Model A as a "daily" driver?

Hi,

I have been seeing some nice Model A's for sale around where I live,
allegedly in excellent condition.

My question is would a model A with an original power plant and tranny
work out as a regular driver?

I don't drive to work, so "regular" means to the supermarket a couple
times a week, on sort of beat-up city roads, no highway.

I was thinking if the engine or tranny does eventually, I could drop a
toyota 4 cylinder pickup engine/tranny in there (I'm decent tig welder,
so I shouldn't have too much trouble with this).

I really don't much about these cars, maybe they are too fragile or
what-not.

Thanks.

On 8 Aug 2005 20:50:48 -0700, wrote:

>Hi,
>
>I have been seeing some nice Model A's for sale around where I live,
>allegedly in excellent condition.
>
>My question is would a model A with an original power plant and tranny
>work out as a regular driver?


As to driving the way you are talking they would work just swell. Now
STOPING is another matter. A's need to be changed over to newer brakes
if your going to drive them out in the daily world of normal traffic.

Steven E.

wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> I have been seeing some nice Model A's for sale around where I live,
> allegedly in excellent condition.
>
> My question is would a model A with an original power plant and tranny
> work out as a regular driver?
>
> I don't drive to work, so "regular" means to the supermarket a couple
> times a week, on sort of beat-up city roads, no highway.
>
> I was thinking if the engine or tranny does eventually, I could drop a
> toyota 4 cylinder pickup engine/tranny in there (I'm decent tig welder,
> so I shouldn't have too much trouble with this).
>
> I really don't much about these cars, maybe they are too fragile or
> what-not.
>
> Thanks.



The engine is not the biggest problem here, brakes are. Model As had
possibly the worst brakes ever put on a car... Unless you weigh 400+
lbs to apply to the pedal...

JT

wrote:
>
> My question is would a model A with an original power plant and tranny
> work out as a regular driver?

One thing to consider is insurance. "Book" value for an old car is not much -
something like $50 for a model-A. If someone hits you, that's what their
insurance company may try to pay you for the car. In some States, however, they
have to pay to fix your car, even if the damages are higher than book.

Owners take care of this by buying special insurance that insures the car for
market value instead of book. This is especially necessary if you elect to carry
"collision" insurance.

Many antique car insurance policies do not allow use as a daily driver. You may
find that a policy which does allow it is quite expensive.

George Patterson
Give a person a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a person to
use the Internet and he won't bother you for weeks.

>Many antique car insurance policies do not allow use as a daily driver. You may
>find that a policy which does allow it is quite expensive.
>
>George Patterson
> Give a person a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a person to
> use the Internet and he won't bother you for weeks.


Check out Allstate , I've had them for years ( 30 ). They cover both
the ' 29 and '35 to drive " daily " but limited . That means a total
milage not " just to parades and shows ". I could get more but would
have to pay more. Right now it is around $ 500.00 a year per car. But
one is normally suppended except for collision.

Steven E.

The Model A is not the cute little toy they seem to be. They are a work
horse that was designed to last for many years.

A properly restored Model A will run 55MPH all day long no problem.

A far as brakes, well I would say 95% of those who have driven the model A
have never driven one with properly rebuilt brakes. The will stop as good
as the tires will allow.

Most people fail to restore their cars so that they are capable of driving
as designed (yes it was designed to run 55 MPH). The simple little car was
assembled with a balanced engine (the rods were made +-2 grams of each
other) and all the parts were carefully made of selected metals for strength
and lightness.

The brakes are probably the most maligned part of the car. Most people
assemble them with worn parts. Then they do not arch the shoes or center
them so they do not get full contact on the drums. The drums were not made
to be cut and most found today are worn beyond safe limits, you can get
excellent cast reproduction drums to use. Then the whole brake system is
not adjusted as Ford had intended.

I have been out with people in their fifties cars that complained that they
could not keep up my brothers model A. I have also been in a panic brake
situation in the A and it held its ground.

If anyone tells you that the A cant run fast or stop than they just have
never driven a car that was properly restored.

Seatbelts are a must in the A as the doors like to fling open in minor
accidents and throw the people out.

I suggest you wander over to ahooga.com and fordbarn.com to learn more.


> wrote in message
oups.com...
> Hi,
>
> I have been seeing some nice Model A's for sale around where I live,
> allegedly in excellent condition.
>
> My question is would a model A with an original power plant and tranny
> work out as a regular driver?
>
> I don't drive to work, so "regular" means to the supermarket a couple
> times a week, on sort of beat-up city roads, no highway.
>
> I was thinking if the engine or tranny does eventually, I could drop a
> toyota 4 cylinder pickup engine/tranny in there (I'm decent tig welder,
> so I shouldn't have too much trouble with this).
>
> I really don't much about these cars, maybe they are too fragile or
> what-not.
>
> Thanks.
>

Would you share the secret of that stuff you're smoking?

