Thread: new here in need of guidance

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As far as the frame goes, I would check it closely for more than surface rust. Then if the frame is soild, just box it unless you have money to buy another one.

Welcome aboard Joel.

It's good that you start out asking questions, you've got a lot to learn and that's the best first step.

The answer to your question is so multi-faceted that there is no "quick and dirty" way to get there. Just a little hint to give you an idea let's start with a question. What's your vision of the kind of hot rod you want to end up with? The answer to that will start us down the path to answering your opener here. Not trying to make it more complicated, just trying to show you there is no single, best answer.

If you lean toward a traditional hot rod, say with a hopped up 4 banger, then the original frame might be just fine, if it's in good condition. If you want a nitros burning pro mod car, then the answers are radically different. Those ar extremes, but at points in between there are even more options. Couple what you think you want with your skills, equipment inventory, and the size of your wallet, not to mention the amount of time you have, and the possibilities are multiplied. That's not a bad thing that should discourage you, it just tells you that you need to figure some things out so that the folks on the board can help you reach a conclusion that will make your experience a pleasure instead of a disappointment (yes, it often ends up one way or the other).

Just another example. If you want a roadster, you may be better off trading your current body for a roadster body. Based on your description (two doors with a trunk, not rumble) you have what is commonly known as a coupe. The reason that knowing the specific nomenclature is to your benefit is in helping you communicate with those that might be of use to your progress. Now, for '28 you could have three types of coupes, all three having a "canvas top", though each is different, mostly in "how much canvas". There's the regular coupe that has 5 windows (the most desireable and easiest to trade for a roadster), the Special coupe that has 5 windows also but the back of the turret is wood framed and canvas covered (in addition to the very top surface), and then the Sport Coupe that has 3 windows and sort of looks like a convertible with the top up, though it's top doesn't fold down. The special coupes are less desireable because they have more wood, and the back section is often rotted away. The Sport coupes are even less desireable because fewer people like the look of them. These are often converted to roadster looking cars known as "coupesters" when the wooden top structure is removed, but then the door window frames have to be hacked off to complete the look. When all that is done to the minimum effort they look hacked. With considerable metal working they can be made to resemble a real roadster. This is often a bucks down builders choice because the bodies are cheaper.

Anyway, that's a start. If you're up to sticking around and learning there are lots of folks here to help.

Welcome to the site Joel. It sounds like you have an interesting project that you will be starting and we would like to help, if at all possible. Pictures - we really like them and do well with answering your questions as there are many here with extremely high levels of talent.

Now - the frame. I think the first thing you have to do is draw up a "plan" on what you want to do with this car and what you want it to look like when done. This is a long term project, months occasionally and years usually .... and it does cost a lot of money as well as time. There was a time when the local salvage yard had all you needed for a reasonable price - those days are for the most part, gone.

Back to the frame. I would first crawl around under the car, checking for rust out or very heavy pitting. If it's OK, then pull the body off and do a more thorough check. Cross members are often cracked, not a big deal as after market pieces are available. Frame side rails often have cracks at some of the many holes - this may or may not be a problem depending on how bad, but these can be repaired and strengthened with boxing.

If the frame is "junk" then you have two directions - an after market frame from someone like TCI or Speedway, or weld up your own.

OK - something more to think about - engine/transmission and the rest of the drive line. Of course, the front axle, brakes, etc, etc, etc. And I have to say, SB Chevy power isn't the only way to go

Let us know how you make out

I've got a stock but boxed model a frame under my 27 and it works well, but in hindsight I could have put a repro frame under it for the same money I have in it with a whole lot less work. Model a repro frames are very reasonable compared to the 32 versions and you can get them with various rear crossmembers to use anything from buggy spring to coilovers and more.

Post some pictures of your car, it will help us help you figure out the best way to build this one.

Don

Welcome, Joel. I would advise you to keep it a coupe rather than cut it into a roadster. These conversions never look quite right, and the resale value will be much less. '28-29 Coupes make great looking highboys as the photo shows.

welcome joel and be sure to take lots of pictures as you go.

Welcome Joel from me too and man you already have had a response from only some of the great, friendless, knowledgeable people on here so tighten your belt around your waste,sit down and make yourself comfortable and enjoy the ride.Oh I agree,get some photos up of both cars for us please.