Just Curious...

THANKS, RcT for starting this thread. We don't all have to agree or become nasty or become sickening nice. It's all about our attraction to Model A's and sharing info and help and what's worked for one owner, but may not be right for someone else's car. For such a basically simple car, Model A's must be the most studied and bisected car of all.
Bill Williamson
 
Richard,

I just read the posts that I am interested in, and ignore the rest. When they start talking about their problems with the modified stuff, I just skip to the next post. No problem! (IMHO, as xxxxx would say!) :-)
 
Interesting discussion ! For what its worth, here's my philosophy. I began restoring completely stock model a's with my dad in the early 60's, and I own and drive a number of bone stock model a's. Somewhere along the way, I began studying the period modifications made to the Model a and b engines with period speed equipment. I learned a great deal about the culture that used and modified the model a - they called them "gow jobs". There is some fascinating history that needs to be preserved. I have several model a's that I have modified with period speed equipment but I have been meticulous to include period authenticity. So, my "rules" are that I will do nothing that cannot be unbolted with factory holes. Nothing will be on the car that was not available before 1940 (except a few zip ties). Things like wiring will use cloth covered wires with period looms, attention to detail is paramount.

I think we should look at the Great Race Rules as another set of criteria that is very strict as to the year specific componentry. This clearly separates period modified cars from street rods. i believe that keeping the car equipped with components from its time period should be an acceptable way to "refine" and enjoy these great Model A's.

Now, an added bonus. We wrestle with the aging population of model a enthusiasts. My two sons (17 and 22) are very interested in my modified model a's and have very little interest in the bone stock versions. They have spent hours and hours driving these cars with me. Not so with the bone stock versions! They are essentially all model a's and all parts interchange. They are still supplied with parts from Snyders, Brattons, etc. and NOT the street rod suppliers - there is nothing of interest there for me. I have found this forum to provide me with a significant amount of knowledge, and the best source to help me "get it right" as i am still trying to understand more and more about these cars. Equipping them to be safe on the road, to compete in a hillclimb, to run the great race are excellent incentives to keep the Model A alive and well and exciting ! Aside from learning a great deal about restoration techniques, i have had an absolute blast driving these cars.

I seem to relate much more closely with this forum than the HAMB. I have no interest in cutting a frame, forcing a crazy engine in a model a, or even installing air conditioning. I use original seat frames instead of the street rod versions, and always preserve the original gas tank. It is difficult to improve Henry's original design, however there are a few things we can do refine it....carefully. I hope y'all let me stay here.
 
CarlG said:
Mine is not a "Stock" Model A. My goodness, it has a RH tail light, seat belts, turn signals, etc......:eek:
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And remember, there are "Model A owners out thr that don't belong to MAFCA or MARC and could care less about their "Mission Statement," they just love and enjoy their cars. They might even be posting on this forum!!! So let's be a positive example for our fellow Model A buddies.
 
Why would anyone want hydraulic brakes? the whole reason i would like a model A is because it is a real car not a pretend thing with infernal hydraulic brakes that find a new place to leak every week. Not exaggerating either. Why anyone would want to fit those leaking moneypits to a real car is a total mystery to me
 
Modelakid31 said:
I agree with driving the car but I feel that one you start adding/modifying a model a it's just not a model a anymore.
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So, I am guessing you aren't married, but if you are, your wife never uses lipstick or make-up, wears her hair unstyled and uncolored and never wears a bra or high heels? :)
 
If it does not involve welding and cutting it is not a hot rod. This means the modifications have been bolted on and the car can readily be put back to stock.

I actually think non authentic colors are the worst thing you can do for resale value. 4 speeds, overdrives, carburetors can easily be changed to original. The Model A has been around for 80 something years and modifications are part of its history. Whatever or however we drive fits in somewhere on the time line.
 
OOOOOOOWE!
My did some body step on the cats tail? I think (big problem there) that if things were put on it Model A for safety reasons it not modified period. Things that are put on a Model A to make it a more comfortable ride as long as they can be replaced without modifying the basic car is OK. Like over drive, F100 steering, 16in wheels HC Heads etc,etc. Questions on how to destroy a good Model A by chopping to up to make things fit belong on the hot rod section.
 
Modelakid31 said:
What the hell does that mean? Oh and I'm 19. I don't think I'd be married at 19.
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Mike, it was intended to be a joke-ie if you didn't like any modifications to your Model A then, you wouldn't want or expect any on your lady love. Sorry if it missed the target.

