1931 Ford Model A – Rat Rod – Joe Jeffrey

By Customs -N- Classics on February 17, 2020 • ( Leave a comment )

Since he was young, Joe Jeffrey has had a vision of a chopped and lowered Model A. His inspiration was his dads 1929 Ford Model A, so, when he found this 1931 Ford Model A cab, it just seemed to make sense.

Scroll on down and read what he has done with this gem. Check out the pictures at the end to see his creation!

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What type of vehicle is this?: Rat Rod

Make, Model, Year of Project

1931 Ford Model A

What stage is this in?

Somewhere between complete and not sure if it will ever get finished

When did you purchase it and for how much?

I purchased the body of the model A for $3500.00.

The build cost is in the upper 20s. (Is there ever a limit?)

Why did you choose this vehicle?

Ever since I was younger, I have had a vision of a chopped and lowered model A.

My father had a 1929 Model A, and I loved that car! Since he passed, this vision has been a must for me to complete.

Hopefully, he is watching, and approving of the build! He was an old school hot rod guy!

What sort of condition was it in when you started the project, what was wrong with it, etc.

When I bought the car, it was nothing but a shell.

Body only. Original condition! Pretty good at that.

I was actually a tad spooked to start cutting, and chopping, but, I heard my dad saying, “Man, that’s going to be cool!” So, I dove in!

What, specifically have you done, or had done to it?

A friend, Heath Petzholdt and I made the frame from 1/4″ tube steel. We fabricated what we could.

The LS3 6.0 engine was purchased from a local salvage dealer. I drug that home and went through it, placing a slightly bigger cam, and springs in it. Freshened up the oil, and water pump. Gave it new life. It looked pretty good when I opened it all up!

I am running a Holley 750 dp, chokeless carb. This was a slight challenge, as I am using a 4L80E transmission. I had to find a TPS, to allow the transmission to communicate with what what going on up above! With a little help from Holley, it all worked out. The transmission was putting power to the Ford 9″- with 411s.

The car is on bags, and it lays on the frame when parked. For now, the body will remain with the same patina that I purchased it with. Heck, it took 89 years for this to get that far! Father time, Mother nature, and Henry Ford created this look!

Can you list any and all parts that you have put in?

Body: 1931 Ford Model A.

Engine: 2004 LS3 6.0. Holley 750 double pump chokeless carb.

Transmission: I had originally decided to put in a 4L80E. Now, I have changed it to a TH400.

Ford 9″ with 411 gears.

Home made frame.

Car is on air ride- cantilever on front, panhard on rear.

All 4 disc brakes. Line lock brake system.

Rocket Racing wheels.

Where have you purchased your parts?

The majority of my parts were purchased thru Speedway, some through Jegs, and Summit.

What about you?

I am from Papillion, NE.

50 years old.

Union electrician for 22 years.

Any stories regarding this project?

This car is just too much fun to drive. It really gets the attention.

Creeping in to car shows, and seeing the expressions, “some good, some bad” is just so worth it! Love this car!!

Any garages, parts stores, fabrication shops, etc you want to call out specifically?

A special shout out and thank you to a friend, Heath Petzholdt

The East Side Gents car club has helped me get this car on the road. They pulled me in when I was ready to throw in the towel a few times. With out them, it may have ended up back in the yard. My hats off to those guys!!

Check out the pictures below, make sure to click on the picture to see the full version.