28 Sedan on 32 Rails question?

[Ralph]

So, i've got this crazy idea for a 28 sedan on 32 rails, with a 500 Cad for power. Before I go ordering the 32 rails and wading in to this, I'm wondering if it'll even fit. I don't want to sacrifice legroom by notching the firewall if I don't have to. Stock wheelbase on an A is 103", a 32 is 106", and I read somewhere that a 32 could be kicked out to 109". Will this give me enough firewall-to-rad clearance for a 31" long Cad motor? Maybe C9 could give me some guidance, since a 455 Buick is almost as long as the Cad. Still in the "plotting and scheming stage at this point, but I've got the 28 and the Cad motor already........... Any thoughts?

Ralph

[Bib_Overalls]

Sounds like a plan.  The firewall is not critical if you pitch the rear seat.  Then you can push the seats back and down to provide head clearance under that * top chop ya gotta do.  My SoCal chassis has a 107" wheel base.  The y get the extra inch by pushing the front cross member forward.  In terms of fan clearance it is a big inch.  Any further forward the horns start to turn down.  Think you could find a little bit more by cutting the frame horns off and doing a little cutting and grafting.  Pinching the frame to the width of the grille shell would help the look.  Hot Rods & Custom Stuff http://www.deucesteel.com  builds a stretched 32 chassis.  It uses a 33/34 style section from the firewall forward.  Nothing says you could not do something similar in your own shop.

[Ralph]

Sounds like a plan.  The firewall is not critical if you pitch the rear seat.  Then you can push the seats back and down to provide head clearance under that * top chop ya gotta do. Hot Rods & Custom Stuff http://www.deucesteel.com  builds a stretched 32 chassis.  It uses a 33/34 style section from the firewall forward.  Nothing says you could not do something similar in your own shop.

OOOH,YEAH! Bib, your ideas are exactly what I was thinking. I had a good look at the HRCS Model A frame, and I love it! That would really shorten my build time. Still kinda wondering about the firewall-to-rad distance issue, though. Guess I'll have to Email them........ Thanks for your comments. Anybody else want to weigh in?

[rumrumm]

You will also have to pinch the frame slightly at the front of the cowl as the frame is a little wider than the cowl at that point. Sounds like a cool plan, though.

[Dave]

Neat idea and I always wanted to do one but havent yet. You need a pinched frame and you will have to rework the lower cowl area to make it look right. Actually its a fairly easy job. Some where in one of the street rodder mags ive got here it has all the low down on doing it. Heres another idea. Done right the model a's look sweet fenderless on a model a frame also. Give it some thought either way is cool if done properly.........
Dave

[sirstude]

Take a look at Dagel's Street Rods http://www.dagelsstreetrods.com/, he makes a 32 frame that is already set up for a 29 to go on.  The top of the rails have been flattened to fit the "A" body, and the rails are pinched to fit the cowl. I am sure he could lengthen them if you wanted.  Save a bunch of work.

Doug