Thread: Model A Coupster

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Ok guys, do you remember when I started the thread about wanting to build a traditional type rod with an unusual powertrain? Well it's going to come to some sort of reality.

I picked this up and need some guidance. I think this is a 28 or 29 sport coupe with the roof cut off. I know it is missing all inner structure, but it isn't super rusty and I feel it is a really good start. The guy I got it from said it was a coupe cut down to a roadster and was a complete hot rod at one time. He said the guy he got it from had it as yard art but moved and had no room for it. To me the quarters appear to be a roadster, but the doors and cowl are from a coupe. What do you guys think? I also need your input on the inner structure. Should I purchase new sub frame for the body or just build it to suit my build? I will be building the frame myself as I will need to lengthen the front area. I'm contemplating buying new doors for a roadster, as these doors's body lines aren't the same. I plan to purchase a new deck lid and rear panel that goes below it. I'm kind of thinking of doing a Highboy style but not real sure on that yet. Here are some mock up pics of what I have to start with.

That's a bare bones start but I like it

hi ryan- you sure have a blank canvas their to work with-i like it!
i have a genuine 28 roadster and the rear quarters are different- they have a swage around the top.
heres a couple of photo's that may help




as for the inner structure- it would be alot more helpful for you to have the proper subframe if you were going to put it onto a model a or 32 chassis but if you were building your own, then i wouldn't bother.
alot depends on how much money you want to spend and what sort of hotrod you want to end up with
good luck with the build and i look forward to watching your progress.
mark

WOW 40! I admire ur spunk. That is starting, litterly, from scratch. I can't wate to see this build. GOOD LUCK!

Good luck with your new project, Ryan. You're starting from such a basic point that almost all options are open for you so just depends where you want to go with it. I agree with Mark that the top rear edge treatment on a roadster has that raised lip which yours doesn't so it seems like it's a coupster. I'm looking forward to seeing your progress on this.

Thanks guys. Yeah, it is a really bare bones start. I really want a model a roadster, but usually a frame and body is $2k on up. I don't have that laying around for toys as the wife likes to call it. Plus this allows me to build it how I want to in every aspect. Do any of you guys know if any place makes full length sub frame rails for a coupe body? I might just make some my self seeing how I have none of it. I see what you guys mean about the top body line on the roadster shells. I was thinking of bending a piece of tubing and then cutting the bottom portion off and welding it on to my body to make it resemble a roadster again. Then again, that surface would be good to mount a roof on if I ever decide to go that route. I really want a coupe, but those are just as pricey. So this will have to work. Haha.

I also noticed the cowl post panels are different from coupes to roadsters. The roadsters have an extra body line in them that the coupes don't. I'm trying to decide if I want to change that or not? I'm planning not to for now as that is another $450 of patch panels.

Well, I figured I'd update this thread. I got the itch to fire sale some stuff so I could use the money to finish the unfinished almost complete vehicles I have. This was one of those things I have setting around that will be a long way off so I sold it. Maybe later on I'll find a more complete unit to start with.

I do that all the time ..sell the finished or unfinished to fund the more important ones. People come by and ask where is this or that car..haha GONE