Newly acquired '31 AA
 

Hi,

I have been lurking for a few weeks trying to learn as much as I can. I recently purchased my grandfather's '31 AA. He purchased it very early 80's and he sold it in '11 when alzheimer's started to set in. Well yesterday I was able to purchase it back. Growing up, I'm 33, we would take it to Walcott Iowa every year for the Trucker's Jamboree truck show. I have a lot of great memories tagging along and setting the truck and tent up, talking with people, and enjoying the antique trucks. My dream for this truck is to get it back up and running, preserve the looks as much as possible, and fix what is needed as time and funds allow. It will be my toy for the next several decades.

The cab is dark green with black fenders and radiator. Unfortunately with his alzheimer's I am unable to ask him any questions about it. The engine block number, A1551291, doesn't match what is on the title and from what I have looked up the engine looks to have been produced sometime in 1929. So I don't think it is the original engine. Even so the "vin" on the title is nowhere to be found on the truck as far as I can find. So I am trying to figure that out.

I believe the truck is a stake bed, possibly a 187-A but I am not positive. The wheel base is 131". The bed has all enclosed sides so I do not believe it is original. The rear has a sliding gate that goes up. I

From what I have been told is that it hasn't been ran in over a year and last needed a rolling start to get it started. Thoughts on what that might be?

Any info from the pics you might have is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
​​​​​​​Ryan
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Re: Newly acquired '31 AA
 

Ryan,

Nice looking truck.

Here is an article to tell you just where to look for the engine number that is stamped on the frame and more if it applies to you.

http://www.plucks329s.org/pdf/studie...ND%20CODES.pdf

Also, there is the Ford Model AA Truck Club that you might be interested in:

http://fmaatc.org/

Neil Wilson is head of this club and has done wonders for the hobby and the Model AA Truck owners as far as the fantastic research that he has done not to mention the yearly magazine that he puts out every April.

As far as the bed is concerned, more photos would be nice to see the rest but by viewing what photos you have given...It looks to be a home-made set up???

If original and the sides, which are "enclosed sides", would of been used for Grain Sides.

Again, more photos of the bed and sides would be helpful to really ID and pin it down.

Pluck

Re: Newly acquired '31 AA
 

You have a beautiful double A but I would suggest that you replace one thing before you make it "run ready", and that is the steel two blade fan. They tend to rip apart as they get older and runin a nice hood, or radiator, or you. The vendor's sell an aluminum replacement that looks correct and is durable. Find a local club where you might get some help getting this truck running. Good luck. Jack

Re: Newly acquired '31 AA
 

Welcome Ryan and congratulations on your new toy. I think it is good to keep memories alive of our family members and it sounds like they are good ones. Just some FYI points.

The AA used the same engine as the A and they would get swapped out if worn out. So having one that doesnt match numbers wise is normal. If you really want to find the original number you can lift the body up and check on the frame. As far as the bed goes as was mentioned it could be original and home made. Also, there is no VIN as we know it, they used the engine number.

If it has not been run in over year, change the fluids, grease everything and flush he gas tank out several times. After flushing install a pencil filter in the gas shut off valve to keep the crud out of the carb. You may also want to flush the cooling system a few times and then install a GANO filter in the upper hose.

Again you have a beautiful looking truck.

Mike

Re: Newly acquired '31 AA
 

I have for years, annually inspect our original two bladed steel fans for cracks. One spring, while doing my inspection I found my fan was terribly cracked and it was about to fly apart. It was fine just a year earlier. A good looking original fan can fail quickly. I had a model A home made tractor that lost a fan blade while I was using it. Besides a blade going through a perfectly good radiator, it also blew the tractor's hood off and into the air. It was a real dramatic experience for me. What a waste. I now run aluminum fan blades on all my model A Fords. I like your truck. We also have a 1930 AA long wheel base stake bed truck. Your truck is a keeper.

Re: Newly acquired '31 AA
 

From what I can see, the fan looks to be aluminum. Try to inspect the fan and determine if the pulley and the blades appear to be all one piece. If so, it may be a new replacement fan that will not explode and you may be alright. If you cannot determine if it is one piece or two, for the cost of a new replacement, I'd call Snyders and get a replacement fan. They really are cheap enough and consider it insurance...


