Which Direction?

[Anson]

I am trying to plan ahead on a Model A build. I have to wait about five years for my finances to get to where I can begin building a garage and gathering tools. Then probably another year or two to find the model I am looking for. I would like to do a 30 to 31 town sedan. But will take any fordor I can get my hands on when the time comes. I plan on using it as a weekend driver and to bring to shows, not to win of course but just for fun. My dilemma is that I would love to have a true original Model A but I have to add a few modifications in order to make it safe for my wife and child to ride in. Which would mean things like seat belts and turn signals. I plan on using the cowl lights as front turn indicators and then probably 32 style rear tail lamps. But these things would take the vehicle out of one class and put it into the modified class. And I really didn't want to do that. I wanted a fully original car to really get a feel of what it was like to drive this car back in the early 30's. But I can't fully do that so should I just go ahead and modify everything and add things like side mirrors and extra gauges to monitor water and oil temp and put in a overdrive add more horsepower? How far should I go? What would you do?


By the way I live on disability that's the reason for the waiting period. But if anyone has some books or magazines they wouldn't mind donating I would be eternally grateful.

 

[Anson]

By the way I know you can use hand signals for turning but I live in Florida and no one knows them down here.

 

[Bruce Adams]

You can purchase insert LED signals that fit into the standard taillite.
What makes you think a 1932 taillite would make you "Modified"?

The kind of car shows you are talking about in Florida are not at a level where anyone would care about a taillite, but the inserts are great and BRIGHT as is the THIRD BRAKELIGHT available in the back of the national Model A magazines.
Noone on Long Island seems to know what a hand signal is, and eve if they did, try using a hand signal to go from fast lane to inside lane at night on a parkway using hand signals. My turn signals get immediate response from other drivers though.
These photos should show the effect of the third brakelight and also an LED taillite compared to a normal high intensity incandescent bulb.

I also have seat belts, if for no other reason than the possibility of hitting a bump on a curve popping the door open.

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

I don't know how the traffic is in Florida, but it's pretty bad in the Twin Cities and I drive my 28 just as it was built, with no add-ons.

Yes, some people don't know what hand signals are. One day I was downtown Mpls. at a 4 way stop. I had my hand out to signal a left hand turn. The cop on my right made his left hand turn and asked what I wanted. As soon as he asked, I guess he realized his mistake and said "nice car" and drove on.

 

[TerryH]

I think you need to do some thinking and decide just what you want, and what also suits your needs. Safety is a big concern for most of us, and making the Model A safer was a priority for me, so I added quartz halogen headlights for better night driving, the second tail light and LED's, turn signals in the cowl lights, and seat belts. Since I like to be able to drive on tours and also on the freeways here in S. Calif., I also added a HC head and a Mitchell overdrive. Almost everything else about my car is either stock or looks stock....still have 19" wheels, good mechanical brakes, etc. It drives and handles very closely to a stock Model A....mine is a 1930 Town Sedan, and I drive it about 4-5 days a week. To me, I have the best of both worlds.....a very well restored, very nice and correct looking Model A, which is also a very good and dependable driver. My own preferences were to not add extra gauges, cup holders, etc. My turn signal switch is hidden behind the cowl....I like the clean look of a stock appearing car.
But as you will soon find, opinions vary greatly on this subject, and there is no right answer......you will have to find that for yourself. I would suggest joining a local club and see and observe what others have done to their cars, and then weigh your own options. Most of all, have fun, and drive your car!!

 

[gunmetal blue]

I just want to say that I wish you all the luke in the world. I am also on disability and last year I got my 1929 AA 188-A truck. IM 54 years old when I was 18 yrs. I owned 5 model A's. It can be done. MY e-mail address is terry_rose2002@yahoo.com sent your address and I have a book you can have. There is alot of information on the internet as well. Get parts books and you will suprised at how many have information in them.

 

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

I just want to say that I wish you all the luke in the world. I am also on disability and last year I got my 1929 AA 188-A truck. IM 54 years old when I was 18 yrs. I owned 5 model A's. It can be done. MY e-mail address is terry_rose2002@yahoo.com sent your address and I have a book you can have. There is alot of information on the internet as well. Get parts books and you will suprised at how many have information in them.

What a nice gesture and role model! Kudos for your unselfish acts of generosity!!

.

 

[Anson]

You can purchase insert LED signals that fit into the standard tail lite.
These photos should show the effect of the third brakelight and also an LED taillite compared to a normal high intensity incandescent bulb.

Thanks for the pics I like the look and I see the third brake light is barely noticeable when not in use.

Yes, some people don't know what hand signals are. One day I was downtown Mpls. at a 4 way stop. I had my hand out to signal a left hand turn. The cop on my right made his left hand turn and asked what I wanted. As soon as he asked, I guess he realized his mistake and said "nice car" and drove on.

My point exactly I'm only 33 but for some reason I'm the only one that knows what a hand signal is around here.

