Hot Rods Stock or not so stock...everyone's got an opinion

Hello everyone, My name is Paul, and I live in the Socal Mountains. I finally had the means to buy an all steel original 1930 Model A. I found one in CA, Built at the CA factory up north, and owned in CA. It is a clean early Restoration, but to stock specs only. I bought this with the intention of creating a Hot Rod. And I'm still going to. I want to do this right and keep the old school traditions in mind, while making it safe and quick as much as I can. Everyone has an opinion, and boy alot of old timers share it...They want me to keep it stock, going 35mph, and trailer it to shows. I just can't do that. It's in my blood to modify, customise tastefully and drive it to all the shows! I love the late 50's early 60's style Rod, and with time, money and patience, I will achieve my goal. Thank you for your time on this awesome site, I am sure down the road I will have many questions.

 

You'll be on the road quicker and cheaper.
Sell the original stuff back into the restorers supply chain to recoupe some costs.

 

There is a reason that cars have engines and wheels. They are meant to be driven. It sounds like your heart wants a hot rod. Go for it. It IS your car.

 

every year they have the antique automobile show in San Jose. pre war cars only, and for the most part original restorations. hiding in the group is a bunch of model A guys with modified 4 bangers, overdrives, alternators and working brakes who drive those cars all over the country.

"HOT ROD" is not your only option when you want to drive

 

Make it yours. Worlds ahead starting with a restored car. Rust repair is so costly, you are better off. How about a photo, if your avatar isn't it?

 

They made a gazillion Model As. Don't worry too much about ruining an original.

 

Sounds like you need the new Tardel book:

 

X2.
And the old one too:

 

I'm not even gonna get in on this one... Happy New Year!

 

You just did

 

Trailers are for boats!

 

Go to some shows/cruises. See what you like then do what you want to make it your own.

 

This should be a good one, pics please ,and the more the better.

 

There's something wrong with your stock Model A if in only goes 35 MPH.

 

My basically stock '31 RDPU is comfortable at 55 MPH. The fact that the front fenders tend to lift the front end is the only reason it is not comfortable faster. My AVATAR has a 181 cubic inch Mercruiser Marine (basically a big 4 banger Chevy II). It is comfortable at 65 but again the fenders issue

Charlie Stephens

 

Thanks all...Here are some pics...plus I did order the Book How to build a Traditional Hotrod Ford.
And yes, I will sell the stock parts to build up the cash to buy what I really want. I used to work in Aerospace in Mechanical Engineering, and I have restored and customized Harleys, and a Triumph once. So to me this is kind of like an old school four wheel Chopper...Happy New Year!

 

I see an A-V8 in your future.

 

Nice looking A.........it's yours do what you desire with it with no reservations.

 

I'm getting on board to see what you end up doing with it! Good choice to start with that nice of an A, it will make the end result so much easier and better!

 

Yours, do what you want, drive it like you stole it, don’t look back, end of story

 

chop/channel/section/blown Hemi w/ 6-2 set up - or preserve the overall stock look with a freeway friendly drive train, better stance & brakes for mountain driving - No billet/Mustang II frontend/etc - try to have fun!!

 

My opinion (worthless) is only remove or change what you have to to make a hot rod. Dont make it look like you started with a COMPLETELY bare body shell. One example is the the cowl to hood welting, hood or not that is a nice detail to leave. There are plenty of other examples maybe someone else will chime in.

 

Thanks everyone fro making me feel at home...My passion is strong, and there isn't a day I don't think about this project. I am studying and designing what I want in my head, and If the weather doesn't get too ugly up here, I will be getting started soon...

 

That's a damn fine looking car. Looking forward to see what you do with it!

 

I'd keep all the parts that I took off so that it could be put back if that was later the plan. Most of the changes I would make would be bolt on or take off, but that's just me. Vern's books will put you on the path I would take. It's yours. Have a good time with it.
Pete

 

Hot Rod that coupe! Can't wait to see what you do with it.

 

I have a friend who has a bone stock model A. He drives it almost every day. But I'm sure he stays on all rural roads. He really loves that car. But I'm a Hot Rodder. I have two model A 's. Both have 6'' chops, one has a 354 Hemi the other a 389 Pontiac. So this is a Hot Rod site, and we like to make them go faster. I been driving my A coupe for over 40 years. I just can't drive it as far now days. But it's still the most FUN of any car, I've ever driven. But like others have said. Your the only one that knows what you like. But one thing's for sure, THERE'S NOTHING MORE FUN THAN A MODEL A !!!!! Ron...

 

Hey Paul, welcome. Your instincts are good. It is amazing what a chop and rake will do for the looks of a Model A coupe. Turns an old-timey buggy into an honest-to-god car. My dad has a restored '31 stocker with nice paint and interior, my brother has a '29 that's chopped and raked with place-holder black primer and no interior beyond the seat. Guess which one gets more attention? The '29, hands down.

 

Nice looking coupe! I like that you are considering all options with the car. I have picked an era that I want my build to look like and try and stick with that theme. I have seen too many cars that have parts from different eras and they end up looking confused. For example a Pre war build would look funny with a 60's tuck and roll interior and disc brakes. A 60's build with a SBC looks silly with an HEI and a modern 4 barrel on it. Any piece of billet aluminum sticks out like a sore thumb. I also like to keep in mind what a person would have done at the time. A kid who just swapped a flathead into the car wouldnt have the money to update the interior and a mostly stock interior would be used. I think details make or break a car. remember it is ultimately your car and you can build it any way you want. there are no rules. Biggest thing is to have FUN.

 

My styles are more in line with Ron's, a Milner's coupe kinda guy. So I personely would not start with that car. That said have fun ,make it your own , and cruise up along side Ron's Model A and smoke his ass with your sleeper. Good luck and keep us posted. Larry