aa-fords.com

To all, I have two questions:
1. Can a 1929 frame be used with '30 components? I doubt it, but some "experts" have said differently. My truck has an 82B cab, four speed transmission, and was made midway through 1930. My truck was wrecked, I need a frame, and a lot more, for that matter.
2. Can anyone recommend a professional and qualified restorer in Massachusetts, or nearby, to undertake this project?
At this point I think I am coming to some sensible discussion with the insurance company responsible for restoration of my stake body AA, so I need a restorer and an estimate of the cost of work.
Thanks for any information.
John Losch

The major problem with the 1929 frame is the front cross member. It will not work with 1930 front spring. The location of the running board shield brackets are in the wrong place also. The service brake cross shaft is not correct. To install the 1930 shaft would require drilling extra holes. There may be other differences as will. Anyone know?

It would lower the value of your AA to replace the frame with a 1929 frame. Put an ad on this site for the frame you need.

Didn't one of the rear cross members have a hump for the worm drive?

Bob

yea the last cross member has a significant hump for the worm tube.





30/31 frames seem much easier to find around me...

The mount spots on the front cross member would be for the earlier style radiator

Another difference - the service brake cross shaft would have to be removed and holes drilled to allow the 1930 service brake cross shaft to be installed.

Yes, the 1929 frame #4 cross member is humped for the worm drive. But, the 1930 bevel axle would still fit.

what wheel base 157 or 131

To all,

My truck has a 131" frame. The reason for my question about the difference in 29 to 30 frames is that I have been offered two '29 frames in good condition. If I am going to restore my truck, now that my question has been answered, I will look for a '30 frame. There is little doubt that the original frame should be replaced. It is badly damaged, and I am afraid of welding, or extensive straightening especially near where the wheels are attached to the frame. Not worth the risk. Thanks to all who so thoroughly answered my question.

I would still appreciate any information about qualified or suitable restorers to manage rebuilding the truck. I started the project over thirty years ago. I ended up selling the dismantled truck to a student of mine who did almost all of the restoration job, then returned the truck to me: an extremely generous gesture. I am no longer able to do a job of this proportion, and Steve, the restorer, is involved in other things that prevent him from doing the job again.

As all of you know, these truck are modular. They are somewhat like an erector set. Start with a frame and bolt things onto it. In my current circumstances, the process begins in reverse. There are running and body parts that have to be replaced. There are numerous salvageable parts. A restoration involves a place to do all of this work, a body specialist for the cab and other body parts (body parts does sound a bit ghoulish I suppose), various replacements, examination, repair as needed, and reassembly of the drive train, ditto the braking and steering systems, and finally fitting, detailing, and cosmetics. My outline does oversimplify a restoration, but the job requires a person who can manage and coordinate all of these operations.

I will be obliged to hear about any contractors or restorers who can manage this project.
Thanks, John Losch