The Ford Barn - View Single Post - Confessions of a Model A Modifier

Purdy Swoft · 06-27-2010, 01:53 PM

I have tried lots of modification on my model A's over the past 50 years. I'm not trying to tell anybody what they should or shouldn't do. I feel that everybody should be able to make whatever mods that they want without rude comments from the tight ass die hards.

Here is what I believe are the worst. Modern points, electronic ignition, floating motor mounts, air filters on the carb, distributor heat shields, any type of automatic advance on the distributor, thermostat, the old four blade fan that were used on the 33 and 34four cylinder trucks, hydraulic brakes and micro filters .

Here is what I believe are the best for reliability. Stand up filter in the gas cut off valve and I think this is a necessity, Voltage regulator and I have had great results with the Fun Projects cut out style, aluminum repro 2 blade fan, heavy duty radiator with 8 fins per inch, brass rear water pump bushing with 2 Chicago rawhide seals from Snyder, Brass pack nut with seal from Bratton because their aluminum sealed packnut sticks to the rear bushing, and the sealed pack nuts from Snyder has a black seal that is visible in the front and is obviously not original look, modern front water pump bearing and sleeve from Bratton, I use the water pump shaft collar and the water pump bolts that look like studs. with these mods to the water pump you don't need packing and some of my water pumps are working great after 15 years with NO maintainance needed except to back off the packing nut and apply grease. I feel that a water temperture gauge is a needed accessory. I use and have had NO problems with the wireless lower distributor plate, this is the style that is used with original points and uses a brass acorn nut. I use the modern barrel starter drive and have had NO problems in 4 years since first using them. i use the i 1/2 inch shortened pitman arm and teflon buttons in the tie rod ends and drag link.

Here is the performance mods that I use. Regular Brumfield 5.9 higher compression head. I use this head on three of my model A's and believe it to be the best performance mod for the buck. Winfield super street 3/4race cam used on two of my cars and ground by Bill Stipe. This cam has 317 lift , idles good and has great low and mid range with better all around performance. I use the Pertronix flame thrower coil and believe that it gives better performance than electronic ignition. I use a model B flywheel in my roadster, it is nearly 20 pounds lighter and gives better throttle response and helps with smoother gear shifts.

06-27-2010, 01:53 PM	#16
Purdy Swoft Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 8,099	Re: Confessions of a Model A Modifier – Model A Upgrades? I have tried lots of modification on my model A's over the past 50 years. I'm not trying to tell anybody what they should or shouldn't do. I feel that everybody should be able to make whatever mods that they want without rude comments from the tight ass die hards. Here is what I believe are the worst. Modern points, electronic ignition, floating motor mounts, air filters on the carb, distributor heat shields, any type of automatic advance on the distributor, thermostat, the old four blade fan that were used on the 33 and 34four cylinder trucks, hydraulic brakes and micro filters . Here is what I believe are the best for reliability. Stand up filter in the gas cut off valve and I think this is a necessity, Voltage regulator and I have had great results with the Fun Projects cut out style, aluminum repro 2 blade fan, heavy duty radiator with 8 fins per inch, brass rear water pump bushing with 2 Chicago rawhide seals from Snyder, Brass pack nut with seal from Bratton because their aluminum sealed packnut sticks to the rear bushing, and the sealed pack nuts from Snyder has a black seal that is visible in the front and is obviously not original look, modern front water pump bearing and sleeve from Bratton, I use the water pump shaft collar and the water pump bolts that look like studs. with these mods to the water pump you don't need packing and some of my water pumps are working great after 15 years with NO maintainance needed except to back off the packing nut and apply grease. I feel that a water temperture gauge is a needed accessory. I use and have had NO problems with the wireless lower distributor plate, this is the style that is used with original points and uses a brass acorn nut. I use the modern barrel starter drive and have had NO problems in 4 years since first using them. i use the i 1/2 inch shortened pitman arm and teflon buttons in the tie rod ends and drag link. Here is the performance mods that I use. Regular Brumfield 5.9 higher compression head. I use this head on three of my model A's and believe it to be the best performance mod for the buck. Winfield super street 3/4race cam used on two of my cars and ground by Bill Stipe. This cam has 317 lift , idles good and has great low and mid range with better all around performance. I use the Pertronix flame thrower coil and believe that it gives better performance than electronic ignition. I use a model B flywheel in my roadster, it is nearly 20 pounds lighter and gives better throttle response and helps with smoother gear shifts.