Frank

Re: Newly acquired '31 AA
 

No thoughts on why it need a rolling start to get it running. Not enough information. Did you have the battery load tested? Now that it has run a little can you start it? etc.

Charlie Stephens

Re: Newly acquired '31 AA
 

Thanks everyone for the info and advice. Currently the truck is about 2hrs north of me. I was in Chicago yesterday for a hand tool event and was able to swing by. I only got to stay for about 45min to an hour as it had already started to snow pretty badly. I got the title for the truck and took as many pics that I could. I didn't get any more of the bed, I thought I did but didn't. He is going to trailer it down to me in the springtime when it is warmer weather.

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Re: Newly acquired '31 AA
 

Ryan
Your truck looks great. I am building one like it. The truck is a "late" (after May) 1931 AA truck. It has the under hood gas shut off (indented firewall) which was introduced about May of 1931. The frame is a 131.5" long frame which was introduced about April 1931. The truck serial number (original engine number) should be about 4,400,000 or higher. It looks to me that whoever restored the truck restored the cab and sheet metal but did not restore the chassis. Ford offered 2 rear axle ratios: 6.6 to 1 and 5.17 to one. I cannot tell which one you have. If you pull the speedometer drive on the torque tube, it will have the ratio on it. The bed is either a home made unit or an after market unit. It is not the Ford produced bed.
I hope this helps.

Re: Newly acquired '31 AA
 

That helps a lot. Thank you. Without the title in hand I believe the "Vin" was a 6 digit number starting with 4. I bet there was a missing number that didn't get written down which would put it in that range that you mentioned.

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Re: Newly acquired '31 AA
 

Ryan, Welcome aboard. Nice to have a truck that belonged to a loved one, now keep the memories rolling. When the weather breaks check the battery & starter for your starting problems. Looks like it has a battery disconnect on it also.Yours is considered a SWB (short wheel base) nice size, I have both a SWB and a LWB and prefer the looks and driving of the SWB. Not an interstate speed type of vehicle, but enjoyable on secondary roads, the rear axle ratio prevents it from going fast. With your history of the truck, I am sure you know most of this.. Enjoy!

Re: Newly acquired '31 AA
 

Very possibly a "rebuilt" engine - and someone started to grind off the number, lost heart (or got to the level of the protruding gasket) and gave it up.

Some small number of engines went away from Ford with NO numbers. My 29 CC pickup had a "red" engine when I bought it - but NO number - and a full height boss. It is thought that engine was sold directly to Sears for sale as a replacement engine in the 1950s and by then the numbering system was superfluous.

But this one may be a re-build. Probably is considering the nice "older restoration" status of the rest of the truck.

Joe K

Re: Newly acquired '31 AA
 

Check the fan with a magnet. If it sticks get the aluminum replacement before you start it. Your radiator looks too nice to see it need replacement.

Re: Newly acquired '31 AA
 

Cool truck! the starter switch is two large discs of brass that are pushed together with the rod. 4 screws on that cover on the starter motor. that was step 1 for me filed them to remove soot and was careful to keep them flat. or you can replace them if they are too bad. then further work on the starter. the choke doubles as a mixture knob called a g.a.v. one turn out for starting 1/8-1/4 after warm.

Re: Newly acquired '31 AA
 

Good God man...that is sweet.
You made a very good choice in life by getting that truck back into the family.
Welcome to the Barn, and enjoy for the next 20..30...40...50...60 years.

Re: Newly acquired '31 AA
 

Very cool truck!!

Re: Newly acquired '31 AA
 

Haha. Thanks. My wife always knew that if it became available it wasn't an option of not getting it.
Thanks.

Re: Newly acquired '31 AA
 

WOW! nice truck! Follow the advise of earlier posts. You are going to have YEARS of enjoyment!

Re: Newly acquired '31 AA
 

really nice truck. I did not relize that they had a black commercial headlight bucket in 31. I sure would like to find a set of those for a project

Re: Newly acquired '31 AA
 

The buckets are the same shape as the stainless ones. I would just find a rough pair of stainless buckets, do the body work on them and paint them. That would probably be your cheapest solution.

Charlie Stephens

Re: Newly acquired '31 AA
 

I have a set of bare buckets that I sandblasted and primered a decade or two ago. Located in Los Angeles.

Re: Newly acquired '31 AA
 

Well yesterday I was able to go get my truck. The weather overall was good. Hit a thunderstorm on the way home. My f150 pulled the AA like a champ and was my first time hauling anything.

