Hey guys and gals, I have a 29 model A roadster that was running and driving when parked a few years ago. I get in this frame of mind around this time of the year where I would like to get it roadworthy (ya know, new brakes, tires, bearings, etc.) and drive it around a little the next summer. One thing Ive never really known is how reliable are the original engines. I believe this one had been rebuilt not long before it was parked (by my uncle, before he p***ed he was the king around his area for working on those engines) and I really know nothing else about it. So I guess long story short, if the internals etc. were all decent on it, and i figured out all the quirks to get it to run well (how to time it, how to watch it so it doesnt overheat, etc.) how reliable are these engines for burning around? I know it wont break speed records, and I wouldnt plan on long ***ed trips. Mainly 20 miles into the city, then burn around the city for an afternoon, then 20 miles back. Can anyone school me a little? Tried searching, but type in "model A engine" and a billion threads come up! Thanks.
I've always had good luck with them. You're right, you won't be breaking any speed records (about 45 mph comfortable cruising speed). They don't typically run hot, and they are dead-nuts simple to fix by the side of the road. Generally they let you know well in advance that something is going wrong. I'd say go for it. P.S. It's the brakes on your stocker that I'd recommend going through and upgrading as much as possible. They're really barely-adequate even for the stock motor IMO. You can get them relined with modern brake shoe compounds and make sure all the cables/pivots/etc are in good shape and moving freely, especially since it's been sitting a while.
you should try the ford barn, lots of good people there too. http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=3
I'll give you my take. I've got a dressed up banger with enough huevos to do 55-60 comfortably on the freeway. Has juice brakes and bias plys. It is a blast to drive and has never let me down. And when you know these engines, if something does have a glitch, you know how to fix it. Super simple and parts are available although you may wait a week to get them. On the other hand, it is a bit of work to drive and to me it gets tiring if you are not in the mood for dealing with it. I don't drive it when I'm in a hurry running around and a OT car would be better. But when you are in relaxed, chill and enjoy mode it can't be beat.
Only had minor problems with my bangers. Generally I run my engines hard. Stay witha stock internal engine. Minor upgrades make them easier to drive, electronic ignition, downdraft intake with a stromberg, and 12 volts help out tremendously. I don't recommend high comp heads. Make sure the radiator has water and check the oil regularly is my maintenance for about the last 5000 miles.
Pretty MUch. But I get about 5 maybe 10 mph more because I don't got fenders & I got Gigantic 235/85/16 tires http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=704473&highlight=ese
My 29 Business Coupe with numbers matching original engine, don't like air cleaners, chokes it down to barely run,it has always been reliable and fun to drive but has it's tongue hanging out past 47 mph.been driving it since 1991.
They are very simple and pretty reliable. Depending on the quality of the babbit job there are alot of parts out there for some extra HP. High compression heads, different cams, downdraft carbs etc.. Overdrives are also being made, but recommend higher than stock HP if you have something like this in mind. I helped with a car for the Great Race in 2005 and 2006 and other than the waterneck on the Walker radiator coming unsoldered there were no real problems. Also do not neglect the brake system. The brakes have a bad rep, but with the proper parts and attention to the details they are very good. Rod
Have you ever driven a model A with stock brakes? They are plenty for a stocker. I agree that you should keep them in good condition but they are more safe than Juice brakes with a single pot. They will lock the wheels up no problem with "the saftey of steel from wheel to wheel". P.S. There are NO cables on a model A's brakes.
Model A's setup properly (timed correctly) are a very reliable automobile. Same with mechanical brakes for a stocker. Henry built millions of these cars....did they all stop running and crash into everything cause the brakes were no good......NO! They are relatively easy to work on and not overly expensive to keep in good running order. You just need to be mindful of what you are driving in todays world with todays traffic.
