need a little help guy's, I've started taking the coupe apart so I can take it to the blaster. I've removed most of the wood around the windows and over the top and all glass [1 door glass, two qtr glass and windshield] just left the windshield header wood and the two vertical full length jam pieces and the two pieces over door frame. I will be removing thoes pieces as well before it goes to the blaster. I would very much like to take the gas tank out but it looks as thoe I would have to remove the cowl . has anyone pulled there tank and how did you do it? Also does anyone know where I can get a book on the 30 ford coupe that shows how to disassemble or assemble the car? Im thinking of replacing the gas tank and putting it in the trunk. I can get a larger tank for back there thru so-cal. sorry about all the wandering but I've been so excited about this project that its making me dizzy. POPs

I am building a 31 model A 5 window coupe right now.The gas tank and cowl are 1 piece. There is a molding under the windshield that goes all the way across the cowl, It has to be removed. Then unbolt gas tank and remove it. Most people cut the fuel tank bottom and sides off leaving just the top of the cowl to put back as it is part of the exterior body. Your option is to remove the gas filler and patch the hole are just put a fake fuel cap.Hope this helps.www.macsautoparts.com Is a good supplier off parts and books and videos on repairing your model A. I just chopped my top 3 1/2".

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STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING NOW !!!!!!
OK - you have a new project, and one that I envy you for having. Model A's are about the most known car in the street rod and restoration hobbies. There are dozens if not hundreds of publications on how to rebuild to original or hot rod it, depending on your desires. You need to get one or, better yet, several to get a better understanding of the car. Google Model A, go to Amazon or your library. Every version of the 'A' is different then the next. The advice to get a Mac's catalog is great. You also need Snyders and Bratton's. There are others but these are the three that I've used and have been happy with. All of them have little tips.

Now - as far as cutting out the bottom of the tank. If it doesn't leak, sell it to a restorer and buy a repro from Brookville or Macs (Brookville makes most of the smooth top steel repros for rodders) The quality is fair to middlin. If you have a tank with a big rust hole, then cut out the bottom, just leaving a 1/4" lip. The filler is only soldered in - a bit of heat and out it comes - then make up a patch to fill the hole and you have a smooth cowl.

As far as a gas tank, you can get saddle tanks for under the splash shields tho I don't like them - they hang too low. You can put one in the trunk, but have to totally seal the pass. compartment from fumes. Or, use a '32 style tank at the back. This involves a fair amount of fab skills, but is very rewarding. Dagels in CA have a kit or you can make up your own like I have done. This is mine, with the chassis upside down with final welding being done, and another during set up - unfortunately, most of my in-process mod photos were on film and not yet scanned to digital.

Good luck and congratulations on the project - why not start a journal here?

Dave W

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Another warning from me is to not send off everything to be "blasted". First off, "sand" (you didn't mention what kind of blasting) can DESTROY car bodies warping them beyond repair. Before you send them off, read about it, check with the guy you are using to blast and be sure he does sheet metal car bodies REGULARLY. Not "Yeah I can do that" sort of thing, but make sure he knows what he is doing!

PLUS, you don't want to blast everything and get overwelmed. Have a few pieces stripped and then get them into epoxy primer and move on. Sand blasted metal rusts VERY fast when left unprotected.

But please, be VERY aware, if done improperly (yes even the "pros" can do it) you will RUIN, I mean RUIN a sheet metal panel.

Brian

I have a great blaster, He's built several cars and is an excellent painter. He media blasted my 54 ford pick up and did a great job. He is currently blasting two car bodies plus parts so Im having to wait to get mine done. Pop's

If you read my post ,I suggested a Mac's catalogue to find parts, pics and books on how to restore or hot rod your A.I hope I was of some help to you. IMHO, The 32 fuel tank kit on a model A looks totally out of place. I would suggest going through the trouble of properly installing one in the trunk area where it won't stick out like a sore thumb.