Clyde did not like Model As

P

PC/SR

Well-known member
Am reading a biography of Bonnie and Clyde (Go Down Together, by Jeff Guinn). The author notes that Clyde would not steal Model As because
Model As were notoriously difficult to start--besides
turning the ignition key, it was necessary to pull out the
choke while simultaneously pressing down with both feet
on the clutch and accelerator pedals. Clyde himself would
never have stooped to stealing one.

Of course anyone in Clyde's line of work absolutely needed a car that would start quickly and reliably. Maybe he did not set the spark lever properly. The experts on this forum could have quickly instructed him on the correct starting procedure. And Jim Brierely could have advised him on how to make the A as fast as the V8s that Clyde preferred. Could have changed history.
A well written and interesting book.
 
For what it's worth:

My 1st cousin, three times removed, was in charge of the prison farm (Eastham) where Clyde was incarcerated, and where Clyde and others shot up the place (A guard was killed) and freed Raymond Hamilton, Joe Palmer, and others.
 
I agree that the A could have been upgraded in those days to equal or exceed the 60HP V8 but not when you are stealing it. I also don't understand why anyone would say the A is harder to start than a V8 flathead. The A will usually start in 3 revs but a V8 even in perfect condition sounds like you are winding up a clock spring to get it started.
Writer's perception, I think.
 
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My "A" will always turn over no matter how cold she is or how long sitting, the V8 takes a lot of choke and teasing to get her going.....
 
al's28/33 said:
My "A" will always turn over no matter how cold she is or how long sitting, the V8 takes a lot of choke and teasing to get her going.....
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I have that same thing with the 59AB in our truck. Model A starts a LOT easier than a V-8, seems you have to really work harder to find their sweet spot with the right choke, etc.

PC/Sr,,,,read that same book a year ago excellent!! Recommend reading it to anyone who hasn't.
 
No trouble here either. Mine starts right up. Mine is parked outside (no garage) and even at ten below zero this winter it has started up without issue (I do let it warm up when it's like that out but I'm sure any carbureted car would need a few mins to bring up to temp!)
 
PC/SR said:
Am reading a biography of Bonnie and Clyde (Go Down Together, by Jeff Guinn). The author notes that Clyde would not steal Model As because
Model As were notoriously difficult to start--besides
turning the ignition key, it was necessary to pull out the
choke while simultaneously pressing down with both feet
on the clutch and accelerator pedals. Clyde himself would
never have stooped to stealing one.

Why press the clutch? I was taught NEVER start a car in gear. If it is on a hill, use the hand brake.
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Running with Bonnie and Clyde (Ralph Fults) and My life with Bonnie and Clyde (Blanche Barrow) by John Neal Phillips, and Over the Wall by Patrick Mc Conal are also excellently written books about Texas outlaws. Guinn's book is definitive. Of course, there are many more, including Ted Hinton's Ambush (Ted Hinton was one of the six who ambushed (B & C).
 
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Agree, pushing in the clutch is not needed. Other than semimodern cars with the clutch switch I never bother to push the clutch in. Rod
 
Someone mentioned to me one time, that pushing the clutch on start up is hard on the rear thrust, until it starts and oil starts moving.
I do know sitting at a light with the clutch in is extra wear on the thrust. What do you think?
 
Chuck Sea/Tac said:
Someone mentioned to me one time, that pushing the clutch on start up is hard on the rear thrust, until it starts and oil starts moving.
I do know sitting at a light with the clutch in is extra wear on the thrust. What do you think?
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During the start I wouldn't worry about thrust wear, but at a light I wouldn't ride the clutch. I try to be in a position where I can see the light turn yellow, then I push in the clutch.
 
I suppose you can't check the service history whilst being chased by the Feds? :)

Thanks for the tip on the book, just bought on ABE books.
 
I am wondering if the author has his facts mixed up and meant the Model T. I find it advisable to push the brake pedal when starting them and some I have dealt with are very finicky with the carb adjustment. Rod
 
Rowdy said:
I am wondering if the author has his facts mixed up and meant the Model T. I find it advisable to push the brake pedal when starting them and some I have dealt with are very finicky with the carb adjustment. Rod
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I will bet the same thing, as most cars from that period had about the same step starting .
 
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