Remember how I said last month that I'd started a Modified project, but that it would see intermittent coverage in the magazine as I had other projects that should take priority? Well, I didn't expect the project to snowball, but it has, so here's the second installment. Not only does Dagel's Street Rods offer a neat X-member for Model A chassis, but they also sell laser-cut boxing plates. While not exactly hard to cut from steel plate yourself, the Dagel's kit takes all the hard work out of the equation, perfectly cut to provide a stepped weld area where the plates meet the top and bottom chassis 'rails. The kit comes with detailed instruction sheets too, explaining the installation process.
Before I could fit boxing plates, however, I wanted to Z, or kick up, the rear of the frame. You'll remember last month we installed a '40 Ford split front wishbone in the rear and mounted their forward ends to brackets below the chassis. I wanted to Z the frame so the 'bones mounted through the chassis 'rails for a cleaner look, as well as lowering the car. So this is a double feature covering Z'ing and boxing ... oh and a little chassis repair, too!
If you're planning a similar job and will use an original chassis, source the best you can, and ensure it's totally level before beginning work. While mine was rust free and in pretty nice condition, the tops and bottoms of the 'rails had some waves in them that required tweaking, while the left front 'rail was kinked and needed a little heavier repair.
