Re: Subrails for a 1931 Model A Coupe - Briggs Body

Re: Subrails for a 1931 Model A Coupe - Briggs Body - (Metal)

Posted by Dean Travis on December 06, 1997 at 09:58:56

In Reply to: Re: Subrails for a 1931 Model A Coupe - Briggs Body - (Metal)
posted by Dean Travis on December 05, 1997 at 12:36:29

Dan
I removed the rails with a cold chiesel on the rivets and used a cutting
wheel to cut the rail at the door post and also at the rear
crossmember.Worked pretty well. I removed one side at a time. Removed
rail and installed new rail.It helped me keep track of the line up of
everything! My original rails were completely rotted but believe me even
the old rusty rotted rails were enough to answer some of the question as
to line up and positioning.
I welded my rails in!I used a mig welder. With my Subrails in such
poor condition as is yours, you can see how much support they provide to
the strength of the body. I felt that welding them in would be the best
choice. but you decide!
Dan, It's not a hard job! Everything on the car is riveted together in
some form. So move around the rails from back to front popping the
outside panel rivets loose and remove the crossmember rivets. Then
measure the length of the new subrail against the old. and mark for your
cut.Just be careful not to cut the original good side too short!Then
but rail ends together and weld top and bottom. Then weld on
crossmembers.
Contact me as much as you need, I'll help where I can!
Dean

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