Projects 1930 Model A Coupe - New project coming up

Awesome car!
This has been my first driving season with my first Model A. The transmission takes a lot of getting used to. I've learned to leave a little earlier then I normally would to get where Im going on time!

 

the 3 speed crash box is what gives the model A part of its character
nice car ! - good luck

 

I've only driven this thing a couple of times before so I'll probably get the hang of it.

I do have a V8 trans I'd like to swap in but the adapter kit is kinda pricey and with todays currency exchange even more expensive.

 

Those "tractor" 3 speeds are tricky, but practice makes perfect! Consider it an art-form... learn when to shift up & down (never down into 1st!) at a certain road speed. Listen to the engine and it will help you know when the time is right. I try to let the engine settle to the R.P.M. that it will be turning when the next gear takes hold & after a while it'll feel natural. Don't hurry. Have fun with that awesome coupe!!

 

@Mikko_: Handy tip on taking the rear (or front) leaf spring apart:
1. Get an old cotton blanket you don't need, just a blanket.
2. Clamp a vise grip on the top of the centerbolt.
3. Wrap the blanket 3 times around the center 24 inches of the spring.
4. Cut a 4" hole in blanket for access to centerbolt nut.
5. Remove nut, spring will 'jump, but only slight. Unwrap blanket.
6. Buy a centerbolt, it will be 12" long with fine threads, plus use a 'C' CLAMP so you don't compromise new threads.

 

When you put in gear make sure you are looking forward when you go into 1st and vice versa. I have seen a newby in a banger race go 1st , reverse, transmission protested loudly and broke.

 

Thanks for the replies.
Went for a drive today, still grinding but getting better.
Up is easy, just let the RPM drop down, downshifting is trickier.

Pulled the spare tire and holder off too.

 

to down shift mine from 3rd to 2nd I have to moving slow about 5mph and double clutch
never have a need to go from 2nd to 1st

 

Man, this is such a beautiful Model A. Damn near exactly how I would want one.

 

Thank you.

 

Awesome Model A Mikko, I like it with removal of spare, and your license plate is cool .....

 

The car looks good. Cowl lights make really good turn signals in front without having to add anything to the car. They're big and obvious even at an angle when they're set up with blinkers, something to consider.

 

Thanks.

Thank you.

Turn signals in the cowl lights are a good idea.

 

I've been a bit quiet on the HAMB lately even if I've been lurking around here.

So, what's new?
First of all I sold the coupe last winter, got an offer I couldn't refuse for it and away it went. And to be honest I kinda felt that it was a bit too old after driving it around.
Instead I bought an early 70's UK-made Ford Escort MK1 that I've been tinkering with all spring and summer and just driving it. Pretty fun car after I installed some Bilstein shocks all around and a hopped up engine with dual carbs, high compression, big cam etc.


But I have some kind of "vintage-car-ADD" and I've gotten the itch again and might sell the Escort after the summer and start looking for another project.

Not sure what that would be though.
If money wasn't an isssue I would go for a 35-40 Ford coupe or a first gen. Corvette but they are just too expensive for me.

Been thinking about Ford shoeboxes, 41-48 Ford coupes, 55-57 Fords, early 50's Chevys and Oldsmobiles and also some non HAMB-friendly aircooled VW's.

Time will tell what happens, just wanted to let you know I'm still wrenching on old cars.

 

Thanks for the update, bangers are a style of their own,
Escorts over here used to be called lunch boxes, I'm guessing that's connected to an Esky (insulated box to keep drinks cool, drink chiller?) not sure what they get called over there, Kiwi's call them Chilli bins.
Mk1's are a cool thing.