I think you need to do some thinking and decide just what you want, and what also suits your needs. Safety is a big concern for most of us, and making the Model A safer was a priority for me, so I added quartz halogen headlights for better night driving, the second tail light and LED's, turn signals in the cowl lights, and seat belts. Since I like to be able to drive on tours and also on the freeways here in S. Calif., I also added a HC head and a Mitchell overdrive. Almost everything else about my car is either stock or looks stock....still have 19" wheels, good mechanical brakes, etc. It drives and handles very closely to a stock Model A....mine is a 1930 Town Sedan, and I drive it about 4-5 days a week. To me, I have the best of both worlds.....a very well restored, very nice and correct looking Model A, which is also a very good and dependable driver. My own preferences were to not add extra gauges, cup holders, etc. My turn signal switch is hidden behind the cowl....I like the clean look of a stock appearing car.
But as you will soon find, opinions vary greatly on this subject, and there is no right answer......you will have to find that for yourself. I would suggest joining a local club and see and observe what others have done to their cars, and then weigh your own options. Most of all, have fun, and drive your car!!

How much does the overdrive change the feel of the car? I really want to experience the true model a and I am worried that some of these changes would ruin the experience.

I just want to say that I wish you all the luke in the world. I am also on disability and last year I got my 1929 AA 188-A truck. IM 54 years old when I was 18 yrs. I owned 5 model A's. It can be done. MY e-mail address is terry_rose2002@yahoo.com sent your address and I have a book you can have. There is alot of information on the internet as well. Get parts books and you will suprised at how many have information in them.

Thanks a lot! I've only been on disability for 1 year now got disabled 7 years ago took that long to get on disability. Lost everything I had in the process, my house, all my tools, garage, 3 trucks and 2 cars, several engines, a very nice boat, and everything else other than clothes. Now I finally have a place of my own its only a mobile home but its a home. Now I just have to save up for the rest. Just one of those hurdles in life, I just tripped over that one for a while.

What a nice gesture and role model! Kudos for your unselfish acts of generosity!!

I agree! By the way Brent I happened to see your website the other day and I must say I love the fact you have posted all those photo's of the build process. Not very many shops do that.

 

[hardtimes]

By the way I know you can use hand signals for turning but I live in Florida and no one knows them down here.

Whew, sad commentary on driver skills these days! But, I know what you mean. I don't like the look of turn signal 'stuff' on a model A, so use hand signals that grew up with. Problem is the culture here is...that people have reacted as if you are giving them a one finger salute..know what I mean?
Does your model A plans include/require any modifications/alterations for disability? If so, may complicate 'things' a bit. In my opinion, driving the stock, or fairly stock, model A requires lots of attention as it is. Something to consider.

 

[Brentwood Bob]

In Reno in 1998 a fellow had a 4 door that he had restored, and then showed. He was using a wheel chair. Find a local club, and consider joining. This fellow got support from his club. If you have more questions, fire away. Took me 22 years to get a driver. Fell off a roof in 2001. It can be done. Bob

 

[31Tudor]

You have mentioned a couple of times that you "want to feel what it is like to drive a Model A as it was in the 30's", then I would keep it stock and just do your safety additions that you mentioned. Other modifications, high compression head, overdrive, different shocks all change the original feel. The other gauges that you mentioned are also not necessary. A nice running stock Model A is a great experience and a lot of fun.

 

[Anson]

Whew, sad commentary on driver skills these days! But, I know what you mean. I don't like the look of turn signal 'stuff' on a model A, so use hand signals that grew up with. Problem is the culture here is...that people have reacted as if you are giving them a one finger salute..know what I mean?
Does your model A plans include/require any modifications/alterations for disability? If so, may complicate 'things' a bit. In my opinion, driving the stock, or fairly stock, model A requires lots of attention as it is. Something to consider.

That's the way here if you try to use hand signal's people look at you like your stupid and then run into you and blame you for the accident since you didn't have working turn indicators.
I have Lyme disease, I had it for several years undiagnosed so it led to many issues. I have severe arthritis in my hands knees and back. So much so that at times I cannot even walk. I also have two torn disks that are interoperable and Degenerative disk disease. I'm also Bi-polar with some schizophrenic tendencies.

In Reno in 1998 a fellow had a 4 door that he had restored, and then showed. He was using a wheel chair. Find a local club, and consider joining. This fellow got support from his club. If you have more questions, fire away. Took me 22 years to get a driver. Fell off a roof in 2001. It can be done. Bob

Roof's stink I have nearly fallen off a few in my time.

You have mentioned a couple of times that you "want to feel what it is like to drive a Model A as it was in the 30's", then I would keep it stock and just do your safety additions that you mentioned. Other modifications, high compression head, overdrive, different shocks all change the original feel. The other gauges that you mentioned are also not necessary. A nice running stock Model A is a great experience and a lot of fun.

That's kinda what I was thinkin. Turn signals and seat belts shouldn't really alter anything.

