Street Legal?

B

BlueWaterEric

Junior Member
Just joined forum, am looking to buy model a truck, so my first newbie question is are they "street legal" with only one taillight, no blinkers, and no seatbelts?
 
BlueWaterEric said:
Just joined forum, am looking to buy model a truck, so my first newbie question is are they "street legal" with only one taillight, no blinkers, and no seatbelts?
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It might depend on where you live and how you intend to register it.

It is legal in the US as it was manufactured.
 
Each state may have a different interpretation ! In Canada it is legal as long as it is as manufactured. Wayne
 
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There are tons of original model A's driving around in Florida legally..

That's one state you'll have no problem at all as they don't even have a state inspection or emissions test program... Many of the cars I see driving around when I visit are literally falling apart and still street legal
 
It might not hurt to check but most laws were passed with a "grandfather" clause (I am in California and probably shouldn't be relied upon for Florida laws). If something was legal when the vehicle was manufactured you are not required to change it. A second tail light, blinkers and seat belts are probably a good idea. There are a couple of things that came without grandfather exemptions to the best of my knowledge. I think you still need both an inside and an outside mirror and a seat belt for a minor or car carrier for a baby.

Charlie Stephens
 
Mitch//pa said:
There are tons of original model A's driving around in Florida legally..

That's one state you'll have no problem at all as they don't even have a state inspection or emissions test program... Many of the cars I see driving around when I visit are literally falling apart and still street legal
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And most of the drivers are the original owners... :eek: :eek:
 
Legal, yes.

In fact, it is likely legal to have kids without child seats in car without seat belts. Check your states laws, in NJ it is part of the law.

Do you really want to run with one tail light? Probably not, in fact you probably want to put some sort of modern thrid light on too.
As for turn signals, do people even use them anymore :)

We are comming up to tourist season here by the shore in NJ. That means out of state people not using turn signals as a rule. :)
 
Benson said:
Eric,

Are you aware that a stock Model AA has a relatively slow top speed of maybe 35 or so?

Just so that you do not buy one and expect to run with traffic.
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thats if it has the high speed rear gears - otherwise your looking at mid 20's as a top speed.
 
My motorcycle only has one tail/stop light with no seat-belts or windshield wiper, and I ride at night. Don't let the nanny society bite you.
 
BlueWaterEric said:
What is top speed of 1928 Model A pickup
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The same as the car, about 60 is the very top speed, but I consider 45 as a good top speed for a stock car. At 45 the engine is turning at just over 2000 RPM. A high speed rear end or overdrive and a higher compression head will let you cruise much better if you want to drive 50 to 60.
 
Eric,

I have a '31 Roadster Pickup with 3.54 rear end gears (which I recommend). It is comfortable at 55 but I have probably had it to 70. The problem is mechanical brakes are not quite up to 70 and modern traffic. Another problem is that the front fenders tend to lift the car above about 55. If a Semi passes you are in for a bit of excitement. If the road crosses a canyon with a wind blowing down it still more excitement. I think I would plan on 55.

Charlie Stephens
 
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