JT




DellDude wrote:
>
> The Model A is not the cute little toy they seem to be. They are a work
> horse that was designed to last for many years.
>
> A properly restored Model A will run 55MPH all day long no problem.
>
> A far as brakes, well I would say 95% of those who have driven the model A
> have never driven one with properly rebuilt brakes. The will stop as good
> as the tires will allow.
>
> Most people fail to restore their cars so that they are capable of driving
> as designed (yes it was designed to run 55 MPH). The simple little car was
> assembled with a balanced engine (the rods were made +-2 grams of each
> other) and all the parts were carefully made of selected metals for strength
> and lightness.
>
> The brakes are probably the most maligned part of the car. Most people
> assemble them with worn parts. Then they do not arch the shoes or center
> them so they do not get full contact on the drums. The drums were not made
> to be cut and most found today are worn beyond safe limits, you can get
> excellent cast reproduction drums to use. Then the whole brake system is
> not adjusted as Ford had intended.
>
> I have been out with people in their fifties cars that complained that they
> could not keep up my brothers model A. I have also been in a panic brake
> situation in the A and it held its ground.
>
> If anyone tells you that the A cant run fast or stop than they just have
> never driven a car that was properly restored.
>
> Seatbelts are a must in the A as the doors like to fling open in minor
> accidents and throw the people out.
>
> I suggest you wander over to ahooga.com and fordbarn.com to learn more.
>
> > wrote in message
> oups.com...
> > Hi,
> >
> > I have been seeing some nice Model A's for sale around where I live,
> > allegedly in excellent condition.
> >
> > My question is would a model A with an original power plant and tranny
> > work out as a regular driver?
> >
> > I don't drive to work, so "regular" means to the supermarket a couple
> > times a week, on sort of beat-up city roads, no highway.
> >
> > I was thinking if the engine or tranny does eventually, I could drop a
> > toyota 4 cylinder pickup engine/tranny in there (I'm decent tig welder,
> > so I shouldn't have too much trouble with this).
> >
> > I really don't much about these cars, maybe they are too fragile or
> > what-not.
> >
> > Thanks.
> >

Well Grumpy,

I put my money where my mouth is. I am near Atlantic City, NJ and if you
want to come try a model A that does all I say email me and I will prove it
to you.

You can legally drive, right?

There is no secret stuff to smoke. It is all in taking the time to
understand how to properly put the car together. This means learning the
facts and ignoring people who are just guessing. The model A was engineered
to drive well and becuase of that it will also drive when it is worn out.
If a restorer actually restores the car rather than piece it back together
from junk parts than he will have a very capable car. Unfortunatly, about
85% of the A's I see have obvious problems that would limit braking and
drivablity.

You dont have to believe me, but when I pass you running 55 down the freeway
you might begin to understand.


"Grumpy AuContraire" > wrote in message
...
> Would you share the secret of that stuff you're smoking?
>
> JT
>
>
>
>
> DellDude wrote:
>>
>> The Model A is not the cute little toy they seem to be. They are a work
>> horse that was designed to last for many years.
>>
>> A properly restored Model A will run 55MPH all day long no problem.
>>
>> A far as brakes, well I would say 95% of those who have driven the model
>> A
>> have never driven one with properly rebuilt brakes. The will stop as
>> good
>> as the tires will allow.
>>
>> Most people fail to restore their cars so that they are capable of
>> driving
>> as designed (yes it was designed to run 55 MPH). The simple little car
>> was
>> assembled with a balanced engine (the rods were made +-2 grams of each
>> other) and all the parts were carefully made of selected metals for
>> strength
>> and lightness.
>>
>> The brakes are probably the most maligned part of the car. Most people
>> assemble them with worn parts. Then they do not arch the shoes or center
>> them so they do not get full contact on the drums. The drums were not
>> made
>> to be cut and most found today are worn beyond safe limits, you can get
>> excellent cast reproduction drums to use. Then the whole brake system is
>> not adjusted as Ford had intended.
>>
>> I have been out with people in their fifties cars that complained that
>> they
>> could not keep up my brothers model A. I have also been in a panic brake
>> situation in the A and it held its ground.
>>
>> If anyone tells you that the A cant run fast or stop than they just have
>> never driven a car that was properly restored.
>>
>> Seatbelts are a must in the A as the doors like to fling open in minor
>> accidents and throw the people out.
>>
>> I suggest you wander over to ahooga.com and fordbarn.com to learn more.
>>
>> > wrote in message
>> oups.com...
>> > Hi,
>> >
>> > I have been seeing some nice Model A's for sale around where I live,
>> > allegedly in excellent condition.
>> >
>> > My question is would a model A with an original power plant and tranny
>> > work out as a regular driver?
>> >
>> > I don't drive to work, so "regular" means to the supermarket a couple
>> > times a week, on sort of beat-up city roads, no highway.
>> >
>> > I was thinking if the engine or tranny does eventually, I could drop a
>> > toyota 4 cylinder pickup engine/tranny in there (I'm decent tig welder,
>> > so I shouldn't have too much trouble with this).
>> >
>> > I really don't much about these cars, maybe they are too fragile or
>> > what-not.
>> >
>> > Thanks.
>> >

After fiddlin' with antique, special interest, classic cars for the past
forty years, I stand on my record.