We we're unable to get the truck to run. I plan to clean the points, install new plugs and a coil today before work. I have a new oil pan gasket waiting to go on as well.

I will get some better pics when it is daylight out. There appear to be a few different oil leaks that I want to address. Overall I couldn't be happier and the kids love it for the 10 min they got to check it out before it was too dark. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...eff65ec4c7.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...c2fe369a0e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...aea0211baf.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...3e775ed3d0.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...8c98051bd9.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...34e53f35d7.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...17825da02f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...87cb736fcf.jpg

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Re: Newly acquired '31 AA
 

That's a real nice truck. I'm glad you got it back in the family. Enjoy!
I sent you a private message.

Re: Newly acquired '31 AA
 

Thanks. I replied to you.

I changed the coil and plugs this morning along with the copper plug "wires". I got it started enough to drive it 1/2 the way I needed. Once I tried to go up hill it died. My friend brought over his tractor and we pulled it up into my garage. Overall it went extremely well and I can say I got it running which was my goal. It had no power so I assume the timing is off. I already purchased the timin pin indicator and wrench. Hopefully here soon I can get back to it and get it running. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...c258f9a0d8.jpg

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Re: Newly acquired '31 AA
 

Very nice truck. You're fortunate to have the correct painted radiator shell, headlights, cowl band and taillight. Over the years, lots of trucks got "upgraded" with the stainless passenger parts so originals are hard to find. Interesting rope "struts" on the outside mirrors - I assume to stabilize them? They do tend to vibrate. This site may be if interest if you haven't already found it:

https://aafords.com/

Re: Newly acquired '31 AA
 

Thanks. My grandfather put bunjee cords on the mirrors to help with the vibration like you mentioned. Works well and easy to take on and off. The aaford website has been a great help for me in researching about Aa's.

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Re: Newly acquired '31 AA
 

Aaaaand guess who forgot to turn the fuel cut off switch already [emoji849][emoji38][emoji58]

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Re: Newly acquired '31 AA
 

Wow, what a great looking truck. Congrats. You will get her running and smoothed out in no time.

The one piece of advice I give all new Model A owners.... Avoid the temptation to upgrade things to new/modern parts: alternators, modern points, hydraulic brakes. I'm not saying there is not a place for these things, but learn how to make the original parts work correctly first. It will give you a better appreciation for the truck as it was.

Good luck.

Ken

Re: Newly acquired '31 AA
 

Good Evening...I would suggest that you join a local Model A Club and see if their engine guy can take a look at your truck. Since it only ran a short distance, you might take the cap off the fuel tank...and see if she runs. Those caps are suppose to be vented and when sitting they clog up...then the old girls will not run! Sometimes if the fuel tank is dirty it is helpful to use a little one gallon tank of clean fresh gas to help get her running and not clog up the carburetor. You might well have to flush the engine and the radiator and the gas tank a few times to get them to run clean...Great Truck...Ernie in Arizona

Re: Newly acquired '31 AA
 

thanks. i dont plan to do any modern modifications to it unless i have to.
I contacted the local club to me and will hear back from them on monday. I loosened the cap yesterday and unfortunately it didnt solve my problem. we put pure gas in it but there was some newer reg gas that the previous owner put in as well. is there a recommended way to flush the tank? I plan to drop the oil pan this week.

Re: Newly acquired '31 AA
 

Good afternoon...I have sometimes removed the floor boards and then removed the valve from the bottom of the tank and then flushed right through to the ground. I usually replace with a new stock valve and an additional 1/4 turn ball valve from Bratton's. Ernie in Arizona

Re: Newly acquired '31 AA
 

Nice looking Truck! I bought my 31 AA when I was about the same age as you are now. Nice to see some younger guys step up to the plate to preserve the old stuff. You and your family will have a great time with it. I’ll cross my fingers for you and hope you have the 5.14s.

Re: Newly acquired '31 AA
 

Thanks! The tag on the differential says 7-36. I was told that means I have the high speed 5.14 rear end. [emoji16] I am incredibly excited to have it. I'll be preserving it as much as I can until it needs to be restored. The truck is in fantastic shape overall. There are paint chips with minor surface rust at those chips. It's been garage/she'd kept since at least 1981.

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