Not been particularly active on the HAMB the last few years. Recently ended up having to go back to the old farm in Rural Michigan to help out my Elderly Father after he had a massive heart attack, subsequent open heart surgery, and a month long stay in the Hospital. This 1941 Thieman tractor found me, will make an interesting tinker therapy project. They were "factory built" mid 1930's until late 1941, and used a COMPLETE Model A Ford driveline, engine, trans, rear end, radiator. It really shows the creativity of the time, the same creativity the hot rod hobby was born from. This particular one is one of the last ones made, about 500 factory assembled tractors were made along with "kits" where one supplied their own Model A. Probably will have to find a different engine, or at least a good block but thankfully its just Model A stuff.
Those little four cylinder Model A engines were in everything, military vehicles, industrial equipment, agricultural use, boats, trains and even airplanes. Back in the '30s you could have your choice of dozens in every junkyard in the U.S. for as little as $5.00 for a good running engine. Have fun with your project and keep us posted on your progress.
The engine in my dads ‘31 coupe came out of a Toro tractor from that same era. Diamond block with counterweighted “C” crank so can’t complain
Yes, best wishes for your dad. Model A engines found their way into Gleaner combines. I happen to know where one is.
Pops is doin good… latest project on his coupe is repairing a roached Winfield intake manifold, welding it up and remachining to accept a SR-C carb. He changes carbs like most change underwear, so we’ll see how it goes. Someday I hope to put a set of 19” knock off Dayton wires on it. Not your typical tractor mods
That is going to be a nifty project and looks pretty complete. I’m glad to hear dad is doing better and wanting to work on his car. Sounds like you guys have some great times ahead of you with two projects going on, keep us posted and more pics please
I saw that on craigslist I don't know what I would do with it but I sure like it and it's close to home It's taking everything in my power not to message on it You should buy it and post about it on here so I can live vicariously through you.
I saw a picture of a Model A doodlebug taken at a tractor show that had front wheel assist. The front axle looked like a Model A with turning knuckles. Can’t find that picture on the web again. Guess it is possible the front axle was a Marmon Herrington, from a commercial chassis.
If you look closely at the "doodle bug" pictures you can see that there are two Model A transmissions back to back, which was common on some doodle bugs. They would lock the first trans in low gear and shift with the second trans. It gave the vehicle great pulling power for farm implements.
Very cool. My 1982 Heckendorn commercial lawnmower (88" deck), built in Cedar Kansas, came with a model A transmission next to a 2 cylinder air cooled wisconsin.
My (approx 1942) John Deere Model L orchard tractor uses several Model A parts: steering box, column, steering wheel, and trans (I think), and perhaps other bits.
My Dad paid $15 for a 1929 model A to put the motor in a boat. The only car my grandfather even owned was a 28 Star, again for a boat motor.
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