I have been lurking on this and other sites as well as reading books to better understand what I would build as a 40's hot rod. Theres plenty of technical help here and in some of the books I have. I think I've narrowed my goal to a Ford Model A base (preferably a truck). I am not planning a significant build just stance, wheels and a bit of motor work for drivability. Pretty much like many of the builds on this forum. My question is what is the drivability of these cars relative to regular traffic. Im not expecting nor planning on it as more than a weekend occasional driver. More of a project that I always wanted to take on.
I find the drivability to be fine and could be made even more so. Mine does have some kind of insert bearing engine in it and so far seems very capable of maintaining 55-60 mph. I think with juice brakes and a better transmission in it and it could be used as a daily driver. I've been enjoying mine so much that I'm leaning in that direction. I'm even exploring an overdrive transmission over the '39 toploader I have to put in it. I then think maintaining 70 -75 mph would be possible. As long is it could do that, I'd have no problem with it on the highway.
I drove my pickup 99% stock for almost the first year. As long as the brakes are in good order, I see no issues around town. It's the freeway speeds that are hard.
I have a 28 roadster rod and I tried a stockie 28 pickup, but, yes fine around town, but highway speeds antagonizes the others, so the pickup got rodded underneath like the roadster. Much more fun. Occasionally I even pull out and overtake with my slide on, the farts look bewildered as I go by.
I know this may sound a little insensitive, but have you driven a model a? The big question should be answered with another question: what do you drive now, and do you maintain it. Because if your oldest car been a '04 kia and you mechanically peak at wheel change and can't pull a tire off a rim, you are in for a lot of work/learning. But if you on the other hand comes from doing musclecars/off trucks or roundyround racing on dirt it's possible to master an A build. But for people with a descent skill set an A boner is a good place to cut your teeth.
they tend to ride a little rough due to there light weight buts if you are just doing weekend cruizing and some what local car shows their not horrible if you set them up right.
Thanks for the responses. I guess a little background would help. I have had various interests over the years. Restored a couple British cars and enjoyed them for years. Went through a auto cross phase and still have my BMW Z3. I'm now restoring and driving a 74 BMW 2002 Tii. So capable in a garage but not a master mechanic. I haven't driven an A yet but have found a couple for sale that I want to look at and drive. I'll continue to do some research before pulling the trigger on anything. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Last weekend I followed a club member in his Model A 4 Door for 40+ miles as we went as a group to World of Speed museum. It was 62 miles of Freeway and we averaged 60 M.P.H. The Model A's motor is stock motor with dual carbs. Only one operates. He has a T-5 to open Model A rear axle with 30" tall rear tires. There was no issue with his car keeping up with the late model overhead horse power stuff. What else would you want out of a Toy? The Wizzard
I see it touched on above but I would like to restate it. First of all I have had Model A's for over 50 years and am currently the president of the Model a Club chapter locally. The Model A is fine for reasonable speed longer trips. As mentioned above, the modified ones with T5's or overdrives are OK at 60 mph providing you have good brakes. Also keep in mind that the old wheels are not designed for high speed and the tires are skinny. So you have to be aware of stopping distance. A stocker at 50 mph is buzzing along pretty good. Some are uncomfortable at that speed. We try to keep cruising speeds around 45 for the most part. You can see what 45 will do on a freeway. People may not realize that you are traveling slower (rephrase: they DO NOT) and will come up on you pretty fast. That being said, pick your routes and maintain your car.
I'm not sure how to post a link, but search "trying to get my banger to freeway speeds". That is one of the most informative threads on stock and semi-stock model As in recent memory. Lots of good info that will save you a lot of head aches. Welcome to the HAMB by the way.
After you get your car running and driving, your biggest problems will come from the idiots you are forced to share the road with. Invariably, people look and see you coming and assume you are running 30, and you may be going 60, and pull right out in front of you. That extra space you leave yourself for stopping distance, they see as a gap they can dive in and test their anti-lock brake system. Not to discourage you, but just a thought for you. Do as suggested and drive one a few times before you put your money down. They are great, but they take some getting used to. I just go whatever route is necessary to avoid the interstate. Good Luck
All sound advice above. Just remember that you have to slow your roll, so to speak. Tighten the brakes, grease and lubricate regularly, repair anything that is worn to get the tightest steering and suspension possible for maximum control, and give plenty of room to the cars in front of you. Nothing prepared me to drive my 29 A like having three of the four brake rods come undone on my way home from buying it. For weeks after that, I drove it like I expected the brakes to go out at any moment.
DanZ3; Just a suggestion, find your local Model A club. Go to some of there meetings and introduce yourself. You'll be surprised the welcome you'll get. You'll make some new friends and maybe even find a few cars for sale you'd otherwise miss out on. I'd almost bet you'd get a chance to drive a stocker. I've also learned just because it's a Model A club does not dictate all of the members have Stock only cars. The Wizzard
I haven't driven a car with mechanical brakes. I will look into a local club to get some time with some cars and owners. I'm in Rochester NY
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