Richard/Ca-I agree with what you are saying. I think part of the situation is that a lot of "hot-rodders" can appreciate and value an original or finely restored antique car,while there are some restorers who cannot appreciate the energy and effort in crafting a well built hotrod. I would venture to say that most of the HAMB/FordBarn dual members are quite in favor of keeping antique cars in good condition in their original status, but we think we're "saving" those cars beyond practical restoration while still appreciating the marque.
 
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:)My car is actually a 27 T with a 29 A motor . Steel body modified A motor and a model A banjo rear. Not quite the vehicle for these pages but one day I will own a stock A. In the mean time I have learned a whole lot from the folks on this forum and have always been impressed" by the "family" feel that this site has. This is a great group with a wealth of knowledge .
I frequent the HAMB as well and while they are a rather grumpy crowd they are also a highly skilled bunch. My dad once told me "keep your mouth shut and your eyes and ears open" Great advise for me when it comes to the HAMB . Anyway the point is that you folks have helped to answer some questions for me here and as the owner of an off topic car I wanted to say thanks for being helpful and not throwing me off.:)

Pete
 
Okay I'm going to throw out a hamb thread here. Not as an endorsement of any kind or a barn burning. It is to show two things. That mods are welcome at the hamb and that not all hambers' are delinquents. ha ha

Well worth a look see if you have some time. Some of it might be considered interesting.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=502216

Still like my barn sunnyside up and all natural.
 
Tinker said:
Okay I'm going to throw out a hamb thread here. Not as an endorsement of any kind or a barn burning. It is to show two things. That mods are welcome at the hamb and that not all hambers' are delinquents. ha ha

Well worth a look see if you have some time. Some of it might be considered interesting.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=502216

Still like my barn sunnyside up and all natural.
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Thanks Tinker. That was well worth a look. Very interesting and some clever building ideas.
 
I do not intend to rehash this whole thing again, nor do I intend to "stir the pot", but take a look at this modified A... I would like to hear what others have to say about this pick-up. Let's play nice...

ebay item 250915738825
 
I see nothing different in this vehicle than a "Fine Point" winner with $100,000 invested in it. Just because you over spend on a car don't expect a future buyer to do the same. If the fellow had $100,000 to spend on the build too bad he couldn't hire a photographer to highlight the cars features. So what was your point in asking?
RcT said:
I do not intend to rehash this whole thing again, nor do I intend to "stir the pot", but take a look at this modified A... I would like to hear what others have to say about this pick-up. Let's play nice...

ebay item 250915738825
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RcT said:
Take a look at the posts today. A lot of them have to do with different heads, overdrives, 4-speed trannies, etc. At what point does the tone change here and the responses refer the person to the Hot Rod forum? Is a Model A Ford with 16" wheels, radial tires, overdrives, downdraft dual carbs, modified distributor, modern points, juice brakes, 12 volt systems, etc., are they considered to be "legal" for this forum? I do not intend to be critical or to start something here, but who makes this determination and at what point are you asked to go elsewhere?

Richard Tatoyan
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:eek: OK! If some one wants to modified (their) Model A for safety reasons I think using this form for help is just fine. Because there is a lot of knowledgeable people here to help them. If one wants to make a hot rod out of a Model A or add stuff like 4sp trans,down downdraft carbs,12 volt systems,modified dist. and things to make them drive easy then whats the point in owning a Model A.Would you go and buy a 1906 Ford or Cadillac and do the same thing to it so it would be easy to drive.And if you want to make a hot rod out of (YOUR) model A go to the hot rod form PLEASE.Thanks Richard/Ca
 
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RcT said:
Take a look at the posts today. A lot of them have to do with different heads, overdrives, 4-speed trannies, etc. At what point does the tone change here and the responses refer the person to the Hot Rod forum? Is a Model A Ford with 16" wheels, radial tires, overdrives, downdraft dual carbs, modified distributor, modern points, juice brakes, 12 volt systems, etc., are they considered to be "legal" for this forum? I do not intend to be critical or to start something here, but who makes this determination and at what point are you asked to go elsewhere?

Richard Tatoyan
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After several pages of "answers" to your question let me add a reminder that the owner of the site has said that the focus of this site is for restoration and modifications are the focus of HAMB.

Originally Posted by Ryan 05-09-2010, 09:59 AM
We will stay focused on restoration over here. Hot rods and customs are for the hamb.

There is overlap and always will be, so while there is nothing legal or illegal, there is a great amount of slant towards restoration to original specs.

I have tried to change my wording to "modified" questions to include HAMB and this site for answers so one does not feel that I'm asking them to leave here and go elsewhere.
 
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