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Rat Rod Nation builds => Rat Rod Frame/Suspension/Brake Q&A => Topic started by: IllustratedDom on August 12, 2018, 08:20:01 AM

Title: 1930 Ford AA truck frame, Good start?
Post by: IllustratedDom on August 12, 2018, 08:20:01 AM
I'm looking to start a build, and am going to look at a 1930 Ford AA frame. I'm looking for input as to if this is a good starting point. The price is right, as long as its solid. I'm not even sure what direction I want to go yet with it, but I've got several different ideas in my head. Even though it's a truck frame, I'd like to turn it into a sedan. So is this a good frame to work with, or should I pass?
Title: Re: 1930 Ford AA truck frame, Good start?
Post by: lowboy on August 12, 2018, 08:35:17 AM
Greetings from S.Illinois What kinda power you plan on making? Model A frames unless boxed in won't hold up to much power if memory serves me correctly.
Title: Re: 1930 Ford AA truck frame, Good start?
Post by: IllustratedDom on August 12, 2018, 08:55:10 AM
Greetings from S.Illinois What kinda power you plan on making? Model A frames unless boxed in won't hold up to much power if memory serves me correctly.

Honestly, that's still way up in the air, but nothing intense. Obviously more than a stock 1930 anything, but it could vary from a 2.5 I4 to a 4.3 v6 to a mild LS to an Isuzu diesel!

But really, your response is kind of the input I'm looking for. Would it be easier to go with a different frame altogether?
Title: Re: 1930 Ford AA truck frame, Good start?
Post by: lowboy on August 12, 2018, 05:07:49 PM
I know it's kinda old news but S-10, Ranger,Dakota,ect. Depends on your skills some guys build their own outta 2x4 mild steel tubing. I used a Ranger in the Boog Bug but have a F450 under the F1050 build. Eric's International has a S-10. And my dodge has a dodge 1/2 ton 4x4. As far as power plants I perfer Fords but an Isuzu would be a kool build
Title: Re: 1930 Ford AA truck frame, Good start?
Post by: Blackwater on August 12, 2018, 07:33:37 PM
Lockjaw is on an old Nissan pickup fame!  I used an old 2.5L Chevy Nova motor and a 700R4 transmission and it's a great cruiser combo that does Interstate travel as well.

 We just picked up a '29 Tudor on a stock/boxed frame.  I'm not sure, but I BELIEVE that the AA frame is a little heavier than the coupe/sedan/roadster frame, but I'd STILL reinforce it!!  If I were bucks-up, I'd buy a modern, aftermarket frame for our Tudor, but my pocketbook and my fabrication skills require that I build what I've got!!

If you have average or above welding/fabricating experience, look around and see what's out there on the web and catch some shows somewhere and gather ideas.  I found info and diagrams to install C4 Corvette suspension on an A Model frame!!  INTERESTING!!!
Title: Re: 1930 Ford AA truck frame, Good start?
Post by: IllustratedDom on August 13, 2018, 01:01:09 PM
I found a few pretty helpful websites about the AA trucks, they went all the way up to a dually 1 1/2 ton! Going to have to do some reading and digging. Thanks for the responses.
Title: Re: 1930 Ford AA truck frame, Good start?
Post by: just old on August 14, 2018, 06:42:35 AM
you could look on craigslist at Binghamton I just fond a frame there for $600.00 mustang front end , leafs in the rear . it has some of the boxing on the frame done . rake power steering , could not tell what rear . the frame is around Elmira as near as I can tell . does not look bad in the pictures