Model A & Deuce Roadsters

[Hoosierfarmboy]

What are some of the distinguishing differences in Model"A's" and Deuce roadsters? I know the grilles are quite different, but many "A's" use Deuce grilles. I'm going to be redoing an "A" roadster I bought as a built-up. I look on the internet for examples for ideas etc..

[Bernard Kron]

The '29 A Roadster and the '32 Roadster are significantly different in several areas, ther result being a different flavor when built up as hot rods. The key differences are in the rear deck, the cowl and the bottom of the body shell. In addition the frame's of the two cars are very different.

The cowl area:

The 29A has a curved character line infront of the dow which leads to a curved cowl that tapers inwards to a hood which is significantly narrower than the width of the body at the wihdshield. The Deuce has no character line or significant taper.

The rear deck:

The rear deck of the 29 A is actually very similar in shape and dimensions to the Deuce but but lacks the sculpted character lines and has a simple straight lower valance which is the bottom of the body at the rear. The lower edge of the Deuce's rear is raised to clear the fuel tank which was moved to the rear from it's position in the cowl (over the driver's legs!) of the Model A. Also the 29 A has s dip below the edge of the cabin area to meet the rear deck, whereaqs the Deuce's rear deck is essentially on the same level as the cabin edge.

The lower edge of the body shell:

The 29A's lower body edge is flat from front to rear. The Deuce's lower edge curves upwards towards the front to conform to the shape of the Deuce's frame railes and the curved lower edge of the Deuce's hood sides (the Model A's hoods sides have straight lower edges). The is significant when adapting the A Roadster shell to Deuce rails, the classic hot rod roadster combination.

Chassis differences:

Finally, the stock Model Chassis is far lighter, simpler and weaker than the Deuces. It is narrower and designed to sit under the body shell, rather than out at the body edges as seen on the Deuce. The result is that a fenderless highboy '29 A on stock A rails lacks the classic highboy look.

I doubt that these are all the differences but in building various models of these cars these are the ones that jumped out at me.

Here are some pictures for comparison:

'29 A on Deuce rails with Deuce grill shell:

'29 A Highboy on stock A rails (Pre-war style):

'32 Highboy, contemporary/traditional style:

[Hoosierfarmboy]

Thanks for the info Bernard. The pix and the written info helped me to see the diffs. This will guide me in my build up.

Randy K

ps the Inliner tag added more info

Edited October 1, 2010 by Hoosierfarmboy

[jbwelda]

hey thanks for that bernard. thats some great info and it clears up a few things for me, especially the distinctive look to the 32 vs 29 chassis rails! sure makes the 29 body look like a completely different car.