 

[TerryH]

I tend to disagree about the hc head and overdrive changing the way a Model A feels...I have had Model A's both ways...the overdrive changes nothing, unless you feel going 55-60 mph quietly on the interstate or freeway is a bad thing. Same with the hc head....I did not do other power mods, so the most that it does it give me slightly better pulling power, especially with a heavier Town Sedan and the overdrive. My car sounds the same, I still drive in the slow lane, and I still have to be careful with the mechanical brakes.
But like I said, you will many who do not want to change anything on their Model A...not even going to dual tail lights, or almost totally concealed turn signal switches. Each of us has a slightly or very different idea of what is either proper or right with our cars, or just makes more sense. Most of our club members here in Orange County that drive their cars on any kind of tour do not have totally stock Model A's, nor do most of them have them judged.....they simply enjoy and drive them.

 

[Mike V. Florida]

My dilemma is that I would love to have a true original Model A but I have to add a few modifications in order to make it safe for my wife and child to ride in. Which would mean things like seat belts and turn signals. I plan on using the cowl lights as front turn indicators and then probably 32 style rear tail lamps. But these things would take the vehicle out of one class and put it into the modified class.

But I can't fully do that so should I just go ahead and modify everything and add things like side mirrors and extra gauges to monitor water and oil temp and put in a overdrive add more horsepower? How far should I go? What would you do?


By the way I live on disability that's the reason for the waiting period. But if anyone has some books or magazines they wouldn't mind donating I would be eternally grateful.

Along with the other let me also say that little in needed to make the car "safe" to drive. Most of the car you will find already have a second tail light if not add it. LED turn signals might work for you up near Gainsville but down here in South Florida they just piss people off because you have the nerve to get in front of them so they speed up to be sure you can't get in.

Most of the charm for me is in the driving in a 1930's car. If I want to go fast I drive modern. Yes I also agree that the extra guages are not necessary. If you keep up on the maintenance you will have a safe enjoyable car that will last you years.

Ther are many myths about what you need to change on a model A.

I started collecting information on the "care and Feeding" of a Model A years before I ever had one.

Look up a local club and join as there will be chances to drive and work on them before you buy.

 

[Anson]

I tend to disagree about the hc head and overdrive changing the way a Model A feels...I have had Model A's both ways...the overdrive changes nothing, unless you feel going 55-60 mph quietly on the interstate or freeway is a bad thing. Same with the hc head....I did not do other power mods, so the most that it does it give me slightly better pulling power, especially with a heavier Town Sedan and the overdrive. My car sounds the same, I still drive in the slow lane, and I still have to be careful with the mechanical brakes.
But like I said, you will many who do not want to change anything on their Model A...not even going to dual tail lights, or almost totally concealed turn signal switches. Each of us has a slightly or very different idea of what is either proper or right with our cars, or just makes more sense. Most of our club members here in Orange County that drive their cars on any kind of tour do not have totally stock Model A's, nor do most of them have them judged.....they simply enjoy and drive them.

I was thinking of showing the car also but If i had the added tail light and seat belts I would think that would put it in the modified class. I don't really care about winning a show I just thought it would be fun to enter it and see how my work does. Since I plan on doing all the work myself. Paint body mechanical and even upholstery. For one I feel that doing this is more rewarding and also its more affordable.

Along with the other let me also say that little in needed to make the car "safe" to drive. Most of the car you will find already have a second tail light if not add it. LED turn signals might work for you up near Gainsville but down here in South Florida they just piss people off because you have the nerve to get in front of them so they speed up to be sure you can't get in.

Most of the charm for me is in the driving in a 1930's car. If I want to go fast I drive modern. Yes I also agree that the extra guages are not necessary. If you keep up on the maintenance you will have a safe enjoyable car that will last you years.

Ther are many myths about what you need to change on a model A.

I started collecting information on the "care and Feeding" of a Model A years before I ever had one.

Look up a local club and join as there will be chances to drive and work on them before you buy.

It's the same here, most people have no clue how to drive nor do they care to learn. I learned to drive when I was 7. Learned to race when I was 7 and learned to work on cars before I can remember. When I turned 21 I got a CDL and 2 weeks later I won 2nd place in a national truck rodeo. I can do things with a semi most people can't do with there import cars.
There are 2 Model A Clubs in Jacksonville but that's a long way from me.

 

[Jordan]

I was thinking of showing the car also but If i had the added tail light and seat belts I would think that would put it in the modified class. I don't really care about winning a show I just thought it would be fun to enter it and see how my work does. Since I plan on doing all the work myself. Paint body mechanical and even upholstery. For one I feel that doing this is more rewarding and also its more affordable.

If you don't care about winning, then why do you care what class you're in? The few times i've been to local car shows, they really don't even look at your car to detect what's original and what isn't. You could put a pinto motor in it, and simply tell them it's just an overhead valve conversion, and they would believe you. You need to build a car for what you're going to use it for. If you're just going to go to the shows in your town, I would say an overdrive is not necessary. But once you start driving the car, you're going to realize how much fun it is. And if you ever have to get on the highway, you're going to realize just how useful an overdrive is. It doesn't change the feel of the car, but it does allow you to keep up with the flow of traffic more.