1. A model A would be a **** poor choice for a daily driver.

2. They were mass produced and cheaply made.

3. The braking system was inferior to just about every other brand.

So, I suppose that's why you chose "Dell" as part of your moniker, eh?

Another mass produced box with nothing special about it other than slick marketing.

JT

(in Austin where Dell (sweat shops) exist...)

1931 Studebaker President State Coupe
1955 Studebaker President State Coupe
1955 Studebaker President State Sedan
1956 Studebaker (Commander) Power Hawk
1964 Studebaker Champ (T-6)




DellDude wrote:
>
> Well Grumpy,
>
> I put my money where my mouth is. I am near Atlantic City, NJ and if you
> want to come try a model A that does all I say email me and I will prove it
> to you.
>
> You can legally drive, right?
>
> There is no secret stuff to smoke. It is all in taking the time to
> understand how to properly put the car together. This means learning the
> facts and ignoring people who are just guessing. The model A was engineered
> to drive well and becuase of that it will also drive when it is worn out.
> If a restorer actually restores the car rather than piece it back together
> from junk parts than he will have a very capable car. Unfortunatly, about
> 85% of the A's I see have obvious problems that would limit braking and
> drivablity.
>
> You dont have to believe me, but when I pass you running 55 down the freeway
> you might begin to understand.
>
> "Grumpy AuContraire" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Would you share the secret of that stuff you're smoking?
> >
> > JT
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > DellDude wrote:
> >>
> >> The Model A is not the cute little toy they seem to be. They are a work
> >> horse that was designed to last for many years.
> >>
> >> A properly restored Model A will run 55MPH all day long no problem.
> >>
> >> A far as brakes, well I would say 95% of those who have driven the model
> >> A
> >> have never driven one with properly rebuilt brakes. The will stop as
> >> good
> >> as the tires will allow.
> >>
> >> Most people fail to restore their cars so that they are capable of
> >> driving
> >> as designed (yes it was designed to run 55 MPH). The simple little car
> >> was
> >> assembled with a balanced engine (the rods were made +-2 grams of each
> >> other) and all the parts were carefully made of selected metals for
> >> strength
> >> and lightness.
> >>
> >> The brakes are probably the most maligned part of the car. Most people
> >> assemble them with worn parts. Then they do not arch the shoes or center
> >> them so they do not get full contact on the drums. The drums were not
> >> made
> >> to be cut and most found today are worn beyond safe limits, you can get
> >> excellent cast reproduction drums to use. Then the whole brake system is
> >> not adjusted as Ford had intended.
> >>
> >> I have been out with people in their fifties cars that complained that
> >> they
> >> could not keep up my brothers model A. I have also been in a panic brake
> >> situation in the A and it held its ground.
> >>
> >> If anyone tells you that the A cant run fast or stop than they just have
> >> never driven a car that was properly restored.
> >>
> >> Seatbelts are a must in the A as the doors like to fling open in minor
> >> accidents and throw the people out.
> >>
> >> I suggest you wander over to ahooga.com and fordbarn.com to learn more.
> >>
> >> > wrote in message
> >> oups.com...
> >> > Hi,
> >> >
> >> > I have been seeing some nice Model A's for sale around where I live,
> >> > allegedly in excellent condition.
> >> >
> >> > My question is would a model A with an original power plant and tranny
> >> > work out as a regular driver?
> >> >
> >> > I don't drive to work, so "regular" means to the supermarket a couple
> >> > times a week, on sort of beat-up city roads, no highway.
> >> >
> >> > I was thinking if the engine or tranny does eventually, I could drop a
> >> > toyota 4 cylinder pickup engine/tranny in there (I'm decent tig welder,
> >> > so I shouldn't have too much trouble with this).
> >> >
> >> > I really don't much about these cars, maybe they are too fragile or
> >> > what-not.
> >> >
> >> > Thanks.
> >> >

Well I guess should expect an ignorant response from someone calling himself
Grumpy.

When you can't argue the subject you decide to attack the person. This is a
sign of a person who has some issues and is a negative aspect of this hobby.

FYI, Like you I choose to be somewhat anonymous on this very public forum to
keep the spam junk in check. You will find the email address leads you to
me.