Yes, I have driven and worked on quite a few Model A's that were all stock. Last one was a '29 sedan my buddy owned, and my Dad's got a '31 four door. I didn't say the brakes were inadequate, and I didn't advise him to change them up for juice brakes or anything. All I said was they were barely good enough for a stocker. Frankly, when they're set up right they're better than the stock tires anyway. If you want to drive an A in modern traffic you've got to be prepared to stop at near-modern speeds 'just incase'. I had a set relined with modern shoes ('green' something-or-other) for my Dad's and they were great. Didn't wear as fast, so I didn't have to fiddle with the brakes as often. IMO a good upgrade if you're going to be doing reasonably long trips. "Cables" was a mistake, typing on my phone and not thinking. Disregard that, but you do still want to make sure everything is lubed up and working properly on an A that's been setting a while.
Very reliable. I have no problem jumping in my banger and driving 400 miles. Sometimes 800 miles round trip in a weekend. Driving the Blue Ridge Parkway in it next year.
Elrod, When you get close to NC, gimme a call! My family is from the NC mountains and I'd love to meet up and or show you around Ashe County!
Elrod I heard a nasty rumor you had left the banger brethren and gone more modern with a late model V8 in your kick*** coupe....
Once I bought a stock 31 that had been restored "a few years ago". Like you I didn't build it or know anything about taking care of it. I found this to be the coolest and most dangerous car I ever owned. It was probably great on dirt roads at 25 mph but plum scary in todays traffic. By todays standards the brakes ****ed and at 45 the motor was screaming. Had to push it home a few times when it broke down. The guys that say different are highy tallented A experts with years of experence I'd bet. You will have to pay your dues just like they did to keep one running good. I made mine into a hotrod and drove it all over the USA with minor maintence. JMO
I beat the hell out of mine over the summer with no issues. Do the basic upgrades. Don't jump in with Hi-Comp heads, just keep it simple at first, I did large rear tires to help, or change the ratio. 3 things if I did it over again, Snipe camshaft instead of a "B" grind, counterbalance crank to help cut down on the vibration, Baffle the top tank - mine has a tendency to throw water out the overflow at high speed. Brakes are good, I took my time rebuilding everything back to spec and was still ok until I then went to new cast drums and pads. Now it beats some hydr brakes - under 65.
Tiredford is right, they are a little scary at first until you mesh with the machine and understand its needs and driving style and match your expectations. It can be made to drive a little faster and stop better but the maintenance is always more than later cars. You get used to the little things, oil changes, greasing and adjusting. For some of us thats the fun part too. It's very mechanical and farmlike so a different mindset is needed. You'll learn to search antique malls for tools to use instead of those to hang on a wall. For me at least its been one of the funnest cars I've had to build and drive. You see more driving slower, Life is good under 60.
Thanks for the compliment Weeks! It's true that the coupe is now V8 powered, but I still enjoy the bangers....
I used to run all over the place with no worries in my, Model A many years ago. I am building the car again with the same motor and I expect to start doing it again, hopefully next year. The two biggest issues in my mind: put in hydraulic brakes (40 - 48 Ford, or aftermarket), and get a good radiator. The motor took millions of folks everywhere for many, many years, reliably. That is why there are still so many of the cars around today.
Thanks for all the discussion and your know how and smarts, everyone. I think for now my goal would be to just get it running good and road worthy and burn around with it, then later on i could see how i enjoy it, and see about modding it or whatever. Gonna look into throwing juice brakes in it too, or some kind of upgraded brake system. Im actually amazed at how many guys in here still run around with the original (ish) engines.
My 26 T is on A running gear running a modified B motor sure it cost more to do all the updates than putting in a small block chev but then it cruised several hundred miles last weekend moving down the open highway at 117 ks an hour and stops on a dime with rod brakes and man is it fun. Rusty
Here's a simple MC mount idea using factory Model A brake mechanism. Look on the frame rail under the driver door in the pic
My buddy brought home a 30 coupe last summer that say since the mid 60's. Had that banger running in 3 hrs!
I have a 30 pickup with an inserted banger that I have been using as a daily driver for years with no problems. I also have a 29 coupe that I've driven since the late 80's, they are great as long as you don't mind driving at 50-55 mph. Two years ago it was -17 and snowing and my wife took my regular truck to work, the Model A pickup was setting outside and started right up. They are simple and bullet proof if you don't over rev them, they have lasted for over 80 years.
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