for a sedan. I used ASC rails and the Deuce Frame center section. Using the DF center section keeps the chassis in the correct dimensions.

This unit is a little pricy but really is well made with perfect welding by Carl.

P&J offer a center section also for about half the price of the DF unit. I call this the Pete Eastwood style crossmember.

Industrial Chassis makes some really nice bolt in parts for the Deuce chassis.

Steadfast builds a very strong chassis with his own designed cross members.

Walden has a super strong version of a tubular center section for the Deuce.

Scandanavian Street Rods builds a beautiful stock chassis for a Hot Rod. Deuce pedals are expensive.

He also likes quickchanges and add the Model A center section to the stock crossmember.

The foundation must be right so the finished product makes it to the destination.

1933/4 Chassis

Lots going on in this build using a stock chassis. Note the rear radius rods have an upper arm for torque.

I have always used the P&J set up which is an easy installation that has been proven over the years.

The master, Roy Brizio, builds lots of chassis for anything you can think of but does more Deuces than anyone. Here is his 33 chassis for the Speed 33 shown.

I like the original simple chassis like this one the best, but good chassis are hard to locate. Note flat front crossmember.

Roy builds stock chassis for some customers if the chassis is clean.

The finished chassis should look something like this one by Bruce’s Rod Shop in TX.

The clean and simple design combined with new metal is my thinking these days.

Tom has moved on the later models but this 33 is a super driving roadster. It is available.

1940-8 Ford Chassis

The 1940 chassis is an easy build with mostly bolt on parts from TCI, P&J and Chassis Engineering. All great companies with excellent service after the sale.