Any AA trucks running 55mph?
 

I've read in other forums that a few AA owners have a obtained a cruising speed of 55 with Mitchell, engine mods, high/low and the higher speed rear end (I dont think there is a way of improving the brakes other than making sure they are properly rebuilt) Has me curious... I'm not looking for a constant 65+ highway driver, but more than enough to keep pace at 55 for a tour without running high RPM.

I sat my AA truck on a car chassis 6 years ago and turned 40k miles with the intention of putting it back on the bigger AA frame. It's time for that to get started. I’m at a decision point of a careful rebuilding my AA stock chassis with slight mods, or going more modern (keeping the banger) T5 with a later axle and springs and Hyd brakes. However updating would not let me run Budd wheels... decisions!

I would love to hear from guys who have their AA hitting 55.

Re: Any AA trucks running 55mph?
 

Here's one I'm working on.


Bob

Re: Any AA trucks running 55mph?
 

Bob C - Yes! very interested in what you have happening here.
Details?

Re: Any AA trucks running 55mph?
 

I restored an AA dumper for a customer several years ago and he followed us home from a show at 45MPH with no problem.

Re: Any AA trucks running 55mph?
 

The transmission is an S10 5-speed with 4.03 1st gear and .86 5th.
The Brownie is direct and .75 OD. The hard part was finding the aftermarket
open coupling shaft. Most of the ones I have seen were in dump trucks.


Bob

Re: Any AA trucks running 55mph?
 

Wheel balance is going to be the problem. There’s a lot of weight in one wheel/tire/tube/flap assembly. I had my front wheels dynamically balanced on my AA but the fenders would still shake over 50 mph. Hard to keep the original look wheels and tires and go fast in a smooth manner. Really consider this factor before spending lots of time and money figuring out an overdrive. AAs are a lot of fun at 45 mph and slower.

Re: Any AA trucks running 55mph?
 

Might take a little ingenuity but these really work..

https://i.imgur.com/sBLfAJQ.jpg?1

Centramatic balancers,basically a ring filled with BB's,they sandwich between the hub and the wheel..designed for heavy trucks,but they make them for 1 tons,should be able to adapt to the AA

Re: Any AA trucks running 55mph?
 

One good thing about high speed in an "AA" is that the massive brakes make for a quick stop. Fasten your seatbelt!

Re: Any AA trucks running 55mph?
 

I have a 1928 AA with the original 3 speed transmission and a Mitchell gear splitter (36% over) and I can do 45 mph all day long without having the engine screaming. Very happy with it and I did not have to butcher the drive train to do it...


Frank

Re: Any AA trucks running 55mph?
 

I just finished a complete restoration of my 29 CCAA. I cruise at 50 mph at 2000 rpm's. The engine is bored out .040, stock head, modern valve train with adjustable lifters, centrifugal advance dist. set at 8* to 28*, made my own intake for single barrel down draft Carter YA, exhaust headers, lightened fw, the transmission is mid 80's F150 with 41% OD. I shift into OD at 35 to 40 mph, the engine can handle it with no problem, the worn drive is 5.17:1. tires 6.50 x 20. I check all 8 wheels that came with the truck with a dial indicator, they range from .040 to .090 out of alignment measure just inside the lock ring groove. I installed a 56 f100 steering column. I drove with out tires balanced and then had them balanced, it made a difference. I think the front end vibration comes from the wheels and the crankshaft not having counter balance weights on it, I'm sure the truck will go much faster but I just don't need to.
carry on

Re: Any AA trucks running 55mph?
 

I have ridden in an AA bus with a dozen passengers at 74mph Model A engine , in Oklahoma , 24 gears if I remember right,

Re: Any AA trucks running 55mph?
 

My 31 AA has the 5.14 rear end and is very happy at 40 MPH .The brakes are in good condition and correctly adjusted but they are not as good as a passenger car for sure. In my case my speed is dictated by my brakes and this is running empty . In RHD AA trucks with the 4 speed the brake pedal itself is much heavier than a car so guess Henry realised that the driver would have to push harder !!!

John in Suffolk County England .

Re: Any AA trucks running 55mph?
 

I find that hard to believe unless driving off a cliff. Faulty speedometer maybe? If true, I'd give the death-wish driver a punch in the face if he did that with me in the bus.

Re: Any AA trucks running 55mph?
 

Quickchange is correct I have been in that bus and at that speed noisy but felt stable and safe ,speed verified by satnav . We had called at the owners property on the way back from the Chickasha swap meet. It really is an AA bus Wayne body et al . Very very hot 4 cylinder and very upgraded drive line also brakes !!! .All done on the owners private roads so no other traffic ,His property is vast it even has oil wells on it . We stayed as his guest for several days first time I saw a buffalo up close he has those too really a very nice Model A guy .

John in light rain but but better weather on the way Suffolk County England .

Re: Any AA trucks running 55mph?
 

I was in the same bus as Derek and my Dad

Only pic I got was 67mph on a smartphone but I remember we certainly beat 70mph and believe Derek to be correct that 74 was best we saw on a slight downhill gradient

https://i.postimg.cc/x8rxHNRC/P1130311.jpg

Weighed it with all passengers after

https://i.postimg.cc/rwyhSkSS/P1130329.jpg

All this on private road, experienced driver no other traffic and consenting adults involved

Ran straight and true

Re: Any AA trucks running 55mph?
 

That’s amazing. Would love to see some pictures of the bus if possible.

Re: Any AA trucks running 55mph?
 

That bus has a Steve Serr overhead valve engine conversion, I believe a late model rear end, good brakes, etc. I visited him when the bus was a nearly wasted stocker. He has many other interesting things to admire, and is a good host!

Re: Any AA trucks running 55mph?
 

Ron Kelley drives his truck on the open highway at 75 mph, loaded with his speedster on board.

Re: Any AA trucks running 55mph?
 

John & Andrew , The steaks where good too, Wonder how fast the A powered motor bike would go too ??

Re: Any AA trucks running 55mph?
 

Steaks were ace Derek. Best I've ever had

I think the A powered bike has been in the FAST magazine

I wanted a go on the Lincoln V12 version...