Bob Bidonde
Well-known member
I attended the 67th Model A Ford New England Meet in Rocky Hill Connecticut. There was a daily "Parking Lot Party" in which many many opinions about Model A's were spoken.
Radial Tires was a popular topic as several Model A's had them. Not one owner said that the high cost of radials made any worthwhile difference in handling.
The Universal Tire Company in Pennsylvania was bought out and the Universal brand of tires is not so commonly found anymore. Many praise the Universal Tire as a good original era looking tire that runs well on a Model A, and their price was affordable. I recently bought a set of 4.75-5.00x19 Universal Tires from Summit Racing that cost $120 each for black walls.
Radiators were also talked about. Some folks said the high cost or re-coring an original radiator was equivalent to buying a new radiator having superior rows of tubes and more cooling fins.
Headlights with modern bulbs were impressive to many. I was asked why the headlights in my Victoria were so bright. I have 12v halogen bulbs in mine. Model A's with LED headlights were just as impressive.
The AACA Meet In Hershey, Pa is a growing concern to many. There was talk of the meet moving to a new location. There was also a rumor that HERCO is more interested in other money making venues than the largest car flea market on the planet. It appears that many sellers leave Hershey early which is disappointing to buyers.
Open versus Closed Model A's was a topic discussed. Apparently closed cars are more in demand than open cars by folks with youngsters, by folks who run in the fall and spring, and new club members just entering our hobby. In the meet parking lot, closed cars were overwhelming in numbers.
Meet Hotel Food leaves a lot to be desired in taste and cooking especially considering the high cost of the meals. Several folks will be eating at local restaurants in lieu of opting for the host club's meal offerings.
Club Activities were discussed. Several consider their home Model A clubs to be lacking in Model A running activities. Attending the Gettysburg, Pa national meet was a very popular conversation.
Radial Tires was a popular topic as several Model A's had them. Not one owner said that the high cost of radials made any worthwhile difference in handling.
The Universal Tire Company in Pennsylvania was bought out and the Universal brand of tires is not so commonly found anymore. Many praise the Universal Tire as a good original era looking tire that runs well on a Model A, and their price was affordable. I recently bought a set of 4.75-5.00x19 Universal Tires from Summit Racing that cost $120 each for black walls.
Radiators were also talked about. Some folks said the high cost or re-coring an original radiator was equivalent to buying a new radiator having superior rows of tubes and more cooling fins.
Headlights with modern bulbs were impressive to many. I was asked why the headlights in my Victoria were so bright. I have 12v halogen bulbs in mine. Model A's with LED headlights were just as impressive.
The AACA Meet In Hershey, Pa is a growing concern to many. There was talk of the meet moving to a new location. There was also a rumor that HERCO is more interested in other money making venues than the largest car flea market on the planet. It appears that many sellers leave Hershey early which is disappointing to buyers.
Open versus Closed Model A's was a topic discussed. Apparently closed cars are more in demand than open cars by folks with youngsters, by folks who run in the fall and spring, and new club members just entering our hobby. In the meet parking lot, closed cars were overwhelming in numbers.
Meet Hotel Food leaves a lot to be desired in taste and cooking especially considering the high cost of the meals. Several folks will be eating at local restaurants in lieu of opting for the host club's meal offerings.
Club Activities were discussed. Several consider their home Model A clubs to be lacking in Model A running activities. Attending the Gettysburg, Pa national meet was a very popular conversation.
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