New Member to Ford Barn

trad29tudor

trad29tudor

Junior Member
Hello! I'm a newbie to Model As and am looking to learn about building a post-war banger hill climb/salt flat car that I can cruise to the cars-n-coffee.

Looking to learn about a banger with some extra power, lower gear in the rear end too. I'm wanting to build a '29 Tudor.

I've heard from some folks that a well-built mechanical brake system is fine - appreciate any thoughts on that vs. hydraulic.

Lastly, looking for vintage speed parts for the banger - any good sources outside swap meets and so on?

Thanks and hope to learn more about these cars and from the folks that have been in the hobby way longer than me. My background is 60s Mustangs and 70s muscle cars of all types - so this is new. Excited to learn! Thanks!
 
Welcome to the Barn, do you have the Model A already? Here are my thoughts:

1) This site is more for restoring original cars-not that some here don't have Model A hot rods. Just wanted to let you know that is all. Also check out the H.A.M.B.

2) Mechanical brakes work just fine for cruising. You will just have to drive within the limits of the car. They were never meant to corner, start, stop like a Mustang. That being said you can make up a car that will perform quite well with speed equipment. Bear in mind the stroke on a Model A is quite long so cruising is perfect, speed not so much compared to V-8's.

3) You can get new speed equipment from hi-comp heads/ to dual down draft/ OHV. modern t-5 conversion.

4) You may want to find a local club if you are going to keep the car mostly stock. These cars have some quirks that you may not be familiar with coming from the muscle car world.

5) Keep asking questions here we will answer them.

Mike
 
Actual vintage speed parts do show up on eBay. Strombergs, for example, very common. You can also post in Wanted sections of the forums. A lot of folks have them just sitting on shelves.
 
Welcome. Jim Brierley has authored a book named "4 Bangers! and Me" or something along that line ---- about $40. Sounds to me like you need that book.
 
If I was upgrading the power of the engine I think I would upgrade the brakes to hydraulic. If you ever had an accident the first thing a smart lawyer would say is "Of course he couldn't stop in time with a more powerful engine and the old original brakes". Another thing is you are going to probably going faster than the original brakes were intended to be used for.

You should put your general location in your profile, those vintage parts might be right around the corner.

Charlie Stephens
 
Thanks Guys! Will check out the HAMB - Appreciate the info, pointers and resources/suggestions. I definitely have a lot to learn and am soaking it all up. I have my eye on a '29 Tudor not too far from where I live. BTW, some nice looking cars in your pics! I'll update my location Charlie, thanks!
 
Welcome to the Barn. The experts on here have a wealth of knowledge. Remember photos always help. Good luck and enjoy your A. Wayne
 
Welcome to the Barn! So, It sounds like like you want to build a hot rod. How much modification are you planning? Or do you just want to keep up with traffic on the interstate. If you're planning a lot radical engine work and body work, this is not the place you want to be. However if you want to just hang a manifold and a HC head on maybe a cam, things that can't be seen, we do not object too much. I would make one suggestion, From my own experience, I would not put a 4.11 0r higher rear in. I rebuilt my stock 3.78 with a 3.54 ring and pinion and I'm very happy I did. Not only do I get better Gas mileage, and higher top end, but she seems to climb hills better. Check this out, "Pirianios Model A Dyno readings" And bear in mind, these old flatheads usually have under square engines that produce high torque with low HP ratings. Forget about high RPMs and think about low RPMTorque.
Terry
 
Thanks for the info Nkaminar and Terry, NJ. Appreciate the brakes info/rear gear info and links. I just bought my first Model A. Found a running '31 chassis and then a '29 Sport Coupe body. I am planning on building a period-looking Sport Coupe with a chop and the fabric top...I know they seem to not get much love, but I'll be fine. I like the look and saw one in some old pictures of Muroc...need to find that. Will post some pics once I get everything home. The '29 Tudor body I was eyeing just sold - went from CO to CA! Excited to get everything home this Friday - then I'll get some pics posted.
 
Hello,you may want to get a Burtz engine, they are a new block,Counterbalance crankshaft with pressure fed mains , suitable for building up for higher horsepower,They are not cheap around $4000 .Do a search on Ford Barn and that should give you information on them. I have one on reserve ,should be here in April.
 
I'm a "keep everything original" kind of guy so I can't help you go faster but I do want to say Welcome Aboard and good luck with your project. I look forward to seeing your progress.
 
Finally got a pic of the project - '31 chassis with the Sport Coupe body mocked up. The '29 Tudor I was going to snag got sold, so landed with this. You can see the taller radiator/hood pointing up slightly - will obviously fix that.
 

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Thanks! Bert's up in Denver builds some nice motors - great guys and I got to watch them doing some work - very meticulous and high quality jobs! Appreciate the welcomes and well-wishes! Wrench on!
 
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