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Hot Rods The Maligned Model A Rad Surround

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Fortunateson, Apr 4, 2024.

  1. Fortunateson
    Joined: Apr 30, 2012
    Posts: 5,686

    Fortunateson
    Member

    Well maybe not maligned but apparently under appreciated. What I’m writing about is the replacing of Model A surrounds with those of a ‘32. Now I have a ‘32 and I love the rad surround as well as those of ‘34 and ‘40. They are all a work of Henry art. But so is the Model A especially the ‘30/31. I’m just a little miffed by all those ‘32 surrounds! Why don’t more Model A owners keep their surrounds?

    Comments/thoughts?
     
    Tow Truck Tom likes this.
  2. Tow Truck Tom
    Joined: Jul 3, 2018
    Posts: 3,188

    Tow Truck Tom
    Member
    from Clayton DE

    Just a guess, I think surround is how we, to the leftside of 'The Pond', refer as a shell.
    So yeah, My eyesight is always calmer when I come upon an 'A' sporting the proper looking radiator.
    Now before everyone gets upset, I must add that the 'Deuce' shell is a true, thing of beauty.
    It looks great on the 32. and many other makes models and years.
    For example the model 'T' and model '40'
    Also when an 'A' has been sliced and diced to a lowdown stance, the 'Deuce' shell is a plus.
    My appreciation of the 'A' becomes less as the roof height goes down.
    While excessive channeling needs to have less glass to look at.... or seem 'toonish
    A high boy with 'mail slot' windows can wear anything ( I'm not gonna even look )
    I am glad to have the space to unload this rant
     
    Last edited: Apr 4, 2024
  3. '29 Gizmo
    Joined: Nov 6, 2022
    Posts: 1,129

    '29 Gizmo
    Member
    from UK

    Model A surrounds were used because they were the easiest way to fit the model B radiator needed for the twin inlet flathhead conversion.

    Latterly i suspect it was a cheap way of making your common 30/31 model A roadster look more like the much rarer model B roadster.
     
    '28phonebooth and Just Gary like this.
  4. alchemy
    Joined: Sep 27, 2002
    Posts: 22,288

    alchemy
    Member

    Is a rad surround the same thing as a grille shell?

    Just kidding. Cause on an A there is no grille, so why would you need a shell?
     
  5. I like the A ones just fine.

    IMG_1881.jpeg
     
  6. Jethro
    Joined: Mar 5, 2001
    Posts: 1,951

    Jethro
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

  7. Fortunateson
    Joined: Apr 30, 2012
    Posts: 5,686

    Fortunateson
    Member

    Model B only has a single inlet/outlet on the rad....
     
  8. Fortunateson
    Joined: Apr 30, 2012
    Posts: 5,686

    Fortunateson
    Member


    Exactly!
     
  9. Fortunateson
    Joined: Apr 30, 2012
    Posts: 5,686

    Fortunateson
    Member

    Well at least we have two are not afraid to do there own thing...
     

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