I have been learning about the correct ways to rebuild Ford cars for the
last 25 years. I have had to teach many an old timer new tricks about their
cars they have been fiddlin with for many years. It is neat to see their
faces when they drive a properly restored car for the first time and learn
they do work better when put together right.




"Grumpy AuContraire" > wrote in message
...
> After fiddlin' with antique, special interest, classic cars for the past
> forty years, I stand on my record.
>
> 1. A model A would be a **** poor choice for a daily driver.
>
> 2. They were mass produced and cheaply made.
>
> 3. The braking system was inferior to just about every other brand.
>
> So, I suppose that's why you chose "Dell" as part of your moniker, eh?
>
> Another mass produced box with nothing special about it other than slick
> marketing.
>
> JT
>
> (in Austin where Dell (sweat shops) exist...)
>
> 1931 Studebaker President State Coupe
> 1955 Studebaker President State Coupe
> 1955 Studebaker President State Sedan
> 1956 Studebaker (Commander) Power Hawk
> 1964 Studebaker Champ (T-6)
>
>
>
>
> DellDude wrote:
>>
>> Well Grumpy,
>>
>> I put my money where my mouth is. I am near Atlantic City, NJ and if you
>> want to come try a model A that does all I say email me and I will prove
>> it
>> to you.
>>
>> You can legally drive, right?
>>
>> There is no secret stuff to smoke. It is all in taking the time to
>> understand how to properly put the car together. This means learning the
>> facts and ignoring people who are just guessing. The model A was
>> engineered
>> to drive well and becuase of that it will also drive when it is worn out.
>> If a restorer actually restores the car rather than piece it back
>> together
>> from junk parts than he will have a very capable car. Unfortunatly,
>> about
>> 85% of the A's I see have obvious problems that would limit braking and
>> drivablity.
>>
>> You dont have to believe me, but when I pass you running 55 down the
>> freeway
>> you might begin to understand.
>>
>> "Grumpy AuContraire" > wrote in message
>> ...
>> > Would you share the secret of that stuff you're smoking?
>> >
>> > JT
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > DellDude wrote:
>> >>
>> >> The Model A is not the cute little toy they seem to be. They are a
>> >> work
>> >> horse that was designed to last for many years.
>> >>
>> >> A properly restored Model A will run 55MPH all day long no problem.
>> >>
>> >> A far as brakes, well I would say 95% of those who have driven the
>> >> model
>> >> A
>> >> have never driven one with properly rebuilt brakes. The will stop as
>> >> good
>> >> as the tires will allow.
>> >>
>> >> Most people fail to restore their cars so that they are capable of
>> >> driving
>> >> as designed (yes it was designed to run 55 MPH). The simple little
>> >> car
>> >> was
>> >> assembled with a balanced engine (the rods were made +-2 grams of each
>> >> other) and all the parts were carefully made of selected metals for
>> >> strength
>> >> and lightness.
>> >>
>> >> The brakes are probably the most maligned part of the car. Most
>> >> people
>> >> assemble them with worn parts. Then they do not arch the shoes or
>> >> center
>> >> them so they do not get full contact on the drums. The drums were not
>> >> made
>> >> to be cut and most found today are worn beyond safe limits, you can
>> >> get
>> >> excellent cast reproduction drums to use. Then the whole brake system
>> >> is
>> >> not adjusted as Ford had intended.
>> >>
>> >> I have been out with people in their fifties cars that complained that
>> >> they
>> >> could not keep up my brothers model A. I have also been in a panic
>> >> brake
>> >> situation in the A and it held its ground.
>> >>
>> >> If anyone tells you that the A cant run fast or stop than they just
>> >> have
>> >> never driven a car that was properly restored.
>> >>
>> >> Seatbelts are a must in the A as the doors like to fling open in minor
>> >> accidents and throw the people out.
>> >>
>> >> I suggest you wander over to ahooga.com and fordbarn.com to learn
>> >> more.
>> >>
>> >> > wrote in message
>> >> oups.com...
>> >> > Hi,
>> >> >
>> >> > I have been seeing some nice Model A's for sale around where I live,
>> >> > allegedly in excellent condition.
>> >> >
>> >> > My question is would a model A with an original power plant and
>> >> > tranny
>> >> > work out as a regular driver?
>> >> >
>> >> > I don't drive to work, so "regular" means to the supermarket a
>> >> > couple
>> >> > times a week, on sort of beat-up city roads, no highway.
>> >> >
>> >> > I was thinking if the engine or tranny does eventually, I could drop
>> >> > a
>> >> > toyota 4 cylinder pickup engine/tranny in there (I'm decent tig
>> >> > welder,
>> >> > so I shouldn't have too much trouble with this).
>> >> >
>> >> > I really don't much about these cars, maybe they are too fragile or
>> >> > what-not.
>> >> >
>> >> > Thanks.
>> >> >